Irresistible Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles: The Ultimate Easy Chocolate Mint Cookie Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles – a truly delightful fusion of a rich, fudgy chocolate cookie and a cool, creamy mint candy center. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy chocolate cookie, perfectly coated in powdered sugar, only to discover a melted, refreshing mint chocolate surprise inside. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that makes these **fudgy chocolate mint cookies** an absolute showstopper!
If you’re searching for an easy yet impressive cookie recipe for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further. These **chocolate crinkle cookies** with a minty heart are designed to be both simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. They truly are “cookie and candy together” in the most wonderful way, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
There’s something uniquely magical about the combination of chocolate and mint, especially when it’s wrapped up in a beautiful crinkled cookie. The contrast of the deep, intense chocolate with the bright, cool peppermint creates a harmonious balance that is utterly addictive. And the best part? This recipe for **easy mint chocolate cookies** is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a few clever shortcuts that ensure perfect results every time.
The holiday season often feels like the busiest time of the year, doesn’t it? Between bustling schedules, last-minute gift preparations, and endless to-do lists, it can be a challenge to truly embrace the festive spirit. Just last night, my youngest son, bless his heart, decided to take matters into his own hands. Not a single Christmas decoration was out yet, so he diligently dug out every ornament and string of lights he could find.
I was actually incredibly grateful for his initiative! My husband had unknowingly moved a file cabinet right in front of where I store all our holiday decorations, making it impossible for me to squeeze back there. Who knew a skinny 8-year-old would be the hero of our holiday setup? It’s moments like these, unexpected and heartwarming, that remind you to slow down and appreciate the simple joys.
And speaking of simple joys, baking is one of my favorite ways to get into the holiday mood and create lasting memories. These **easy mint chocolate cookies** have become a cherished tradition in our family, a delightful addition to our annual holiday baking rituals. They were, in fact, the very first new Christmas cookie I introduced, and they quickly became a staple that my kids eagerly anticipate every year.
As soon as those familiar thin mints start appearing alongside the other holiday candies in stores, the questions begin: “Mom, when are we making the **Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles**?” It’s a clear sign that the holiday season has truly arrived for us. This recipe is also fantastic for baking with kids because the steps are incredibly easy and engaging. From rolling the cookie dough into perfect balls to generously coating them in powdered sugar, every step is a fun, hands-on experience. And of course, the grand finale of pressing a mint into the center of each warm cookie is always a highlight!
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Chocolate Mint Cookies
- **Effortless & Quick:** Using a devil’s food cake mix significantly cuts down on prep time, making this a perfect recipe for busy bakers.
- **Irresistible Flavor Combination:** The classic pairing of rich chocolate and refreshing mint is always a crowd-pleaser.
- **Unique Texture:** Soft, fudgy cookies with a slightly crisp crinkle coating and a melty mint center – pure bliss!
- **Kid-Friendly Baking:** Simple steps make it a fun activity for children to help with, fostering holiday traditions.
- **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Ideal for holiday cookie platters, cookie exchanges, gifting, or a delightful everyday treat.
Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect Mint Center
One of the key elements that makes these **Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles** so special is, of course, the mint candy center. While the recipe is straightforward, choosing the right mint can make all the difference. I typically opt for Zachary brand thin mints, which I often find at Dollar General. They are usually budget-friendly, priced at about a dollar a box, and you’ll generally need two boxes to complete a batch of these delectable cookies.
However, the specific brand isn’t as critical as the *type* and *size* of the mints. Other brands, such as Necco thin mints, are also excellent choices and can be found at various other grocery stores. What you’re looking for are chocolate-covered mints that are relatively thin, ideally thinner than mini York peppermint patties. The diameter should be around an inch or so. This size allows the mint to melt beautifully into the cookie without overpowering it or making the cookie too bulky.
**Pro Tip:** If you can’t find “thin mints,” look for any small, round, chocolate-covered peppermint patties. Just ensure they aren’t too thick, as a thicker mint might not melt as evenly or could alter the cookie’s structure. You want that creamy, melty burst of mint, not a hard candy center. The goal is a seamless integration of cookie and candy, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Tips for Baking Flawless Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies
Achieving those perfectly soft, fudgy cookies with a distinct crinkle and a delightful mint center is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips:
1. The Magic of Cake Mix
Using a devil’s food cake mix is the ultimate shortcut in this recipe, transforming a potentially complex baking task into a simple one. While any good quality devil’s food cake mix will work, you can experiment with chocolate fudge or dark chocolate cake mixes for a deeper cocoa flavor. Just ensure it’s a standard box size (typically 15.25 oz).
2. Shortening vs. Butter for Texture
The recipe calls for vegetable shortening, and there’s a good reason for it! Shortening contributes significantly to the fudgy, chewy texture of these cookies and helps them maintain their shape without spreading too much. It also promotes that beautiful “crinkle” effect when baked. While butter can be substituted, it might result in a flatter, crispier cookie. For the best fudgy **chocolate crinkle cookies**, stick with shortening.
