Name: Andes Mint Grinch Cookies You’ll Crave for Festive Fun!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Granulated sugar can be used but will change texture.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Margarine works as a dairy-free substitute.); 1 teaspoon Clear Vanilla Extract (Regular vanilla may alter color.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (No direct substitutes, whole wheat will be denser.); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Additional flour can replace it, though it may affect tenderness.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the flavor.); 1 tablespoon Green Food Coloring (Gel food coloring can result in a richer color.); 1 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer taste.); 1/4 cup Red Heart Sprinkles (Feel free to replace with any festive sprinkle.); 1 cup Andes Mints (Chopped; substitute with peppermint baking chips if desired.)

Andes Mint Grinch Cookies You’ll Crave 🍬

When the holiday season rolls around, there's a certain magic that fills the air, and nothing captures that joy quite like baking cookies with loved ones. That's when I found myself in the kitchen, eagerly creating these delightful Andes Mint Grinch Cookies You'll Crave 🍬! Adorned in a vivid green hue and topped with a playful red heart, these buttery delights are not just a treat; they embody the festive spirit that makes winter celebrations so special.

Picture this: the warm, inviting scent of chocolate mingling with hints of mint wafting through your home, as laughter and chatter fill the room. These cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. With every bite, you'll experience a melt-in-your-mouth softness, making them an instant favorite for kids and adults alike. So, roll up your sleeves and let's create a batch of cookies that will bring joy to your holiday season!

Andes Mint Grinch Cookies - Why You'll Love Them!

Joyful Baking Experience: The Andes Mint Grinch Cookies are not only fun to make but also perfect for involving the whole family in the kitchen.
Festive Appeal: Their vibrant green color and red hearts scream holiday spirit, making them visually captivating for festive gatherings.
Deliciously Buttery: The melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a hint of mint creates a truly indulgent treat that you won't be able to resist.
Kid-Friendly Fun: These cookies are perfect for kids, combining their love for chocolate with the fun twist of mint, ensuring smiles all around.
Quick & Easy: Simplifying your holiday baking, they come together effortlessly, allowing you more time to enjoy the festive season.
Perfect for Gifting: Great for cookie exchanges or holiday gifts, these cookies are sure to spread joy and delight to anyone who receives them!

Andes Mint Grinch Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Powdered Sugar - Adds sweetness and a soft texture; granulated sugar can be used but will change texture.
• Unsalted Butter - Provides a rich buttery flavor; margarine works as a dairy-free substitute.
• Clear Vanilla Extract - Enhances the overall flavor while maintaining that vibrant green hue; regular vanilla may alter color.
• All-Purpose Flour - Gives structure to the cookies; no direct substitutes, though whole wheat will be denser.
• Cornstarch - Ensures a tender cookie; additional flour can replace it, though it may affect tenderness.
• Salt - Balances the sweetness; don't skip it as it enhances the flavor.
• Green Food Coloring - Delivers that festive look; gel food coloring can result in a richer color.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Adds a delightful chocolatey contrast; dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer taste.
• Red Heart Sprinkles - Perfect for decoration; feel free to replace with any festive sprinkle you prefer.

For a Minty Twist
• Andes Mints - Chopped and added for that minty burst; substitute with peppermint baking chips if desired.

These Andes Mint Grinch Cookies You'll Crave 🍬 will have your kitchen filled with holiday cheer!

How to Make Andes Mint Grinch Cookies

Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent sticking and help your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the clear vanilla extract and mix well until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir in the green food coloring, mixing until evenly colored, and then gently fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped Andes mints.
Chill the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. Place them on a plate and chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, transfer the chilled dough balls to your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for around 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Coat in Sugar: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in reserved powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before rolling them in sugar again and adding red heart sprinkles while they're still warm for that festive touch.

Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra special finish!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Andes Mint Grinch Cookies?

Create a festive treat experience that delights every palate and brings warmth to your holiday gatherings.

