There is something utterly magical about these fudgy mint cookies that makes them an instant favorite for the chocolate-mint lovers in all of us. This Fudgy Mint Cookies Recipe combines the rich decadence of devil’s food cake mix with the refreshing burst of chocolate-covered thin mints, resulting in a soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these cookies will deliver a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and cooling mint every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake these delightful fudgy mint cookies is as easy as it gets because the ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From the box of devil’s food cake mix that forms the rich base, to the salted butter adding luscious softness, every item is essential.
- Devil’s food cake mix (15.25 ounces): The foundation of the cookie, providing intense chocolate flavor and moistness.
- Salted butter (½ cup or 1 stick, room temperature): Adds creaminess and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Binds everything together and contributes to that fudgy texture.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps bring the dough together without making it too dry or dense.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Perfect for rolling the cookie dough balls to create a delicate, sweet crust on the outside.
- Chocolate covered thin mints (10 ounces): The star ingredient that introduces a cool refreshing mint taste with a satisfying chocolate crunch on top.
How to Make Fudgy Mint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature that ensures your cookies bake evenly, developing that soft, fudgy center without overcooking. While waiting for the oven, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and minimal cleanup. Trust me, this little step is a game-changer.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the devil’s food cake mix, room temperature salted butter, eggs, and water into one smooth, soft dough. This mixture comes together quickly but thickly, almost like a brownie batter, promising that fudgy bite we’re after. The butter and eggs add richness that perfectly complements the mint and chocolate later on.
Step 3: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, roll it into 1-inch balls. The size matters because you want each cookie to have that perfect chewy center. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar. This step gives the cookies a beautiful, delicate outer coating that will crack and create a visually inviting texture once baked. Place them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets so they have space to grow just right.
Step 4: Bake and Add the Mint Topping
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Right after pulling them out of the oven, press one chocolate covered thin mint into the center of each cookie. The warmth from the cookie will gently soften the mint, melding those luscious chocolate and mint flavors together beautifully. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Fudgy Mint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Fudgy Mint Cookies Recipe even more special, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies while they are still warm. The subtle salty contrast enhances the chocolate’s richness and the mint’s brightness, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Alternatively, a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These fudgy mint cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or even hot cocoa for those cozy evenings. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider a platter with fresh mint leaves or a bowl of peppermint ice cream alongside. The cool creaminess of the ice cream complements the chewy texture of the cookies in a way that feels just downright indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Arrange the cookies on a festive platter in concentric circles, topping each with a sprig of fresh mint or edible glitter for a whimsical touch. For a fun twist, serve these Fudgy Mint Cookies Recipe treats inside holiday-themed cookie jars or small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting or party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover fudgy mint cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you notice the cookies becoming a bit firmer, just let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying to regain that perfect chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When stored this way, they can last up to 3 months without losing their fudgy magic. Just thaw at room temperature before indulging.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or heat a few in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the softness and intensifies the gooey chocolate-mint flavors, making each bite taste like it’s straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of thin mints?
Absolutely! While thin mints give that iconic chocolate-mint flavor, you can swap them with regular chocolate chips for a solely chocolatey treat. You could also add a few drops of peppermint extract to keep the minty twist alive if you like.
Is it necessary to roll the dough balls in powdered sugar?
Rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar adds a lovely crackly texture and a bit of sweetness to the outside of the cookies, which contrasts nicely with the fudgy inside. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, and the cookies will still taste fantastic.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe relies on devil’s food cake mix, which typically contains gluten. However, if you find a gluten-free chocolate cake mix alternative, you should be able to substitute it without much trouble. Be sure to check labels and adjust baking times as needed.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
The best sign is when the edges look set and slightly firm but the centers still look a bit soft or shiny. They will continue to firm up as they cool, leaving you with a tender, fudgy texture. Avoid baking too long or they may dry out.
Why press the thin mints into the cookies immediately after baking?
Placing the thin mints on hot cookies allows them to soften slightly and meld with the cookie’s surface, creating a seamless blend of chocolate and mint. If you wait until the cookies are cool, the mints stay hard and don’t integrate as well with the fudgy base.
Final Thoughts
Making this Fudgy Mint Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite baking adventures because it takes such minimal effort to create such maximum joy. These soft, chewy cookies with their luscious chocolate and refreshing mint topping are the perfect treat for practically any occasion. So grab your ingredients, warm up that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma you’ve ever experienced. Happy baking, my friend!
PrintFudgy Mint Cookies Recipe
These Fudgy Mint Cookies are an easy, indulgent treat made from devil’s food cake mix, rich butter, and chocolate-covered thin mints. They combine the moist, cakey texture of chocolate cake with a refreshing minty center, perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a quick, delicious dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- One 15.25-ounce box devil’s food cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Topping
- 10 ounces chocolate-covered thin mints
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and water using an electric mixer. Mix until a soft dough forms, making sure all ingredients are well incorporated but not overmixed.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to give the cookies a delicate sweet coating and a pretty finish.
- Place on Sheets: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy and moist.
- Add Thin Mint: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one chocolate-covered thin mint firmly into the center of each cookie to melt slightly and adhere.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, use salted butter at room temperature to ensure smooth dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft and slightly fudgy.
- Press the thin mint into the cookie while warm so it melts slightly for better flavor and texture integration.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If desired, substitute chocolate-covered thin mints with regular thin mints or other chocolate mints.
