Irresistible Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies: Your Guide to Perfectly Minty, Chewy Bliss

Prepare to fall in love with these remarkable Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies – a delightful fusion that has quickly claimed the top spot as our absolute favorite cookie! This recipe features a deeply rich chocolate cookie base, expertly flavored with genuine creme de menthe extract, and generously studded with vibrant Andes mint baking chips. The result is an impeccably balanced minty flavor that perfectly complements the decadent chocolate. As if that weren’t enough, each warm cookie is adorned with a whole Andes mint chocolate, which melts into a luscious, glossy topping, elevating these indulgent treats to an unparalleled level of deliciousness.

The timeless combination of mint and chocolate has an undeniable charm, creating a harmonious flavor profile that captivates taste buds. This classic pairing is celebrated in many of our beloved recipes, including the rich BYU Mint Brownies, the refreshing Crumbl Mint Chip Ice Cream Cookies, the festive Crumbl Peppermint Bark Cookies, and the decadent Crumbl Mint Brownie Cookies. If you consider yourself a true mint chocolate enthusiast, we’re confident that each of these carefully crafted confections will make you utterly swoon with delight.

Why These Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies Are a Must-Try

This recipe isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a carefully crafted experience designed to deliver the ultimate chocolate mint indulgence. Here’s what makes these Andes Mint Cookies truly exceptional:

• Perfectly Minty Creme de Menthe Cookies: We achieve that authentic Andes mint flavor by using high-quality creme de menthe extract. This specific extract provides a wonderfully mellow and sweet mint profile, distinct from the sharper taste of regular mint extract. It ensures these double chocolate mint cookies are perfectly minty without ever venturing into an overwhelming or “toothpaste-like” flavor. Many who try them even compare them favorably to the classic Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies, but with a richer, chewier texture.
• Abundantly Packed with Andes Mints: This isn’t a recipe where mint is merely an afterthought. Our Andes Mint Cookies recipe fully embraces the iconic chocolate mints! The dough itself is generously mixed with convenient Andes mint baking chips, ensuring a burst of cool mint in every bite. Then, for an extra layer of decadence and visual appeal, each cookie is crowned with one or two whole Andes candies before baking, creating a luscious, melty topping.
• Unforgettable Textures: What truly sets these Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies apart is their absolutely perfect texture. When enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, these cookies are incredibly soft, wonderfully gooey, and intensely chocolate-y. The melted Andes mint topping adds another layer of molten delight. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Even when cooled to room temperature, these chewy chocolate mint cookies remain remarkably soft. Your teeth will still sink effortlessly into their tender centers, offering the most satisfying and deeply flavorful bite every single time.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Andes Mint Cookies

Using the right ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor and texture in these delightful mint chocolate cookies. Pay close attention to these notes to ensure your baking success:

• Unsalted Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter in baking recipes. This allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your cookies. If, for any reason, you must use salted butter, remember to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by approximately 1/4 teaspoon for every 1/2 cup of salted butter used. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
• Light Corn Syrup: Don’t skip this ingredient! The seemingly small amount of light corn syrup plays a significant role in the texture of these Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies. It acts as a humectant, helping the cookies retain moisture and stay wonderfully soft and chewy for a longer period. This is especially beneficial, as it ensures your cookies remain soft even when stored in the fridge, making them truly perfect chewy delights.
• Creme de Menthe Extract: This is a critical ingredient for achieving that authentic Andes mint flavor. It is vastly different from standard peppermint or spearmint extract. Creme de menthe extract has a milder, sweeter, and more complex mint profile that truly mimics the taste of Andes candies. You can often find it at craft stores like Michaels, specialty baking shops, or conveniently order it online. Using regular mint extract will result in a sharper, potentially overpowering, and less authentic flavor.
• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: For these Andes Mint Cookies, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is essential. It is not interchangeable with natural or unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa has been treated with an alkali, which neutralizes its acidity, giving it a darker color, a richer, more mellow, and less bitter chocolate flavor, often described as akin to a mild dark chocolate. This treatment also affects how it reacts with leavening agents, so using the correct type is important for the cookie’s rise and overall structure. Learn more about choosing the Best Cocoa Powder for Baking.
• Cornstarch: A secret weapon for super moist cookies! The cornstarch in this recipe loves moisture. It helps to tenderize the cookie dough and binds with water molecules, holding onto that moisture during baking. This results in incredibly soft and moist Andes Mint Cookies that resist drying out.
• Andes Mint Baking Chips: These convenient chopped Andes mints are designed for baking and are typically found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store, usually alongside other chocolate chips. They ensure an even distribution of mint chocolate goodness throughout the cookie dough.
• Andes Mint Candies: These are the classic, individually wrapped Andes mints. They are used specifically for topping each cookie prior to baking, creating that irresistible melty mint layer. Make sure to unwrap them before use!

