I still remember that moment when I first baked these Chocolate Mint Crinkles—my kitchen instantly filled with the most incredible aroma of chocolate and fresh mint. It was one of those “I need to make this again and again” moments. I think what made me fall head over heels for these mint chocolate cookies was how perfectly they balanced that cool minty kick with the richness of chocolate. Imagine biting into a soft peppermint cookie that melts a little, with that classic powdered sugar crackle on top. Absolute joy! These chocolate crinkle cookies became my go-to cookie recipe every holiday season and beyond because they’re approachable yet feel a bit special.
What I love most about these Chocolate Mint Crinkles is how they slot into my foodie life as a dependable crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m bringing treats to a family gathering or just craving something comforting on a quiet evening, they never disappoint. They’re flexible, have this lovely texture, and everyone who tries them does a double take, asking, “Wait, did you make these?” That sense of sharing something tasty and getting genuine surprise feels so good.
If you’re looking for a new way to delight your taste buds (and those of your friends and family), you absolutely have to try this recipe. These Christmas crinkle cookies bring festive vibes all year round, and yes, they make a great alternative to traditional mint flavored desserts. Plus, if you love the idea of soft peppermint cookies but want something that feels a bit more chocolatey and rich, you’re in the right place. Trust me, once you mix this batter and get rolling those powdered sugar-coated balls, you’ll understand why this recipe is part of my regular rotation.
And guess what? I found some lovely twists and tips along the way that make these Chocolate Mint Crinkles even better—don’t worry, I’ll share all of that with you. So, fellow foodies, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get ready for cookies that feel like a little holiday party, any time you want! For more delightful inspiration, check out these Chocolate-Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe, which have similar festive vibes.
What You’ll Need:
This Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these mint chocolate cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (Can use margarine or coconut oil if needed)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (You can find this at any grocery store or online. No peppermint extract? Use peppermint essential oil for a more potent mint flavor—or even a teaspoon of pure mint syrup)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (Gluten-free flour works too, just swap cup for cup)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed is great for deeper chocolate flavor)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, for rolling
Here’s a quick prep nugget: I always set up my powdered sugar in a shallow bowl before rolling the dough — it makes the process way smoother! If you’re out of cocoa powder, try using dark chocolate cocoa mix, but reduce sugar slightly.
What’s really nice about this Chocolate Mint Crinkles is how budget-friendly it stays—basic pantry staples plus that little peppermint extract are all you need. You probably have most stuff on hand already.
For leftovers, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them between sheets of parchment paper and thaw at room temp when ready to indulge.
I like to add a small twist of finely chopped dark chocolate chunks sometimes — it adds a bit of gooey surprise in the bite!
If you love easy but show-stopping cookies, check out Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe – Fork Knife Swoon for a similar vibe with extra tips on perfect texture.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to bake your own batch of these chocolate crinkle cookies? I love breaking down the steps like we’re side by side in the kitchen.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps those Chocolate Mint Crinkles come off clean and keep their shape.
- Cream your softened butter and sugar. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for about 3-4 minutes until fluffy. This step is key for soft peppermint cookies every time. It’s the moment I learned patience pays off with these cookies!
- Add eggs and peppermint extract. Mix well to combine. The peppermint extract is the little flavor superstar here, so don’t skip it! Your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Then gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Do it slow so the batter stays even and smooth.
- Cover your dough and chill for at least an hour. This part is worth it — the chill time helps prevent spreading so you get those iconic crackled tops on your Christmas crinkle cookies.
- Get your powdered sugar bowl ready. Scoop dough (about a tablespoon each), roll into balls, and then roll them in powdered sugar generously. Don’t be shy—getting them well coated is what creates that signature look.
- Place dough balls on prepared sheets. Give them some space, these Chocolate Mint Crinkles will spread a bit but not too much.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know your cookies are ready when the tops crack but centers still feel slightly soft. If your cookies look a little puffy or the cracks don’t show much, that’s totally fine—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While that’s going on, take a moment to pour yourself a drink, your kitchen smells incredible!
From start to finish, these Chocolate Mint Crinkles come together in about an hour and a half, mostly hands-off time during chilling and baking. This recipe has become my shortcut for soft peppermint cookies that feel fancy but are such an everyday awesome food.
If you want to try a fun twist, check out this Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies recipe inspiration for a slightly different take with extra chocolate layers.
