Introduction
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic favorite, known for their rich, fudgy interior and beautiful powdered sugar coating that cracks as they bake, giving them their distinctive appearance. This recipe adds a delightful twist with the inclusion of Andes mints, infusing the cookies with a refreshing minty flavor that perfectly complements the deep, dark chocolate. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Andes Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of the process to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Andes Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 9.5-ounce package Andes mints, about 30 mints
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine Butter and Sugar: Start by melting the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it is well combined and creamy. The butter and sugar mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy, providing a good base for your cookie dough.
Add Eggs: Next, add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and helps to create a smooth, cohesive dough. The eggs also add moisture and structure to the cookies, contributing to their soft, fudgy texture.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder and all-purpose flour to remove any lumps. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The cocoa powder adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor, while the flour provides the structure needed to hold the cookies together.
Add Andes Mints: Chop the Andes mints into small pieces and fold them into the dough. The mints will melt slightly as the cookies bake, creating pockets of minty chocolate goodness throughout each cookie.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate: Once the dough is fully mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they retain their crinkled appearance.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Form Balls: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a large tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Each ball should be about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Roll in Powdered Sugar: Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, making sure it is completely covered. The powdered sugar coating will create the characteristic crinkled look as the cookies bake, with the dark chocolate dough peeking through the cracks.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the centers to remain fudgy and moist.
Step 5: Cool the Cookies
Cool on Pan: Once the cookies are done baking, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer without breaking.
Transfer to Wire Rack: After 10 minutes, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming too soft on the bottom and helps them firm up nicely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality cocoa powder and chocolate mints make a big difference in the flavor of these cookies. Opt for the best you can find for the richest taste.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Even Coating: Make sure the dough balls are fully coated in powdered sugar before baking. This ensures the crinkled appearance and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Variations
While these Andes Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are delicious as is, you can also try these variations to mix things up:
- Different Mints: Substitute Andes mints with peppermint patties or other mint chocolates for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- Holiday Touch: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive holiday version.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be served in various ways:
- With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream between two cookies for a decadent ice cream sandwich.
- With Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the cookies with a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy, indulgent treat.
- As a Gift: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box and give them as a homemade gift during the holidays or for special occasions.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will stay soft and chewy, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Freezing: These cookies also freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Andes Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate crinkle cookie, combining rich dark chocolate and refreshing mint for a truly irresistible treat. With their fudgy centers, crinkled powdered sugar coating, and bursts of minty chocolate, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a batch of delicious, crowd-pleasing cookies ready to enjoy. Happy baking!