Rich Hot Chocolate: Pairs perfectly, enveloping the cookies in warm, chocolaty goodness that enhances their minty flavor.
Christmas Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and green apples contrast the sweetness of the cookies, adding a refreshing touch.
Homemade Peppermint Bark: The chocolatey mint flavor works harmoniously, creating a delightful dessert duo for holiday celebrations.
Creamy Eggnog: This classic festive drink adds a creamy warmth that complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies and enhances the holiday spirit.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm spiced apple cider brings cozy flavors that balance the sweetness of the cookies while invoking seasonal nostalgia.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve atop warm cookies for an indulgent twist; the cold creaminess melts beautifully with each delicious bite.

These pairings promise a magical holiday experience centered around your Andes Mint Grinch Cookies You'll Crave 🍬!

Andes Mint Grinch Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these cookies for an even more delightful experience!

Minty Upgrade: Add more chopped Andes Mints for an extra burst of flavor. The more mint, the merrier!
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute margarine for unsalted butter to make these cookies dairy-free while keeping them deliciously soft.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips; this adds a richer flavor profile to each bite.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a wonderful texture contrast, giving the cookies a delightful crunch.
Zesty Twist: Include a touch of orange zest to the dough; it pairs beautifully with mint and adds a refreshing fragrance.
Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive spice that enhances the cookie's flavor.
Decorative Sprinkles: Instead of red heart sprinkles, feel free to use holiday-themed sprinkles-they'll add a whimsical touch to your cookies!
White Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a melted white chocolate drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra little touch of sweetness and beauty.

Get ready to bake up some magic and enjoy the festive cheer!

Expert Tips for Andes Mint Grinch Cookies

Use Clear Vanilla: This preserves the vibrant green color of your Andes Mint Grinch Cookies; regular vanilla can change the hue slightly.
Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough for at least 15 minutes to reduce spreading during baking. This keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.
Add Mints Carefully: Fold in the chopped Andes Mints gently, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chocolate chips too much.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies! Bake until the edges are set, but the centers should feel soft to the touch for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Double Sugar Coating: For extra sweetness, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice-once while warm and again after they're completely cool.
Decorate with Care: Add the red heart sprinkles while the cookies are warm, but allow them to cool slightly first to prevent melting.

Storage Tips for Andes Mint Grinch Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their delightful softness and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, store them in the fridge; they'll last for up to one week, but bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: Baked Andes Mint Grinch Cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Unbaked Dough: Freeze unbaked dough balls for an easy treat later! They can be frozen for up to three months and baked directly from the freezer, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Make Ahead Options

These Andes Mint Grinch Cookies You'll Crave 🍬 are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps: mix the dough, scoop it into balls, and chill it in the refrigerator. This chilling step helps maintain the cookie's shape and prevents spreading. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen dough to a lined baking sheet and extend the baking time by 1-2 minutes. You'll have delightful, festive cookies that taste just as delicious as if they were made fresh!

Andes Mint Grinch Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of green food coloring should I use for Andes Mint Grinch Cookies?
You can use either liquid or gel food coloring for these cookies. I recommend gel food coloring, as it provides a richer color without adding extra liquid. Just a few drops will do the trick!

How should I store Andes Mint Grinch Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and flavorful. If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can also refrigerate them, but remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Can I freeze Andes Mint Grinch Cookies?
Absolutely! Baked Andes Mint Grinch Cookies can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. For unbaked dough, freeze the dough balls, and you can bake them directly from frozen-just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for best results!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your Andes Mint Grinch Cookies are spreading excessively, make sure to chill the dough for at least 15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape. Always ensure your baking sheets are lined and keep enough space between the dough balls on the sheet!

Are Andes Mint Grinch Cookies suitable for pet consumption?
No, these cookies contain ingredients like chocolate and butter that are not safe for pets, particularly dogs and cats. Please keep these delightful treats away from your furry friends to ensure their safety.

Can I substitute the Andes Mints with another type of mint?
Yes! If you can't find Andes Mints, you can substitute them with peppermint baking chips or even crushed peppermint candies. This will still deliver that delightful minty flavor while giving your cookies a festive twist.