I still remember the first time I made Chocolate Mint Crinkles—it was during a chilly winter evening when a friend brought over a batch to our little holiday gathering. The moment I bit into those mint chocolate cookies, the soft chocolatey center combined with that refreshing hint of mint made me so happy I immediately asked for the recipe. Since then, Chocolate Mint Crinkles have become a trusted favorite in my rotation, especially for holiday chocolate cookies that feel both festive and comforting.
What makes these Chocolate Mint Crinkles special is their balance—they’re rich and fudgy like classic chocolate crinkle cookies, but the mint adds just the right lift, turning this into the perfect minty chocolate dessert for any season. They’re not tricky to make either, which means you don’t have to save them just for special occasions, though they do add a touch of celebration to any gathering. These cookies bring people together and get the kind of reaction that makes you want to bake another batch right away.
If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a recipe that’s as reliable as it is delicious, this Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe is definitely for you. It’s a great way to add a little fun to your cookie jar or offer a refreshing twist on holiday chocolate cookies. Plus, I’ll share kitchen tips to help you get perfect results without needing fancy ingredients or intimidating techniques. So let’s dive in and make some mouthwatering Chocolate Mint Crinkles you’ll want to come back to again and again.
What You’ll Need
This Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry because good cooking shouldn’t require a special trip to the store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: You’ll find this in the baking aisle. If you want a less intense chocolate flavor, try a Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your chocolate crinkle cookies. For a slight twist, whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends work fine with a tiny texture change.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This makes your crinkle cookie recipe rise just enough for that perfect cakey texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A kitchen staple that balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Regular sugar works perfectly. You can use coconut sugar as a substitute, but it’ll add a hint of caramel.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter gives the ideal texture. You can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- 2 large eggs: For moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth. You won’t want to skip this in your Chocolate Mint Crinkles.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: This ingredient gives you that signature minty chocolate dessert vibe. No problem if you don’t have peppermint extract—I’ve used mint-flavored tea steeped in warm milk as a substitute before, with great results.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling): This creates the classic crinkle cookie look and adds a touch of sweetness.
A quick storage tip for your ingredients: keep cocoa powder and flour in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to ensure the best freshness for your Chocolate Mint Crinkles.
This recipe is budget-friendly because it relies mostly on pantry staples and just a little peppermint extract to make the cookies stand out. My secret is adding a bit extra peppermint extract than usual, which gives these mint chocolate cookies a refreshing zing without overpowering the chocolate.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Making Chocolate Mint Crinkles is straightforward, so you can treat it as a fun cooking project even on a weeknight. From start to finish, this batch takes me about 45 minutes. Here’s my step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. While the oven is heating, you can get your ingredients ready and softened, which saves time.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your chocolate crinkle cookies bake evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes, and it’s key to tender cookies.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and peppermint extract. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderfully minty and chocolatey here.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The dough will be thick and fudgy, which is perfect for Chocolate Mint Crinkles.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step helps with the cookie shape and texture, creating those signature crinkles when baked.
- Prepare to bake: When you’re ready, pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop out dough balls about 1 tablespoon in size, then roll each into a ball and coat thoroughly in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look cracked and crinkly, and just a little shiny on top. If your Chocolate Mint Crinkles start to look flat or dry, they might be overbaked, so keep an eye close on them.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Your house should smell incredible, full of mint and chocolate—just how it should be.
I’ve learned that patience is essential here. Early on, I rushed the chilling step and didn’t get the proper crinkle effect. Letting the dough rest in the fridge really makes these mint chocolate cookies worth it.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe shines as a cozy afternoon treat or a holiday crowd-pleaser. I like serving these cookies with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate to match the minty chocolate dessert vibe.
They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays but just as good for a casual get-together or to sneak into lunchboxes for that little pick-me-up. My favorite way is on a cozy night in, paired with a warm blanket and good company.
Presentation is easy here—just stack the Chocolate Mint Crinkles on a rustic plate dusted lightly with powdered sugar or laid over a festive napkin. The powdered sugar coating is already a nice visual, but you can add a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
If there are leftovers, I sometimes crumble these chocolate crinkle cookies over vanilla ice cream or use them as a quick base for a dessert parfait. For a seasonal variation, try swapping peppermint extract for orange zest during the holidays for a chocolate-orange version.
My guests often tell me these are their new favorite holiday chocolate cookies. They love the blend of chocolate and mint, calling it “refreshing but rich,” which is exactly what I hoped for.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about Chocolate Mint Crinkles:
- Can I make this Chocolate Mint Crinkles ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated. I even freeze the baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw them to room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. - What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute with mint chocolate chips mixed into the dough or steep some mint tea and add that liquid instead of extract. Both options add mint flavor but a bit milder than the extract. - How do I adjust this Chocolate Mint Crinkles for more servings?
This recipe doubles well—just double the ingredients and bake on multiple sheets. Keep an eye on baking time if you make smaller or bigger cookies. - Can I make these dairy-free?
Sure! Swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy spread and use egg replacers if needed. The texture changes slightly, but they still make great mint chocolate cookies. - Are these Chocolate Mint Crinkles gluten-free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. I’ve done this, and the cookies come out good, though texture is a bit different. - How do I get the classic crinkle look?
The powdered sugar coating and dough chill are key. Don’t skip chilling—it helps the cookies crack as they bake. Roll them generously in powdered sugar for the perfect crinkle cookie recipe look. - Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding mini chocolate chips gives extra texture and bursts of melty chocolate, which pairs perfectly with the minty flavor.
If you want a similar mint chocolate experience, I love how this Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe from Fork Knife Swoon has its own twist, and the Dark Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies recipe shared here on Facebook adds nice ideas, too.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Mint Crinkles hold a special place in my recipe collection because they bring together cozy chocolate warmth with refreshing mint in a simple, trusted recipe. They’re affordable, easy to make, and have become a family favorite across multiple gatherings.
My Best Chocolate Mint Crinkles Tips:
- Chill the dough thoroughly for perfect crinkles every time.
- Use peppermint extract generously but adjust to your taste.
- Don’t skimp on rolling in powdered sugar for that classic look.
Three successful variations I’ve tested include swapping peppermint for orange zest, adding mini chocolate chips, and making them gluten-free with a 1:1 flour blend. The classic peppermint version is still the one that gets requested most often from friends and family.
If you’re looking for a delicious and doable mint chocolate dessert that fits into everyday cooking and holiday celebrations alike, give this Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe a try. I hope you’ll love how these cookies bring people together and make any moment just a little sweeter.
And if your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy dishes like Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo or Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash from my collection. For another delicious recipe adventure, check out the Brazilian Mounjaro recipe I’ve shared here.
Happy baking, fellow cooks! Your next batch of Chocolate Mint Crinkles awaits.
Chocolate Mint Crinkles
Delight in the rich combination of chocolate and refreshing mint with these fudgy Chocolate Mint Crinkles, perfect for a festive dessert or sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra minty kick, drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled crinkles or serve with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream.