Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, buttery shortbread cookie that bursts with rich chocolate flavor and a refreshing hint of mint. These aren't just any cookies - they're a magical combination of luxurious ingredients that transform an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these mint chocolate shortbread cookies will become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress family, friends, and even the most discerning dessert lovers!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will help to remove any lumps and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough, mixing until it is evenly incorporated. The peppermint extract will give your cookies a refreshing minty flavor.
- Once the dough is well combined, use your hands to form it into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle.
- After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Once all cookies are cut out and placed on the baking sheet, bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- When done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can optionally dust them with additional powdered sugar for a decorative touch. Enjoy your mint chocolate shortbread cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined to keep your cookies tender and crumbly.
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 10 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Peppermint Extract: For the most vibrant mint flavor, use a high-quality peppermint extract.
- Watch Baking Time Carefully: These cookies can quickly go from perfectly done to overbaked. Remove them when edges are firm but centers are still soft.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to achieve the ideal crisp texture.
- Optional Decoration: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
