If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie that bursts with creamy minty chocolate in every bite, then you are absolutely going to adore this Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe. These treats combine the classic comfort of a buttery sugar cookie with the irresistible twist of Andes mint chips, creating a delightful dance of flavors that is both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies bring warmth, joy, and a little minty magic to your kitchen. The texture is perfectly soft yet sturdy enough to hold those delectable green-and-brown Andes chips, making every bite a heavenly experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for this Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a special role — from the fluffy softness the butter provides, to the sweet crunch of the sugar, and of course, those iconic Andes chips that make these cookies shine.
- 2 ¾ cups of flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just perfectly for a soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to add lightness.
- ½ teaspoon of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 cup of softened butter: Creates rich creaminess and moisture throughout.
- 1 ½ cups of sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the cookie a lovely golden finish.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds slight fluffiness.
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1 cup of Andes chips (plus more for topping): The star ingredient delivering that unmistakable minty chocolate punch.
How to Make Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit – this ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge every time. Grease your baking pan well so nothing sticks and your cookies come out effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is essential to infuse the right balance of lift, texture, and flavor into your cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter with sugar for about 4 minutes. This step is key to introduce air into your dough, making the cookies soft and fluffy once baked. You’ll notice the mixture becoming light and smooth, setting a great base for your dough.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar until everything is fully incorporated. The egg acts as the glue holding your dough together while the vanilla adds a lovely aromatic warmth.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture for the next step. Be gentle here and avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than dense.
Step 6: Toss Andes Chips with Flour and Fold In
Coat the Andes chips with the reserved flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Stir most of the coated chips into the dough, saving about ¼ cup to use as a topping later. This step guarantees a beautiful distribution of minty chocolate in every cookie.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop dollops of dough onto your greased pan — 2 tablespoons for jumbo cookies or 1 ½ teaspoons for regular size. Top each mound generously with the reserved Andes chips. Bake jumbo cookies for 13 to 15 minutes, or if making smaller cookies, bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden brown. Let them cool completely before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful presentation, sprinkle a few extra Andes chips or finely crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies right after baking. You can also drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies to add a pretty and tasty finishing touch that complements the mint flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a creamy latte, making for a cozy snack or dessert moment. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that merges warm and cold sensations in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe cookies with a smear of mint chocolate chip ice cream in between for instant homemade ice cream sandwiches. For festive occasions, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to make your dessert table pop with color and charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Andes Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these sweet treats over several days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cookies even longer, freeze them in a sealable bag or container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours, and they’ll taste just like fresh-baked!
Reheating
To enjoy your Andes Sugar Cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture and brings out the wonderful aroma of those minty Andes chips.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil in this recipe?
While margarine or oils might work, butter is highly recommended because it gives these cookies their rich flavor and ideal texture. Using butter ensures the perfect balance of softness and flavor that is signature to the Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Are Andes chips necessary or can I use another type of chocolate chips?
The Andes chips are what make this recipe so unique with their smooth mint-chocolate flavor. You can substitute with mint-flavored chips or even semi-sweet chocolate chips, but it won’t quite capture the special magic that Andes chips bring.
How do I prevent the Andes chips from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing the Andes chips in flour before adding them to the dough is an excellent trick. This light coating helps keep the chips suspended evenly throughout the cookies for consistent flavor in every bite.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
This recipe as written uses butter, egg, and all-purpose flour, so it is neither vegan nor gluten-free. However, you can experiment with vegan butter substitutes, flax eggs, and gluten-free flour blends, though this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
What is the best way to store cookies if I want them to stay soft?
Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside to keep them moist. The bread will absorb excess air moisture and help your cookies stay delightfully soft for days.
Final Thoughts
Making the Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe is like inviting a bit of sweet magic into your kitchen. It’s a simple yet wonderfully rewarding baking adventure that fills your home with the smell of warm butter, sugar, and minty chocolate. Whether you’re sharing these cookies with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, they’re bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion. So grab those Andes chips, and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Andes Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Andes Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a soft, buttery cookie base studded with rich Andes mint chips. Perfect for mint lovers, these cookies offer a balance of sweetness with a refreshing minty finish and a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for holiday baking or anytime you crave a festive and flavorful cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup Andes chips, plus additional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking your cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in increments, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture. Mix gently and avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Prepare Andes Chips: Toss the Andes chips with the reserved 2 tablespoons of flour to help prevent them from sinking during baking. Reserve approximately ¼ cup of chips for topping and fold the remaining chips thoroughly into the dough.
- Form Cookies: Lightly grease your baking pan. Drop cookie dough by 2 tablespoons for jumbo cookies or 1 ½ teaspoons for regular-sized cookies onto the pan. Place additional Andes chips on top of each cookie dough portion for extra minty flavor and decoration.
- Bake: Bake jumbo cookies for 13 to 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. For regular-sized cookies, bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely on the pan before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
- Do not over-mix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Using room temperature egg helps the dough mix evenly.
- Tossing the Andes chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Adjust baking time based on cookie size for perfect texture.
- Allow cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet to set properly.
