Chocolate-Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Delight in these Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery shortbread base infused with refreshing mint extract and studded with Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Chips. Finished by dipping in rich dark chocolate, these cookies perfectly balance minty freshness with decadent chocolate, making them a festive treat ideal for holidays or any special occasion.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Shortbread Cookie Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, cubed and cold
- 1 tsp mint extract
- 1 drop green food color (optional, 1 to 3 drops)
- 1/2 cup Andes’ Creme De Menthe Baking Chips
- Additional sugar to coat cookies before baking (optional)
Chocolate Dip
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vegetable oil or shortening
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for easy cookie removal and clean-up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour and sugar to form the dry base of the cookie dough.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry blender, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour and sugar mixture until you achieve very fine crumbs resembling coarse sand.
- Add Mint Flavor and Color: Stir in the mint extract and green food coloring (if using), then use your hands to gently knead the mixture until the dough just comes together into a ball. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Incorporate Andes Chips: Gently knead the Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Chips into the dough evenly, distributing the minty chips throughout.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 72 hours to firm up.
- Slice Cookies: Cut the chilled dough log into slices about 1/4 inch thick to form individual cookies.
- Optional Sugar Coating: Place about half a cup of sugar in a bowl and coat each cookie slice lightly with sugar before baking, for an added crunch and sparkle.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 9-12 minutes, aiming for around 10 minutes, just until they are set but not browned. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up further.
- Trim Edges (Optional): If desired, trim the edges of the cookies to create a neat, uniform shape.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir well, and repeat in 15-30 second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip Cookies: Dip the completely cooled cookies into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then place them on waxed paper to set.
- Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the dipped cookies until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
- Store Properly: Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
- Do not overwork the dough to keep cookies tender and flaky.
- Chilling the dough log helps make slicing easier and shapes the cookies nicely.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking and dipping.
- Optional sugar coating adds a slight crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
- If you prefer less mint flavor, reduce the mint extract accordingly.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Keywords: mint shortbread cookies, chocolate dipped cookies, holiday cookies, Andes mint cookies, easy shortbread recipe