MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP SHORTBREAD COOKIES

When you think of green themed foods there is one time of the year that can often spring to mind and that is St Patrick’s day. Or Christmas, but mostly it is St Patrick’s day. The time of year when we celebrate the Green Isle and everything there is to love about Irish culture. The Guinness and the luck. So these Mint Chocolate Chip Shortbread cookies were a recipe I just had to share with you. They are so delicious, crumbly in texture, and refreshingly minty in flavor that the whole family will devour the first batch you make. Guaranteed!

The buttery shortbread cookies are perfect for any occasion but we think they would be perfect for a St Patrick’s day celebration or the holiday season. You can use chocolate chips or mint chips and these simple cookies are made in minutes.

Why do we love these Mint Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies?

There isn’t much we can’t not like about these chocolate peppermint shortbread cookies. You only need a handful of ingredients, some of which you probably already have in your pantry, and they are ready so quickly. No need to chill the cookie dough, no need for fancy shapes or mixing ingredients in a different way, just good old fashioned cookie dough made delicious with mint flavors and looking fabulous and green.

Mint is a lovely flavor that works so well in sweet treats. Mint extract can be used but you could also use some mint chocolate chips. Perhaps even crumbling up a mint chocolate bar to give the desired flavor. There are so many ways you can have fun with these cookies I just suggest you make a batch of these St Patrick’s day cookies as quickly as possible.

Ingredients – What you need for the Mint Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Flour

When it comes to dry ingredients this is one of the staples you will find in most cookie recipes. Flour provides the base and structure for the cookie dough. We like to use all-purpose flour and you will need 2 cups. When measuring the flour use a spoon and sift it before adding it to your cookie mixture.

Butter

For this recipe, you need 1 cup of softened butter at room temperature. Unsalted butter is best for this recipe so you can control the flavor.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar will give sweetness to these mint chocolate chip shortbread cookies. It isn’t granulated so it will work into the cookie mixture to create a smooth consistency. You will need 2 cups.

Mini chocolate chips

We like to use milk chocolate chips for this cookie recipe, but you could also use mint chocolate chips or even dark chocolate. You will need 1 cup.

Mint extract

The whole purpose of these cookies is to embrace the flavor, so mint extract is an easy way to add that flavor to the cookies. You will need 1 teaspoon.

Green food coloring

All you need is one drop of green food coloring to get the desired visual effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store the Mint chocolate chip cookies?

They are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will keep for up to five days before you notice a change in the texture.

What if I am not a fan of mint flavors?

You can still make these look perfect for celebrations like St Patrick’s day or Christmas. You could just leave out the mint extract and use vanilla extract instead.

How to make the Mint Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Gather all of your ingredients together so that you are ready to make this delicious cookie recipe. Preheat the oven to 350F, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer, place the softened Butter, and whip with the whisk or paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer. Add the powdered sugar, and blend on low until well-mixed. 

Next up you will want to start adding the flavors and colors. Add the mint extract and food coloring. Make sure you mix enough until well blended, and completely green.  

Mix in the flour a 1/3 cup at a time, mixing between each time. This will help to ensure the flour is combined. You need to mix until the dough is completely blended and smooth.  

Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop the cookie dough with a spoon onto the prepared cookie sheet, and push it down with the spoon or your hands. You could also use a cookie cutter to get a more uniformed shape.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove the Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Take these Shortbread Cookies to the next level

Why not add some leftover ganache to the tops of the cookies? You could also sprinkle them with some holiday sprinkles.

These are perfect for the holiday season as well as St Patrick’s day. You could add some red icing to them to make them festive. The perfect Christmas cookies.

Why not drizzle melted chocolate over the top? A great way to add some extra sweetness.

You can use milk or dark chocolate for this recipe. Or why not add a mixture of chocolate chips to the cookie dough? It is all down to personal preference.