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Mint Chocolate Checkerboard Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 144 reviews

Mint Chocolate Checkerboard Cookies are a visually stunning and delicious treat featuring alternating strips of mint-flavored and chocolate dough combined into a checkerboard pattern. These buttery sugar cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying during festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature* (save extra egg white)
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mint Dough Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • optional: 1 drop green food dye

Chocolate Dough Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons (10g) unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
  • optional: 1 teaspoon espresso powder

Optional Topping

  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (50g) coarse sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl sides and mix again if needed. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low until a thick and sticky dough forms. Remove dough from bowl.
  2. Divide the Dough: Split the dough roughly into two equal halves, about 2 cups each.
  3. Make the Mint Dough: Return one half to the mixing bowl, add peppermint extract and a drop of green food coloring. Beat on low until fully combined and uniformly colored. Add more food coloring if desired. Remove from bowl.
  4. Make the Chocolate Dough: Return the other half to the mixing bowl, add cocoa powder, milk, and optional espresso powder. Beat on low until combined.
  5. Shape and Chill the Dough: Lightly flour your surface, shape each dough half into a 6-inch long, 2 inch wide, and 2 inch tall rectangular block. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour until dough is firm but pliable. If chilled longer, let them rest at room temperature 15-30 minutes before shaping.
  6. Shape the Checkerboard Pattern: Cut each dough block lengthwise into 3 even strips, then cut each strip into thirds to yield 9 strips per block. Trim rounded edges for neatness. Assemble checkerboard by alternating strips of mint and chocolate dough tightly together to form blocks, pressing to eliminate gaps. Repeat with the second block starting with the opposite dough color.
  7. Chill the Assembled Dough: Wrap or cover the checkerboard blocks and refrigerate for 2 more hours up to 4 days to firm up.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Slice and Bake the Cookies: Slice each dough block into 12 cookies about 1/2 inch thick, or 18 thinner cookies (~1/3 inch thick, baking time reduced by about 1 minute). Trim edges for neat squares if desired. Arrange on baking sheets 2-3 inches apart. Optionally brush with saved egg white and sprinkle coarse sugar.
  10. Bake and Cool: Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  11. Storage: Store cookies covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results.
  • Do not over-chill dough; it should be firm but still pliable for shaping the checkerboard.
  • Green food coloring is optional but gives a classic mint look.
  • Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted.
  • Brushing cookies with egg wash and coarse sugar creates a sparkly, textured top.
  • Allow slightly thicker or thinner slices; adjust bake time accordingly.

Keywords: mint chocolate cookies, checkerboard cookies, holiday cookies, layered cookies, festive desserts

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/mint-chocolate-checkerboard-cookies-recipe/