Mint Butter Cookies Recipe

You know that fresh burst of mint that makes you smile? That’s what these Mint Butter Cookies taste like. They’re soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth with a cool, minty twist.

I made them once for a holiday party, and everyone kept reaching for more. The buttery texture and hint of mint just work so perfectly together. It’s like winter in every bite.

If you love simple cookies with a little sparkle, these are for you. They’re easy to bake, look pretty on any plate, and taste even better with cocoa or coffee.

So, grab your butter and mint extract. Let’s bake a batch of Mint Butter Cookies that will make your kitchen smell sweet and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Mint Flavor: These cookies are infused with both peppermint extract and a powdered sugar glaze to create a balanced minty taste without being overpowering.
• Buttery Texture: With butter as the star ingredient, these cookies are incredibly soft and tender. Every bite feels like you’re biting into a little piece of heaven.
• Perfect for the Holidays or Year-Round: These cookies have a subtle green hue, making them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and refreshing.
• Make-Ahead and Freezable: Prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to bake whenever you want a fresh batch of cookies.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies make an excellent gift for family and friends, especially when paired with a cute little cookie tin.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack
• Wire whisk
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Cookie scooper (optional)

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious mint butter cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter (room temperature): 1/2 cup (1 stick) – Butter creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup – This gives the cookies a light sweetness that balances out the minty flavor.
• Large Egg: 1 – It helps bind the dough together and adds to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a touch of warm, familiar flavor that complements the mint.
• Pure Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – This is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their minty freshness.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups – The flour provides the structure needed to hold the cookies together.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups – The perfect ingredient for making a smooth, sweet glaze that coats the cookies beautifully.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 tablespoons (or more if needed) – Adds the right amount of liquid to make the glaze smooth and easy to spread. You can adjust the quantity based on the consistency you prefer.
• Additional Peppermint Extract (optional): A few drops – You can add a little more peppermint extract to the glaze if you want an extra boost of minty flavor.

Variations for Mint Butter Cookies

• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of mint and chocolate, fold in a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking. This will create a delicious mint chocolate chip cookie that will have everyone reaching for more!
• Use Mint Candies: Crush some mint candies or peppermint patties and fold them into the cookie dough for added texture and an extra burst of mint flavor.
• Switch up the Glaze: Instead of peppermint extract, you could use almond or vanilla extract in the glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Make Mint Sandwiches: If you want a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a mint filling or buttercream in the middle for a cookie sandwich treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies soft and airy.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until all the ingredients are well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated into the dough.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps prevent clumping when they’re added to the wet mixture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use your hand mixer on low speed or a wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cookies to be tough.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and improves the texture.

6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

After chilling the dough, scoop it into 1.5-inch balls using a cookie scooper or a spoon. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little soft when you take them out of the oven.

9. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from falling apart while they’re still hot.

10. Prepare the Mint Glaze

Once the cookies have cooled, prepare the mint glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream. Stir until smooth. Add a few drops of peppermint extract if you want an extra minty kick. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.

11. Glaze the Cookies

Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the cookies. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving or storing. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can apply a second layer once the first layer has set.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

These Mint Butter Cookies are perfect as a standalone treat or for serving at gatherings and holiday parties. Here are some ideas to get creative with:

• Minty Cookie Sandwiches: Once the glaze sets, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of mint buttercream or whipped cream for a decadent cookie sandwich.
• Decorate with Sprinkles: Add festive green sprinkles or mini chocolate chips to the glaze for an extra pop of color and texture.
• Serve with Hot Chocolate: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or peppermint tea, making them perfect for cozy winter evenings.
• Package as Gifts: Stack a few cookies in a cute tin or box and tie it with a festive ribbon. Mint Butter Cookies make an excellent holiday gift!

Storing Mint Butter Cookies

• Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh if kept properly sealed.
• Unbaked Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator before scooping and baking.
• Glaze: If you have leftover glaze, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just stir it well before using it again.

Nutrition (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbs	18g
Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sugar	10g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	50mg

Conclusion

These Mint Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and refreshing mint. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint. Easy to make, incredibly tasty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy baking these delicious minty treats, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!