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly baked, mouth-watering Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies every time. Precision is key for the best results!

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer in a large bowl), combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar (packed), and granulated sugar. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. Next, add the large eggs, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and the crucial creme de menthe extract. Mix on low speed until all the wet ingredients are just combined. Stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring everything is thoroughly incorporated.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: To the wet ingredients, add the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and the cookie dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure no pockets of dry ingredients remain.



4. Fold in the Andes Mint Pieces: Gently add the Andes mint baking chips to the cookie dough. Mix on low speed for just a few seconds, or fold them in by hand with a spatula, until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing.
5. Portion and Shape the Dough Balls: Using a 1/4 cup measure (or a large cookie scoop) for consistent sizing, portion the dough into round balls. Place about 6 dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each as they will spread. Gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand to create a thick disk shape. This slight flattening helps them bake evenly and provides a perfect surface for the topping.
6. Top with Andes Mint Candies: Press 1 or 2 unwrapped Andes mint candies directly onto the top of each flattened cookie dough disk. Press them down slightly into the dough so they adhere well. These will melt beautifully during baking to create a stunning, flavorful topping.



7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes. The edges should appear set, but the center should still look slightly soft and no longer shiny. It’s crucial not to overbake these cookies, as this can make them dry and crumbly. They will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them. Then, carefully transfer the warm Andes Mint Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are absolutely divine served warm, when the topping is melty, or at room temperature for a chewier texture.

Expert Tips for Your Best Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies

Mastering these Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies is simple with a few insider tips:

• Creme de Menthe vs. Mint Extract: As mentioned in the ingredient notes, this distinction is vital. Creme de menthe extract offers a sweeter, smoother mint flavor that perfectly matches Andes mints. Mint extract (often peppermint or spearmint) can be too strong and give a “toothpaste-like” flavor. Always double-check your bottle! You can easily find creme de menthe at craft stores like Michaels or purchase it conveniently online via Amazon.
• Sourcing Andes Mint Pieces: The Andes mint baking chips, pre-chopped for convenience, are typically located in the baking aisle of most major grocery stores, usually near the chocolate chips. If you can’t find them, you can always buy regular full-sized Andes mint candies and chop them yourself into smaller pieces. Just ensure they are unwrapped first!
• The Melty Topping Magic: The whole Andes mints pressed on top of each cookie will melt beautifully during baking, creating a wonderfully glossy and fragrant mint chocolate layer. As the cookies cool to room temperature, this melted mint will firm up again, forming delightful, soft chunks of mint chocolate that add incredible texture and flavor. For an even more elegant presentation, you can gently spread the melted chocolate bar across the tops of the cookies with a small offset spatula immediately after removing them from the oven, creating a smooth, ganache-like finish.
• Not Just for the Holidays: While mint is a traditional and beloved flavor for Christmas cookies and other festive treats, these Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies are truly a fantastic recipe for any time of the year. Their refreshing flavor and rich chocolate appeal make them a welcome treat for birthdays, potlucks, or simply a cozy evening at home.
• Avoid Overmixing the Dough: This is a key rule for tender, soft cookies. The dough for these cookies is naturally quite thick. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: For that perfect soft and chewy texture, pull the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and are no longer glossy. They will continue to bake and firm up slightly as they cool on the hot baking sheet.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Your Andes Mint Cookies

These Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies are so delicious, you’ll want to enjoy them for days! Here’s how to store them perfectly and even prepare them in advance:

Interestingly, many people report that these delightful Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies taste even better the day after they’re baked! The flavors deepen and meld, creating an even richer experience. So, whether you devour them fresh or save some for tomorrow, these Andes Mint Cookies are destined to be a fan favorite!

• Storing Baked Cookies: Store any leftover baked Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you prefer them a bit firmer or want to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. When chilling, the chocolate mint topping will firm up, offering a delightful snap with each bite.
• Make-Ahead Dough: The cookie dough itself can be prepared in advance, saving you time later. Store the unbaked dough in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before rolling it into balls and proceeding with the recipe instructions.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: For longer storage, you can easily freeze the cookie dough. Portion the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and add the Andes mint on top as directed. Then, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-4 minutes to the baking time, or allow them to thaw slightly before baking.

For comprehensive guidance on cookie dough preservation, my detailed post on Freezing Cookie Dough covers everything you need to know about storing, freezing, and baking cookie dough from a frozen state!

Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies: Your Questions Answered

Explore More Delectable Cookie Recipes

If you’re a cookie connoisseur always on the hunt for your next baking adventure, be sure to check out these other fantastic cookie recipes from our collection. From classic comforts to unique creations, there’s a perfect cookie waiting for you in our full cookie recipe category:

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