Irresistible Chewy M&M Mint Chocolate Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Delight
The air is crisp, carolers are rehearsing, and kitchens everywhere are filling with the sweet, nostalgic aromas of holiday baking. It’s that magical time of year when calories don’t count, and every gathering calls for a special treat. And speaking of special, get ready for a dessert that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season: our **Chewy M&M Mint Chocolate Cookies**. This mint chocolate cookie recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration, a symphony of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, destined to become a staple in your holiday repertoire.
Three cheers for the most wonderful time of the year, often lovingly referred to as ‘sugar week’ in our household! While some might fret about an abundance of sweet recipes, I’ve come to embrace it. The holidays are a unique opportunity to indulge, to share joy through homemade treats, and to create lasting memories around the table. These cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to lean into the festive spirit and savor every sweet moment.
And trust me, we’re not done yet! The holiday baking marathon continues, with another insanely festive (and frozen!) treat making its way to the blog very soon. So, loosen those waistbands – things are about to get delightfully real. But for now, let’s focus on these spectacular mint chocolate delights that are sure to steal the show.
Why These M&M Mint Chocolate Cookies Are a Must-Bake
I know what you might be thinking: everyone and their grandmother is posting holiday cookie recipes right now. But allow me to add one more to your must-bake list, because these cookies genuinely have it all! They’re a masterpiece of flavor and texture, boasting deep, luxurious chocolate notes from both cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate, a refreshing kick from pure peppermint extract, and an exciting burst of color and crunch from M&M holiday mints. These aren’t just any cookies; they are an experience.
The inspiration for these minty marvels comes from a cherished family tradition. Every Christmas, bowls of these vibrant M&M holiday mints grace our festive table, beckoning guests to grab a handful throughout the day. I confess, I’ve never been able to resist their allure. There’s something truly dangerous about those candy-coated treasures, and before I know it, half a bowl has mysteriously vanished!
A Lifelong Love Affair with Mint Chocolate
My huge crush on all things peppermint and mint is no recent development. I believe I inherited this delightful obsession from my late grandmother, Mima. Her house always had a secret drawer, not for trinkets or keys, but for an endless supply of York Peppermint Patties. No visit was complete without me devouring several in one sitting, the cool, refreshing mint mingling perfectly with the dark chocolate. Even today, mint chocolate chip ice cream remains my all-time favorite, a comforting reminder of her and those sweet childhood days. Yes, when it comes to mint and chocolate, I’m ridiculously predictable – and unapologetically so!
So, given my deep-seated affection for this classic flavor combination, you can only imagine just how addicting these M&M Mint Chocolate Cookies truly are. They strike the perfect balance between perfectly chewy and wonderfully soft, each bite dissolving into a rich, decadent chocolate experience. But the real magic lies in the unexpected textural delight offered by the candy coating on the M&M holiday mints. That slight crunch gives way to a creamy chocolate center, elevating these cookies beyond your average holiday treat.
Crafting the Perfect Chewy Mint Chocolate Cookie: Key Ingredients and Tips
The secret to these sensational cookies lies in a few key components and techniques:
- Bittersweet Chocolate & Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: We use a powerful duo to achieve that deep, intense chocolate flavor and rich, dark color. Melting bittersweet chocolate creates a smooth, luxurious base, while Dutch-process cocoa powder (which has been alkalized) provides a less bitter, more mellow chocolate taste that pairs beautifully with mint.
- Pure Peppermint Extract: This is where the “mint” magic happens. A little goes a long way, so be sure to use pure extract for the most authentic and refreshing flavor, steering clear of artificial mints.
- M&M Holiday Mints: These aren’t just for decoration! Their unique candy shell provides an incredible textural contrast to the soft, chewy cookie, and their festive colors make them visually appealing.
- Dough Chilling: The Non-Negotiable Step: This step is crucial for perfect cookies. Chilling the dough for a minimum of 45 minutes not only prevents the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven, but it also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. Don’t skip it!
Handling the Dough: A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
Similar to other high-quality cookie recipes, this dough does need to be chilled. If, after chilling, the dough becomes too difficult to handle and scoop, simply allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief reprieve will make it much more manageable.
Don’t be alarmed if the dough seems dense – that’s perfectly normal for a rich, chewy cookie! Because of its density, I highly recommend using a spoon and your fingers to shape the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. While it might be a little messy this way (chocolate, glorious chocolate, will likely end up on your fingers!), the results are consistently perfect. The slight imperfection from hand-rolling only adds to the charm of these homemade holiday treats.
M&M Holiday Mint Chocolate Cookies
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Equipment
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KitchenAid 5 Qt. Artisan Stand Mixer
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Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 5 ounces (140 g) bittersweet chocolate roughly chopped
- ¾ cup (90 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (4 oz; 115 g) unsalted butter, softened softened
- ⅓ cup (70 g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- ¾ cup (150 g) M&M Holiday mints
Instructions
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Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a microwave-proof glass bowl and heat at 20 second increments, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is just melted. Set aside and allow the chocolate to cool for 5 to 10 minutes or until lukewarm.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter at medium speed for a minute until creamy. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, peppermint, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. Beat in the melted (lukewarm) chocolate. On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture until just absorbed. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure that all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
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Gently stir in the M&M holiday mints. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and set on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to chill in the fridge for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) with a rack in the center position. Transfer the chilled cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined half sheet pan, setting them apart by about 2 to 3 inches. I recommend only baking 8 cookies on one sheet pan.
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Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, or until the cookies have set on the outer edges, but are still somewhat soft in the center. Remove and allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack.
Tips for Success:
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, and will remain chewy and soft.
- To ensure your cookies are perfectly round and evenly baked, gently reshape any dough balls that might have lost their form after chilling or handling before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Do not overbake! The key to a chewy cookie is to remove it from the oven when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
- For an extra festive touch, consider pressing a few additional M&M holiday mints onto the tops of the warm cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. This makes them even more appealing.
Chocolate cookie dough adapted from here.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These M&M Mint Chocolate Cookies are incredibly versatile. They are perfect on their own, perhaps with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly evening. They also make fantastic edible gifts for neighbors, friends, and family, beautifully packaged in a festive tin. Imagine the delight of receiving a box of these vibrant, chewy cookies during the holidays!
When it comes to storage, these cookies are remarkably forgiving. Once baked and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will maintain their wonderfully chewy and soft texture, meaning you can bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or easily prepare them for your holiday gatherings.
Make-Ahead Dough Option
For those who love to get a head start on their holiday baking, the cookie dough can be prepared in advance. After shaping the dough into balls, instead of chilling them just for an hour, you can place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, simply arrange the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time. This makes fresh-baked cookies an effortless treat, even on the busiest of days.
Embrace the Holiday Joy with Every Bite
There’s an undeniable magic that peppermint and chocolate create when combined, especially during the holidays. These M&M Mint Chocolate Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a symbol of comfort, tradition, and shared joy. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, a festive party, or simply to enjoy with your loved ones by the fireplace, they are guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to everyone who tries them.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and immerse yourself in the delightful process of baking these irresistible cookies. And don’t forget to sneak a few of those M&M holiday mints as you go – it’s all part of the tradition! Happy baking, and happy holidays!