There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the cool, refreshing burst of mint paired with rich, melty chocolate—and these Andes Mint Cookies capture that magic perfectly. One evening, craving a twist on my usual cookie routine, I sprinkled chopped Andes Mints into the dough, and the result was pure delight: soft, chewy cookies with pockets of creamy mint-chocolate goodness in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing treat to impress friends, these cookies are ridiculously easy to make and pack a unique flavor punch that’s anything but ordinary. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain chocolate chip!
Why choose Andes Mint Cookies today?
Unforgettable Flavor Combo: The cool mint and rich chocolate create a perfectly balanced taste that delights every palate. Simple to Make: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make baking stress-free. Soft & Chewy Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a cozy cookie experience. Show-Stopping Presentation: The specks of green mint add a festive touch. Versatile Snack: Ideal for holiday gifts, parties, or an everyday treat to brighten your day.
Andes Mint Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – the base that builds soft, tender cookies every time.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt – balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate-mint flavor harmony.
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and moisture, key for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and promotes a slight crisp edge.
- Brown sugar – packs moisture and deep caramel notes that complement the Andes Mint Cookies’ flavor.
- Large eggs – bind ingredients and bring structure with extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract – elevates all the flavors with a warm, comforting background note.
For the Mint-Chocolate Surprise
- Chopped Andes Mints – the star ingredient, melting into gooey, minty pockets that make these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Andes Mint Cookies
- Preheat: Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats, so cookies bake evenly with golden edges and soft, chewy centers.
- Cream: Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until pale, fluffy, and light in texture—about 2 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack in eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract for that comforting aroma and flavor.
For the Dry Ingredients: - Combine: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until uniform, then gradually stir into butter mixture using a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain.
For the Mint-Chocolate Surprise: - Fold In: Gently fold chopped Andes Mints into the dough with your spatula, distributing those vibrant green specks evenly for bursts of creamy mint-chocolate in every bite.
- Scoop: Use a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon to drop dough balls onto prepared sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart so cookies spread evenly into perfect soft rounds.
- Bake: Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set and centers still look slightly soft, promising chewy, tender cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely and set their shape.
Optional: Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Andes Mint Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these tweaks and customize your Andes Mint Cookies for a uniquely delightful experience!
-
Dark Chocolate: Substitute Andes Mints with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with mint.
The deep taste of dark chocolate adds a sophisticated twist that chocolate lovers will adore. -
Mint Extract Boost: For an extra minty flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract into the dough along with the vanilla.
This enhancement will intensify the refreshing mint profile without altering the cookie’s texture. -
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch while adding nutty richness.
The combination of creamy mint and nutty flavor creates an exciting texture contrast that enhances each bite. -
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Just ensure it’s a 1:1 baking flour blend to achieve the perfect chewy cookie texture. -
White Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a stunning presentation and extra sweetness.
This visual touch also adds a lovely creamy contrast to the mint and dark chocolate flavors. -
Peppermint Crunch: Toss in some crushed peppermint candies instead of Andes Mints for a classic holiday vibe.
The festive crunch and candy cane taste elevate the cookies to a holiday favorite. -
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising but delightful heat that balances the sweetness.
This twist works wonders, showcasing the versatility of mint chocolate in a whole new light. -
Coffee Flavor: Mix in 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients for a mocha twist that coffee lovers will adore.
The depth of coffee enhances the chocolate while creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
How to Store and Freeze Andes Mint Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Andes Mint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; this preserves their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 1 week, though they might lose a bit of their buttery softness.
Freezer: Freeze Andes Mint Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: To regain that fresh-baked warmth, microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Andes Mint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply cover it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only deepens the flavors but also helps maintain that soft, chewy texture. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and bake as directed—no need to thaw! If you prefer, you can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This way, you’ll have delightful homemade treats on hand whenever cravings strike!
Expert Tips for Andes Mint Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps control spreading, creating thicker, chewier Andes Mint Cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Soft, room-temp butter creams better with sugar, giving your cookies a tender crumb and balanced texture.
- Don’t Overmix Flour: Stir the dry ingredients in just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies instead of soft, chewy treats.
- Even Mint Distribution: Chop Andes Mints evenly and fold gently to ensure every cookie has delightful pockets of minty chocolate surprise.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake until edges just set but centers are still soft to keep that perfect chewy center typical of great Andes Mint Cookies.
What to Serve with Andes Mint Cookies?
Treat your taste buds to a delightful pairing experience that complements the cool mint and rich chocolate of these cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic companion that adds a creamy contrast, making each bite of cookie even more decadent.
- Hot Chocolate: Similar flavor notes of chocolate will amplify the minty goodness in the cookies while keeping you warm and cozy.
- Fresh Berries: Sweet, juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a bright, tart balance to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Espresso: This bold coffee drink cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the cookies’ chocolate and mint notes with each sip.
- Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Think strawberries or bananas drizzled with chocolate; they mirror the fantastic flavors and textures of the cookies.
- Mint Tea: A soothing herbal tea that echoes the mint flavor, offering a refreshing finish to a sweet treat.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Stack these on a dessert platter for a delightful cookie feast, inviting variety while still holding onto chocolatey goodness.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: The nutty flavor brings a warm contrast that balances with the minty freshness in every bite.
- Milk: A simple, classic choice for dunking or sipping alongside as you savor those minty, melty bites.
Andes Mint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of Andes Mints should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using the classic individually wrapped Andes Crème de Menthe candies, finely chopped. Their creamy texture and perfect mint-chocolate ratio melt beautifully into the dough, creating those signature pockets of flavor.
Can I store Andes Mint Cookies at room temperature?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 3 days. Just keep them away from heat or direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
How do I freeze Andes Mint Cookies without losing texture?
Very simple! Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1 hour). Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven to enjoy them as if freshly baked.
My cookies spread too much and lost their shape—what went wrong?
This is a common hiccup! Usually, dough that’s too warm or butter not chilled enough causes spreading. Next time, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help cookies keep a thicker, chewier form. Also, avoid using too much butter and be careful not to overmix your dough.
Are Andes Mint Cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
These cookies contain chocolate and mint, which are toxic to dogs and some other pets, so keep them out of paws’ reach. Additionally, check for allergens like eggs, dairy, and gluten in your ingredients if you or guests have sensitivities. There are great gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives if needed—I often tweak recipes to be allergy-friendly on request!
Irresistible Andes Mint Cookies You’ll Crave All Year
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until uniform, then gradually incorporate into butter mixture using a spatula.
- Gently fold chopped Andes Mints into the dough, distributing evenly.
- Use a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon to drop dough balls onto prepared sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake cookies for about 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set and centers still look soft.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
