Mint Chocolate Chip Shamrock Cookies
Festive and easy-to-make mint chocolate chip cookies shaped like shamrocks, perfect for St. Patty’s Day celebrations. These cookies combine fresh mint leaves and mint extract for a refreshing flavor with soft, chewy centers and crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (165 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp mint extract
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups (270 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (optional), a few drops
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mint extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped fresh mint leaves and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring and knead lightly to tint the dough mint-green.
- Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use shamrock-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on baking sheets. If no cutters are available, roll dough into 1 ½ inch (4 cm) balls and flatten gently with your palm.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft. Rotate trays halfway through baking for even heat.
- Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies. Properly cream butter and sugars for tender crumb. Chilling dough for 30 minutes before rolling helps maintain shape and prevents spreading. Rotate baking trays halfway through baking for even cooking. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Fresh mint adds brightness and texture; reduce mint extract if you prefer a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 2
Keywords: mint chocolate chip cookies, shamrock cookies, St. Patty’s Day treats, festive cookies, homemade cookies, mint cookies, chocolate chip cookies