Hey there, fellow cookie lovers! I'm absolutely thrilled to share this incredible Andes mint cookie recipe that has become my family's all-time favorite treat. These delightful cookies combine the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, creating an irresistible flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. This Andes mint cookie recipe has been perfected through countless kitchen experiments, and I'm confident it will become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

What makes this Andes mint cookie recipe so special is its foolproof method that guarantees soft, chewy cookies every single time. Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this Andes mint cookie recipe delivers consistent results that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery. Let's dive into creating these amazing mint chocolate masterpieces together!

Homemade Andes mint cookies on a white kitchen table, photographed from above with a casual, natural style.

The Magic Behind These Irresistible Cookies

The secret to this exceptional Andes mint cookie recipe lies in the perfect timing of when to add those precious Andes mints. Unlike other recipes that might incorporate the mints too early, this Andes mint cookie recipe adds them at just the right moment to preserve their shape while allowing their minty goodness to meld beautifully with the chocolate cookie base. The result is a cookie that offers delightful bursts of mint flavor in every bite, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

What truly sets this Andes mint cookie recipe apart from others is the careful balance of ingredients and the specific baking technique that ensures optimal texture. The combination of brown sugar and white sugar creates the perfect chewy-crispy balance, while the addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the mint. This Andes mint cookie recipe has been tested extensively to guarantee that each cookie maintains its shape, develops beautiful golden edges, and delivers that signature soft center that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Andes Mint Cookie Recipe
Recipe Variations
Storage
The Ultimate Secret to Cookie Perfection
FAQ
Sweet Endings and New Beginnings
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated white sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Salt
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Andes mint chocolates
Milk

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Cookie Base

Cream softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined
Fold in chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough

Shape and Add the Magic

Scoop dough into rounded balls using a cookie scoop for uniform size
Place dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart
Gently press one Andes mint chocolate into the center of each cookie dough ball
Lightly press down to ensure the mint stays in place during baking
Chill the prepared cookies in refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking

Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F and ensure racks are positioned in the center
Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone
Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes
Transfer to wire cooling racks and allow to cool completely before serving
Store in airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling racks
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Expert Cooking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and smoother dough consistency
Don't overbake these cookies; slightly underdone centers will finish cooking on the hot pan
Chill your dough briefly before baking to prevent excessive spreading during baking
Press Andes mints gently into dough to prevent them from falling out during baking
Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and even heat distribution
Allow cookies to cool completely on the pan before transferring to prevent breaking
Store cookies with parchment paper between layers to maintain their perfect shape

Recipe Variations

Double Chocolate Version: Add extra cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips for intense chocolate flavor
White Chocolate Twist: Substitute white chocolate chips and use white chocolate Andes mints
Peppermint Bark Style: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for dietary restrictions
Stuffed Cookie Version: Wrap cookie dough around whole Andes mints for surprise center
Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles before baking for seasonal decoration appeal
Espresso Enhancement: Add instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor profile

Storage

Store completely cooled cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain shape integrity
Freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to three months maximum
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before freezing for portion control convenience
Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to three days before baking
Freeze shaped cookie dough balls on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags
Thaw frozen cookie dough at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking

Here's the game-changing secret that makes this Andes mint cookie recipe absolutely phenomenal: the key is in the temperature control and timing. Many bakers make the mistake of adding their Andes mints too early in the process, causing them to melt completely and lose their distinctive shape and texture. This Andes mint cookie recipe strategically places the mints at just the right moment, allowing them to soften slightly while maintaining their integrity, creating those perfect pockets of minty goodness that make each bite a delightful surprise.

The second crucial secret lies in the resting period after shaping your cookies. This brief chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This technique ensures that your cookies maintain their perfect round shape and develop those gorgeous golden edges that make them so visually appealing and professionally polished in appearance.

FAQ

How do you store Andes Mint cookies?

Store your finished Andes mint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness and texture retention. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their beautiful appearance. When properly stored using this Andes mint cookie recipe method, your cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, though they rarely last that long in most households!

Why are Olive Garden Andes Mints different?

Olive Garden Andes Mints have a unique formulation that's slightly different from regular retail Andes mints, featuring a creamier texture and more intense mint flavor profile. These restaurant-quality mints are specifically designed to complement their dessert menu and provide a more luxurious eating experience. When using this Andes mint cookie recipe, you can substitute regular Andes mints with excellent results, though the flavor may be slightly less intense than the restaurant version.

How long do Andes Mints last?

Andes Mints typically maintain their best quality for 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The chocolate may develop a white bloom over time, but this doesn't affect the safety or flavor significantly. For this Andes mint cookie recipe, using fresh Andes mints within their optimal timeframe ensures the best flavor and texture in your finished cookies, creating that perfect mint-chocolate balance we all love.

Are Andes Mints healthy?

Andes Mints, like most chocolate candies, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Each mint contains approximately 25 calories and provides a small amount of antioxidants from the chocolate content. While this Andes mint cookie recipe creates an indulgent treat, you can make it slightly healthier by reducing sugar content or using dark chocolate alternatives for added antioxidant benefits and reduced sugar content.

Sweet Endings and New Beginnings

As we wrap up this incredible culinary journey, I hope this Andes mint cookie recipe becomes a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. These cookies represent the perfect marriage of chocolate and mint, creating memories that will last a lifetime with every delicious bite. The beauty of this Andes mint cookie recipe lies not just in its simplicity, but in its ability to bring people together around the kitchen table, sharing stories and creating new traditions.

Don't stop your baking adventure here! I encourage you to explore other delightful recipes that complement these amazing cookies perfectly. Try our 3 Easy Steps: Simple Ricotta Cookies Recipe for a lighter, Italian-inspired treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. For chocolate lovers, our Simple Chocolate Mint Cookies offer another delicious way to enjoy that irresistible mint-chocolate combination. These recipes work wonderfully together for cookie platters, gift boxes, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth with this amazing Andes mint cookie recipe and its delicious companions!

From my kitchen, with heart.
Alyssa Coleman ❤️

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