Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aggie Blue Mint Cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional cookie. Their vibrant blue color is eye-catching and fun, while the mint flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet, soft cookie base. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something uniquely different. They’re easy to make, and the combination of ingredients ensures that every bite is soft, chewy, and satisfying. Plus, they’re a great way to add a pop of color to your cookie jar.
Ingredients
-
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
-
½ cup white chocolate chips
-
1 ½ teaspoons blue food coloring
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Continue beating until fully combined.
-
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together.
-
Add in the white chocolate chips and blue food coloring. Stir until evenly distributed and the dough is a uniform blue color.
-
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
-
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Variations
-
Chocolate Chips: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
-
Mint Chips: For a stronger mint flavor, add mint chocolate chips instead of or in addition to the white chocolate chips.
-
Different Colors: If you prefer a different color, swap the blue food coloring for your favorite color to create personalized cookies for any occasion.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
-
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of extract in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with spearmint extract, or even vanilla extract if you prefer a milder flavor.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that the other ingredients (like baking soda and chocolate chips) are also gluten-free.
3. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar amount slightly, or use a combination of regular sugar and a sugar substitute like stevia to lower the sweetness.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the cookies may have a slightly different texture and flavor.
5. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 30 minutes, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
6. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free, like those made with almond or soy milk.
7. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
8. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Liquid food coloring works fine, but you may need to use more to achieve the same vibrant color as gel food coloring.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the baking sheets accordingly and bake in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Aggie Blue Mint Cookies are an irresistibly fun and flavorful treat that will add a pop of color and minty freshness to your cookie lineup. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive parties. With endless variations and the option to store or freeze for later, these cookies are a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy every soft, chewy bite of this delicious minty treat!