If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on classic cookies, this recipe will blow your mind! The combination of fresh mint leaves and chocolate chips creates a delightful, unique flavor. The buttery, soft cookies with the burst of mint and sweet chocolate are guaranteed to be a hit. My husband was shocked at how amazing these turned out!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 20g mint leaves (fresh and finely chopped)
• 100g sugar
• 1 egg
• 100g soft butter (room temperature)
• 220g flour
• 7g baking powder (about 1 ½ teaspoons)
• 40g chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mint and Sugar:
   • Wash the mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
   • Finely chop the mint leaves.
   • In a bowl, combine the mint leaves with the sugar. Use a spatula or spoon to press the mint into the sugar, releasing its oils and flavor. Continue mixing until the sugar turns a light green color and the mint is fully incorporated. This step infuses the sugar with the fresh mint flavor.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the soft butter and the mint-infused sugar.
   • Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Egg:
   • Crack the egg into the butter and sugar mixture.
   • Beat it in until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
   • Add the chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
   • Use a spatula to gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
7. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Shape the Cookies:
   • Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge.
   • Scoop out spoonfuls of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
9. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Freshness of Mint: Always use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. Dried mint won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and gives them a better texture.
• Chocolate Options: You can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months if you want to bake fresh cookies later.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 50mg

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their freshness and keep them soft, place a slice of bread inside the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, staying soft and chewy for longer.
• Freezing the Dough: If you prefer to bake fresh cookies whenever you want, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. The dough can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Cooking Tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This allows them to blend more smoothly and creates a lighter, fluffier dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. Chilling not only helps the cookies hold their shape, but it also allows the flavors to meld together more fully.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing the dough can result in dense or tough cookies.
4. Variety of Chocolate Chips: Feel free to switch up the type of chocolate chips you use. Dark chocolate pairs well with the mint, but white chocolate chips also add a nice contrast.
5. Customize with Nuts: If you want added texture, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the dough alongside the chocolate chips.

FAQs:

1. Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
   • While dried mint can be used in a pinch, fresh mint offers a much more vibrant and refreshing flavor. If using dried mint, use about 1 teaspoon, but the cookies won’t have the same brightness.
2. Can I use other types of flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. However, whole wheat flour tends to make cookies denser, so keep that in mind.
3. How long should I chill the dough?
   • Chilling for at least 30 minutes is essential for better texture and flavor. However, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours for even more enhanced flavor.
4. Can I skip the chocolate chips?
   • Absolutely! If you want a more traditional mint cookie without the added sweetness of chocolate, you can omit the chocolate chips. You could also replace them with nuts or dried fruit for an alternative treat.
5. How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
   • You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure the other ingredients you’re using (like baking powder) are also gluten-free.