Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This preparation ensures your cookies will release easily and bake evenly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This extended creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, creating the foundation for a tender cookie with slightly crisp edges. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract and mint extract. Start with 5ml of mint extract and add more if desired, but be careful not to overdo it – mint extract can quickly become overpowering. Add green food coloring if using, starting with just a drop or two and increasing until you reach your desired shade. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Fold in the chocolate chips by hand using a rubber spatula, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. The warmth from the mixer might have softened your dough slightly – if it feels too soft to scoop, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes until firmer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons in size and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5cm between each cookie to allow for spreading. For perfectly round cookies, roll the scooped dough between your palms to form smooth balls. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. This is critical for achieving that perfect chewy texture – the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes (they'll be too soft to move immediately after baking). Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. As they cool, the contrast between the crisp edges and soft centers will develop. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully – place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. </li> </ol>