When I first made these Chocolate Mint Crinkles, it was right before a holiday party with some close friends. I remember pulling them out of the oven, the kitchen filled with that irresistible mix of chocolate and mint, and how everyone’s faces softened with delight after the first bite. These mint chocolate cookies quickly became a family favorite after that night—easy to make, impressive to serve, and comforting in a way that only soft chocolate crinkles can be.
What makes this Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe so reliable in my home kitchen is its straightforward ingredients and consistent results. You don’t need fancy equipment or special baking skills. It fits perfectly into everyday cooking, especially when you want to whip up a peppermint chocolate dessert that tastes special but won’t take hours. Plus, they freeze well, which means you can prepare these soft chocolate crinkles ahead of time and still impress later.
If you’ve been on the lookout for easy chocolate mint recipes that won’t let your guests down, these crinkle cookies are a winner. They’re chewy and soft, with just the right burst of mint that doesn’t overpower the chocolate. I’ve found it’s a perfect way to bring people together with something sweet and simple. Whether you’re baking for a weekday treat or a special holiday table, this recipe is solid. Let me walk you through it, step by step. I’m confident you’ll love these Chocolate Mint Crinkles just as much as my family does.
What You’ll Need:

- 1 cup granulated sugar – This gives your Chocolate Mint Crinkles the perfect sweetness. If you prefer them a little less sweet, you can reduce it by 1-2 tablespoons.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Soft butter helps make these soft chocolate crinkles tender. No butter? I sometimes swap it for equal parts coconut oil for a slightly different twist.
- 2 large eggs – Key for binding these mint chocolate cookies and giving them structure.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – This is the heart of the mint flavor in your Chocolate Mint Crinkles. If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, a simple swap is vanilla extract combined with fresh crushed mint leaves.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the deep chocolate flavor. You’ll find this in the baking aisle of any grocery store.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Makes the cookies hold their shape nice and soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps your crinkle cookies rise just enough for that classic cracked surface.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors, even in sweet dishes like these Chocolate Mint Crinkles.
- Powdered sugar, for rolling – Keeps the cookie’s outside beautifully crackled and gives a light, sweet finish.
A quick tip: You can usually find everything you need in your regular grocery aisle, so no special shopping trips. These Chocolate Mint Crinkles keep costs reasonable since they rely mostly on staples most home cooks have ready. If you want to save time, measure out your dry ingredients ahead, or use pre-sifted cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
One small thing I like to do for an extra minty pop is adding a few finely chopped peppermint candies to the dough. It’s my little twist to brighten up these already delicious crinkle cookies. If you do that, add the candies last so they don’t lose their texture.
Let’s Make It Together:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe needs the oven ready before you start mixing.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that soft texture in your mint chocolate cookies. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mix, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in your peppermint extract. The aroma at this point already tells you this Chocolate Mint Crinkles will be something special.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well so these dry ingredients distribute evenly. This helps your cookie dough stay consistent and your crinkle cookies bake evenly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or mixer on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere. I usually pause to scrape the bowl so all that chocolate mint cookie dough comes together properly.
6. Once the dough is well combined, cover and chill for about 30 minutes. This step isn’t mandatory but I’ve found it helps in preventing the dough from spreading too much while baking. Plus, cold dough is easier to handle when rolling.
7. After chilling, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the balls generously in powdered sugar. This coating is what creates the signature crinkles on top when they bake, making these Chocolate Mint Crinkles visually irresistible.
8. Space the dough balls evenly on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until you see those beautiful crackled tops. Don’t worry if they look a little soft in the center when you pull them out; they firm up as they cool.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The smell of peppermint mixed with chocolate will fill your kitchen during baking, an almost guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
From start to finish, this Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe takes about an hour with chilling time. While they bake, you can tidy up or get a cup of coffee ready to enjoy with your warm cookies. If time is tight, I’ve tested the recipe skipping the chill step, but the dough can be a bit trickier to roll, and the cookies spread more.
One thing I learned the hard way: rushing through the chilling step made my mint chocolate cookies a bit flat. So I always remind myself and friends to be patient here for the best soft chocolate crinkles every time.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
When it comes to serving this Chocolate Mint Crinkles, I often like to keep it simple. A tall glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these soft chocolate crinkles. The refreshing peppermint cuts through the richness, which makes for a lovely balance.
