Is there anything more satisfying than pulling a tray of warm cookies from the oven, the rich chocolatey aroma wafting through the house, cozying up next to you like a favorite blanket? If you’re anything like me, cookies hold a special place in your heart. They’re not just desserts; they’re memories, celebrations, and perhaps the ultimate comfort food. Today, I want to share a recipe that takes the humble cookie to new heights: Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles. These beauties are not just about taste; they remind me of holiday gatherings, of laughter shared around a table as we traded stories over sweet treats. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the bright, refreshing burst of mint makes each bite feel like a delightful surprise. Let’s dive into this journey of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: it’s a chilly afternoon, and you’re hit with a sudden craving for something sweet and warm. These Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles are your perfect answer! Not only do they come together in a snap, but they’ll leave your kitchen smelling like a bakery you wish you could live in. The best part? They’re a hit at any gathering, but simple enough for a cozy night in. Imagine pulling these out for a game night or an impromptu get-together. Friends and family will rave, and you’ll bask in the glory of being the cookie champion of the day. It’s a win-win!
What It Tastes Like
Imagine biting into one of these cookies and feeling the gentle crunch on the outside give way to a soft, fudgy center. It’s like cuddling up with a warm cup of cocoa on a winter evening, that nostalgic taste flooding your senses. The chocolate is rich and welcoming, while the mint adds an unexpected zing that dances on your taste buds. It’s all perfectly balanced—like a cozy snow day wrapped up in a delicious cookie form. Each bite is an invitation to relive moments that are sweet and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them the structure we need.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This brings the deep chocolate flavor that makes these crinkles so irresistible.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A little lift to keep our cookies light and chewy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: This enhances all the sweet and chocolatey notes.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a creamy texture that keeps our cookies soft.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this also helps with that delightful crackle on top.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This adds depth, moisture, and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Our binding agent that keeps everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that complements chocolate perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract: This brings the minty freshness to the party!
- 1/2 cup chocolate mint kisses: The delightful center of each cookie that melts into a heavenly surprise.
Optional Additions
- Chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness, toss in a handful!
- Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch.
- Sea salt: A sprinkle on top before baking can elevate the flavor profile!
Special Garnishes
- Powdered sugar: Dusting these cookies after baking gives them an elegant touch.
- Crushed candy canes: For those festive vibes, sprinkle these on top!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these cookies! Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles that will impress everyone.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Preheating ensures that our cookies bake evenly, and you can almost taste the anticipation in the air!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial to get an even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Beat the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. This step usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it nice and fluffy!
- Add in the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Keep mixing until well combined—it should smell heavenly at this point!
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; we’re going for a tender cookie here!
- Fold in the mint kisses: Gently fold in those glorious chocolate mint kisses, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have the time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the flavor, but hey, I’ve skipped this step before and still enjoyed the cookies!
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives them that classic crinkle appearance as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They’re ready when the edges look set, but the centers may still look soft—that’s just fine!
- Cool: Remove them from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Look at that! You’ve just made yourself a dreamy batch of cookies that are sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.
Recipe Variations
Want to change things up a bit? Here are some fun ideas to give your Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles a personal twist:
- Swap out the mint kisses for regular chocolate kisses if mint isn’t your thing. Trust me, they’ll still be heavenly.
- Add a splash of espresso powder in the dry ingredients for a mocha flair!
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for added richness—can you say decadent?
Serving & Storage Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh right out of the oven, but they also store well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have any, try crumbling a cookie over some vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert that feels fancy.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the chilling step—even just for 30 minutes! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop, and enhances the flavors.
- If your dough seems too sticky, try adding a bit more flour to balance it out.
- Be cautious not to overbake! Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven just before they look fully set.
Special Equipment
While you can make these cookies with just a bowl and a spoon, having a few key tools can make your life easier:
- Cookie scoop: Makes portioning the dough easy and keeps your cookies uniform in size. No one likes a cookie that’s too big or too small, right?
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and keeps clean-up a breeze.
- Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, keeping the bottoms nice and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without mint?
Absolutely! Just substitute the peppermint extract and mint kisses for regular vanilla or chocolate kisses, and you’ve got classic chocolate crinkle cookies!
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate kisses would add a richer flavor, or you could use milk chocolate for a sweeter touch.
Why do my cookies not have the crinkle effect?
This might happen if your dough is too wet or if you didn’t use enough powdered sugar coating. It’s essential to roll them generously!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be set and the centers to look slightly underbaked—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles are not just another cookie; they’re a celebration of flavor and memories. I love sharing these delightful treats with friends and family, whether it’s during the holiday season or simply as a sweet surprise on a regular Tuesday. They remind me of warmth, love, and the joy of cooking for those we care about most. I can’t wait to hear your stories; how do you make these cookies your own? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles for Sweet Success
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles Perfect for any occasion these treats are sure to impress with their rich flavor
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies filled with rich chocolate and a refreshing mint flavor, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