How to Serve & Savor It:
When it comes to serving these Chocolate Mint Crinkles, I love to keep it simple but festive. They truly shine when paired with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or fresh coffee, perfect for those cozy winter afternoons or any time you want a little minty indulgence.
I’ve also discovered they work amazingly with peppermint bark or even alongside a creamy slice of key lime pie for a cool, bright contrast (Key Lime Pie Delicious Dessert). It’s such an unexpected combo that makes a fun party platter!
For presentation, nothing beats a rustic wooden board sprinkled with extra powdered sugar and a few sprigs of fresh mint. It’s easy and makes your guests feel like they’re treated to a little mint chocolate magic.
Leftovers? Oh, the makeover options are endless. Crumble them over vanilla ice cream, mix crumbs into your morning yogurt, or toss into a festive trail mix for a minty chocolate twist.
And if you want seasonal flair, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top of baked cookies for crunch and extra peppermint punch—instant holiday feels without fuss.
These Christmas crinkle cookies are always a favorite with my people. Whether we’re sharing them during holidays or on an ordinary Tuesday, they spark smiles and that warm, fuzzy feeling every time.
For more fabulous everyday foodie shares, you might want to check out my roundup of Cranberry Jalapeno Dip —it’s got that sweet-spicy vibe that keeps things interesting!
Your Questions, Answered:
Let’s chat through some of the common questions and kitchen curiosities friends have about making these Chocolate Mint Crinkles:
Q: Can I prep parts of this Chocolate Mint Crinkles ahead?
Absolutely! The dough chills best if made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This not only saves time but improves flavor and texture. You can even freeze dough balls after rolling in powdered sugar and bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes baking time.
Q: What’s a good swap for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, a few drops of peppermint essential oil will work—just be careful, it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh mint leaves finely chopped can be mixed in for a less intense mint flavor, though that changes the classic texture slightly.
Q: How can I make this recipe for more or fewer people?
The recipe scales well! Simply multiply or divide the ingredients. For a smaller batch, halve everything and keep an eye on baking time since small dough balls may bake faster. For big parties, double it without stressing.
Q: What if my cookies don’t crack enough?
If your Chocolate Mint Crinkles aren’t cracking, it usually means the dough wasn’t chilled enough or baked at too low a temperature. Chill longer next time or bump oven up a few degrees.
Q: Can I swap the cocoa powder for melted chocolate?
I’ve tried both. Cocoa powder gives the best texture for these chocolate crinkle cookies. Melted chocolate often makes the batter too wet and results in flatter cookies.
Q: Are these suitable for kids?
Totally! They’re soft peppermint cookies that are not too intense on the mint. If you want to tone it down even more, reduce the peppermint extract slightly.
Q: Any fun variations you suggest?
Adding mini chocolate chips or peppermint chips makes for a fun extra burst of flavor. For a boozy adult twist, a splash of creme de menthe in the dough adds a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
If you want to explore similar crowd-pleasers, Chocolate-Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe and Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe – Fork Knife Swoon have lots of great ideas.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe holds a special place in my foodie heart because it’s that perfect mix of simple ingredients, joyful mint-chocolate flavor, and that satisfying powdery crackle topping. It’s been my reliable “wow” cookie for nearly every occasion when I want to impress without stress.
My Top Chocolate Mint Crinkles Tips for you:
- Always chill the dough before baking to get those beautiful, classic cracks.
- Don’t skimp on peppermint extract — it’s the magic that makes these cookies sing.
- Roll generously in powdered sugar for that signature look and soft texture.
Over the years, I’ve loved trying out variations like adding chocolate chunks, layering with peppermint frosting, or mixing in chopped Andes mints. The version that gets requested most? The classic—just as written here, perfectly soft, chewy, and minty.
I encourage you to make these Chocolate Mint Crinkles your own. Swap out ingredients, test what you like best, and share them with your people. That feeling when a recipe clicks and gets eaten up? That’s exactly the kind of kitchen win I hope these cookies bring you. Can’t wait to hear what you think and see your cookie moments!
If you want to keep the dessert party going, be sure to peek at my Neapolitan Mousse Cake for more dreamy, approachable sweets.
Chocolate Mint Crinkles
Delight in these rich, fudgy chocolate crinkles infused with refreshing mint flavor, perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat any time.
- 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 peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until crinkles form and edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled crinkles or add a few crushed peppermint candies on top.