3. Perfecting the Powdered Sugar Coat
The confectioners’ sugar coating is what gives these cookies their signature crinkled appearance. Make sure you generously roll each 1-inch dough ball in the powdered sugar. Don’t be shy! A thick coating ensures a more pronounced crinkle after baking. If the dough is too sticky, a few minutes in the fridge can help make it more manageable for rolling.
4. Don’t Overbake!
For that melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture, it’s crucial not to overbake your cookies. Eight to ten minutes is usually sufficient. The edges should be just set, and the centers might still look a little soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly cookies, and we want fudgy perfection!
5. The Art of Pressing the Mints
Timing is everything when it comes to adding the mint centers. As soon as the cookies come out of the hot oven, *immediately* and carefully press one thin mint into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat will soften and slightly melt the mint, allowing it to seamlessly become part of the cookie as it cools. If you wait too long, the cookies will start to set, and the mint won’t adhere or melt as nicely.
6. Cooling Gracefully
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking tray for a couple of minutes after removing them from the oven and pressing in the mints. This brief resting period helps them firm up slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and allowing the mint centers to set properly.
Making Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles a Family Tradition
As mentioned, these cookies have become a beloved part of our family’s holiday traditions, and they’re particularly fantastic for involving children in the baking process. Kids love the hands-on nature of this recipe, and it’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories together in the kitchen.
Here are some ways little helpers can get involved:
- **Mixing the Dough:** With adult supervision, older children can help combine the cake mix, shortening, eggs, and water to form the dough.
- **Rolling the Balls:** This is often a favorite! Kids can practice their motor skills by rolling the dough into uniform 1-inch balls.
- **Powdered Sugar Coating:** A messy but fun step! Let them roll the chocolate dough balls through the confectioners’ sugar. Just be prepared for a light dusting around the kitchen!
- **Pressing the Mints (with caution):** Once the cookies are out of the oven, an adult should carefully handle the hot tray, but an older child can assist in gently pressing the mints into the centers, under close supervision.
Baking together isn’t just about the delicious treats; it’s about spending quality time, teaching valuable skills, and fostering a sense of accomplishment. These **holiday cookies with a mint center** are perfect for that!
Storage and Gifting Ideas
Once your Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles have cooled completely, proper storage will keep them fresh and delicious:
- **At Room Temperature:** Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, especially if the mint centers are still slightly soft.
- **Freezing:** These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, layering with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These beautiful and tasty cookies make fantastic gifts!
- **Cookie Exchange:** They’ll be a highlight on any cookie platter.
- **Homemade Gifts:** Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
- **Party Favors:** Individually wrap them for party favors at holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles
Q: Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?
A: While you can substitute butter for vegetable shortening, be aware that it will likely change the texture of the cookies. Shortening contributes to a chewier, fudgier cookie and helps with the distinct crinkle pattern. Butter might result in a slightly crispier, flatter cookie. If using butter, ensure it’s unsalted and at room temperature, and you might need a tiny bit more flour to get the right dough consistency, though for this cake mix recipe, sticking to shortening is recommended for best results.
Q: What if I can’t find thin mints?
A: Don’t worry! The key is a small, round, chocolate-covered mint. You can look for other brands of thin mints or even small peppermint patties. Just ensure they are about an inch in diameter and not too thick, so they melt well into the cookie. If all else fails, you can make plain chocolate crinkle cookies and drizzle them with melted mint chocolate after cooling, or add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough (adjusting liquid slightly).
Q: How do I get the perfect crinkles?
A: The secret to perfect crinkles lies in a generous coating of confectioners’ sugar. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar before baking. The sugar absorbs some moisture from the dough, and as the cookie expands in the oven, the sugared surface cracks, creating the classic crinkled effect. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls. You might need to re-roll them in powdered sugar if the initial coating absorbed too much moisture.
Q: How long do these Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles last?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. If you freeze them properly, they can last for up to 2-3 months, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday baking!
Q: Can I add peppermint extract to the dough for extra mint flavor?
A: Yes, you can! If you want an even stronger mint flavor, you can add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough when you’re mixing the wet ingredients. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste a small piece of raw dough (if safe to do so) or a baked test cookie to adjust to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way with extracts!
These **Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles** are truly a celebration in every bite – a testament to the joy of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a thoughtful gift, or a cozy evening at home, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfy any craving for that irresistible chocolate-mint combination. Happy baking!
Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles
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Ingredients
- 1 box devils food cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 boxes thin mints
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, vegetable shortening, large eggs, and water. Mix well until a stiff, uniform dough forms. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer works best, but you can also mix by hand.
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Place the confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then thoroughly roll each ball through the confectioners’ sugar, ensuring a generous coating.
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Place the sugar-coated dough balls 2-3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft for a fudgy interior.
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Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, carefully press one thin mint into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly melt the mint, creating a creamy center.
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Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for 2 minutes to set slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the mint to solidify and prevents breakage.