These mint chocolate cookies also work well as part of a dessert platter, especially if you’re serving a variety of peppermint chocolate desserts. Think chocolate peppermint bark or the more elaborate Chocolate Mint Pie found right here on AllFoodsRecipe.com. That combo always impresses guests during holiday gatherings.
Sometimes, I like to warm these Chocolate Mint Crinkles slightly before serving, which makes the inside extra soft and melty. Just a quick 10 seconds in the microwave does the trick and brings out the flavors even more. A dusting of extra powdered sugar on top adds a neat finishing touch.
Leftover Chocolate Mint Crinkles are great crumbled over vanilla ice cream or stirred into your favorite plain yogurt for a quick minty twist. If you ever get a chance, try pairing these cookies with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream—double the mint magic!
For special occasions like a winter holiday party or a casual weekend treat, these crinkle cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Friends and family always ask for more once they understand how easy and delicious these Chocolate Mint Crinkles are. They’re one of those recipes that feel both festive and comforting.
If you want to see a related twist on peppermint crinkle cookies, check out this take from Valerie’s Kitchen, which offers a slightly different spin but the same yummy results. It’s always fun to compare different easy chocolate mint recipes to find your favorite.
Your Questions Answered:
Q: Can I make this Chocolate Mint Crinkles ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! I often prepare the dough the night before and chill it in the fridge. You can also bake the cookies ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. I even freeze extras, then thaw at room temperature, and they taste just as soft.
Q: What’s a good substitute for peppermint extract in this recipe?
A: If peppermint extract isn’t in your pantry, vanilla extract combined with a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh mint leaves can work. You might also find peppermint oil, but be careful—use much less as it’s stronger.
Q: I want more mint flavor in my Chocolate Mint Crinkles. How do I boost it?
A: You can add crushed peppermint candies to the dough or increase the peppermint extract slightly. Just don’t overdo it—too much can make the cookies taste medicinal.
Q: Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder here?
A: Baking powder is preferred as it gives better rise for these crinkle cookies. Baking soda could cause them to spread too much and lose that soft, crinkly texture.
Q: How do I adjust this Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe for fewer people?
A: This recipe scales well. For half the batch, just halve all the ingredients and reduce baking time by a minute or two since smaller batches heat faster.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works fine. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. I recommend testing a small batch first since texture might differ slightly.
Q: My Chocolate Mint Crinkles didn’t crack on top—what happened?
A: Usually, not rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar or skipping chilling can cause this. The sugar coating creates the crackled look, so be generous for the classic effect.
If you want more inspiration, Sally’s Baking shares a great version of double chocolate crinkle cookies worth checking out, and AllRecipes has their own popular chocolate-peppermint crinkle cookies that you might enjoy experimenting with. These resources helped me fine-tune the perfect balance in my Chocolate Mint Crinkles.
Final Thoughts:
This Chocolate Mint Crinkles recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because of its simplicity and how it consistently delivers that soft, minty, chocolatey comfort we all crave. What I appreciate most is the way it fits into everyday cooking, requiring only ingredients most home cooks have on hand and no complicated steps.
My Best Chocolate Mint Crinkles Tips:
- Always chill your dough before baking to help the cookies keep their shape and develop perfect cracks.
- Use enough powdered sugar for rolling to get that signature crinkle look your family expects.
- Don’t rush baking—timing matters to keep these cookies soft inside but set on top.
Over the years, I’ve played with variations: adding mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate bursts, incorporating white chocolate drizzle for a touch of sweetness, and even swapping peppermint extract for spearmint for a milder flavor. The mini chips version seems to be the most requested in my family.
I hope you make this recipe your own and enjoy the way Chocolate Mint Crinkles bring a little joyful mint-chocolate magic into your home. It’s the kind of easy chocolate mint recipes that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. For more ideas in the same spirit of dependable, cozy treats, you might also love this Chocolate Mint Pie on the site.

Happy baking to all my fellow home cooks! Trust me, this recipe is one that won’t let you down.
If you’re curious, you can also see Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies from Valerie’s Kitchen, find Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies by Sally’s Baking, and check out the Chocolate-Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe on AllRecipes to compare notes and get inspired. Each of these shares loyalty to the simple goodness that makes crinkle cookies a beloved classic.
Chocolate Mint Crinkles
Delight in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Mint Crinkles, featuring a perfect blend of smooth chocolate and refreshing mint in a chewy, powdered sugar-coated cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies have spread and cracked on top but are still soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra minty flavor, add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough before baking, or sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies immediately after baking.

