Grasshopper Cookies with Andes Mints
Table of Contents
There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven, isn’t there? It takes me right back to the cozy kitchen of my childhood, where my grandmother and I would spend countless afternoons whipping up sweet treats. I remember the joyful anticipation as we watched the cookies rise, and the warm, comforting aroma that filled the entire house. That same nostalgic charm is what inspired me to create these delightful Grasshopper Cookies with Andes Mints. They’re not just a treat for your taste buds but a heartwarming experience that brings the whole family together.
These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic grasshopper dessert, marrying the rich, chocolatey goodness of Devil’s Food Cake with the refreshing zing of mint. They offer a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you back to simpler times. Each bite feels like a little piece of heaven, with the creamy mint frosting complementing the decadent chocolate glaze beautifully. The addition of Andes Mints not only enhances the minty flavor but adds a layer of nostalgia, reminding us of those cherished moments when we’d sneak a mint from the candy dish.
What I love most about this recipe is how it’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a scrumptious treat that feels like a warm hug from the past. Baking these cookies is a wonderful way to create new memories with your loved ones, sharing laughter and love over a batch of homemade goodness. So, let’s dive into why these Grasshopper Cookies with Andes Mints should be your next baking adventure!
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Grasshopper Cookies with Andes Mints bring a unique twist to traditional desserts, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or a special treat for yourself. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
- Nostalgic Flavors: The combination of chocolate and mint is a classic that evokes fond memories of holiday treats and family gatherings. There’s something about this duo that instantly brings back the warmth of family dinners and the joy of festive seasons.
- Simple Ingredients: With a base of Devil’s Food Cake mix, you don’t need a pantry full of items to create something magical. This simplicity means less time worrying about missing ingredients and more time enjoying the baking process.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is so straightforward that even beginners can whip them up with ease. If you’re looking to introduce children to baking, this is the perfect recipe to start with, offering a balance of fun and learning.
- Perfect for Sharing: The cookies are delightful to share with friends and family, spreading joy and sweet memories. Whether it’s a bake sale, a family picnic, or just a casual tea party, these cookies will be a hit.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. They transition beautifully from an everyday snack to a party favorite with a simple change in presentation or serving.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much—just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks.
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients without making a mess. Having multiple bowls of varying sizes can help keep your ingredients organized, especially when preparing both the cookie dough and the frosting simultaneously.
- Electric Mixer: Perfect for beating the frosting to a creamy consistency. While a hand whisk can do the job, an electric mixer ensures a smoother, quicker result, saving you time and effort.
- Cookie Sheets: For baking those delicious cookies to perfection. Opt for light-colored sheets for even baking, ensuring your cookies come out just right every time.
- Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. It also ensures even cooking, as it helps distribute the heat more evenly under the cookies.
- Cooling Racks: Allows your cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy bottoms. This is crucial for maintaining the perfect texture as the cookies set post-baking.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 Box Devil’s Food Cake mix, preferably Pillsbury
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 Cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoon brown sugar
Mint Frosting:
- 3/4 Cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 Cup powdered sugar
- Milk, if needed
- Green food dye, if desired
Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 1/2 Cup chocolate chips, I like to use chocolate “melts”
- 4 Tablespoon butter
Andes Mint Candies, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even baking surface and prevents sticking.
- Combine cake mix, eggs, butter, vanilla, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly, as this prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely. The batter will be stiff, which is perfect for forming solid cookie shapes.
- Make dough balls a little larger than a tablespoon and place on cookie sheets to bake. Pat each dough ball down slightly; this helps the cookies bake evenly and avoids them becoming too tall and underbaked in the center.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes and let cool on cooling racks. Letting them cool completely ensures the frosting doesn’t melt when you assemble later.
- Mint Frosting: Beat butter for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add peppermint extract and gradually incorporate powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. If the frosting becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin it out. Add green dye for color if desired, but remember a little goes a long way.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-proof bowl. Start with a 30-second zap, then stir, and continue in 10-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. This gradual melting helps avoid burning the chocolate.
- To assemble, pipe on frosting onto the cooled cookies, smooth over with a knife, spoon on your glaze, and top with peppermint candies immediately, while the glaze is still warm and tacky.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 9 minutes • Total Time: 24 minutes • Calories: 220 • Servings: 24
Note: Feel free to adjust the mint extract to suit your taste for a more or less intense minty flavor. Some might prefer a subtler mint presence, while others enjoy a strong peppermint punch.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Grasshopper Cookies not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
- Chocolate Chips: Rich in antioxidants, they add a deep, luscious flavor to the glaze. Antioxidants are known for their various health benefits, including fighting free radicals in the body.
- Peppermint Extract: Known for its soothing properties and refreshing taste, peppermint can aid digestion and provide a calming effect, making it a great addition to these cookies.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy. Eggs are also a good source of protein and other essential nutrients.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with a hint of caramel, offering a depth of sweetness that white sugar alone can’t provide.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
- Hot Chocolate: The creamy, rich flavor complements the minty cookies beautifully, creating a cozy, indulgent experience perfect for a chilly day.
- Mint Tea: Enhances the refreshing mint flavor while providing a soothing drink option. This pairing is particularly delightful for an afternoon tea setting.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside for a delightful contrast of cold and creamy against warm, gooey cookies. This combination is a hit at summer gatherings or as a special dessert treat.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your Grasshopper Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze wonderfully—just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply defrost at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that freshly-baked experience. Leftovers are perfect for lunchbox treats or a quick pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee.
As you bake these Grasshopper Cookies, I hope you find the same joy and comfort that filled my childhood kitchen. There’s something truly special about creating homemade treats for loved ones, and these cookies are a delicious way to share a piece of your heart. So gather your ingredients, invite your family into the kitchen, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking together. Here’s to creating delicious memories that will last a lifetime!
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Grasshopper Cookies with Andes Mints
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine cake mix, eggs, butter (make sure you let it cool a little so it doesn’t cook the eggs), vanilla and sugar. That batter will be stiff.
- Make dough balls a little larger than a tablespoon and place on cookie sheets to bake. (You may want to pat each dough ball down a little bit because cake mix cookies tend to bake up tall.)
- Bake for 7-9 minutes and let cool on cooling racks.
- Mint Frosting: Beat butter for 2 minutes. Add peppermint extract and slowly add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk if it gets too thick. Add green dye for color if desired.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-proof bowl. Zap for about 30 seconds, then stir, then microwave in 10 second increments and stir until smooth.
- To assemble: Pipe on frosting, smooth over with a knife, spoon on your glaze and top with peppermint candies.
