Indulge Guilt-Free: Delicious Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan Friendly!)
Imagine a treat that satisfies your deepest chocolate cravings while adhering to dietary preferences. These incredible cookies are not just any cookies; they are a revelation! Perfectly crafted to be both gluten-free and sugar-free, they also easily adapt to a vegan lifestyle, making them accessible to a wide range of dessert lovers. But what truly sets them apart is their captivating texture – rich, fudgy, and intensely satisfying, much like a gourmet brownie. Despite their healthy profile, they don’t compromise on flavor; they strike a perfect balance, being delightfully chocolatey without being overly sweet. And yes, they are, without a doubt, absolutely delicious!
The inspiration for these wholesome and decadent treats comes from none other than Erin McKenna, the visionary behind BabyCakes NYC. Known for her pioneering work in allergy-friendly baking, McKenna’s recipes offer a comforting blend of classic flavors with mindful ingredients. While I’ve introduced a few personal tweaks here and there to enhance the minty goodness and overall richness, the fundamental brilliance of her original formula remains the guiding force, ensuring these cookies deliver on both taste and dietary benefits.
Effortless Baking: No Special Equipment Needed!
At first glance, the ingredient list for these mint double chocolate chip cookies might seem a little extensive, especially for a “simple” recipe. However, don’t let that deter you! Here’s the truly good news: the entire process requires minimal effort and surprisingly few tools. You’ll need just two bowls, a whisk, and a rubber spatula – that’s it! Forget about dragging out your stand mixer, food processor, or blender. This recipe is designed for ease and convenience, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. You’ll start by combining all the wet ingredients – including the rich cocoa powder – in one large bowl. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, the dry ingredients are whisked together until perfectly blended. This separation ensures even distribution of all components, leading to a wonderfully uniform cookie dough. The straightforward approach means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen.
The Perfect Finish: Mint & Chocolate Chips
Once the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and mixed well in one large bowl to form a cohesive dough, it’s time for the star flavor additions. This is where the magic truly happens! You’ll gently fold in finely chopped fresh mint, a hint of peppermint extract for that extra pop, and, of course, a generous helping of chocolate chips. The combination of fresh mint and extract creates a vibrant, authentic mint flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate base.
When it comes to chocolate chips, you have the flexibility to customize the sweetness level to your liking. For a slightly sweeter profile that still stays within the “not-too-sweet” range, consider using milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet variety. If you’re aiming for a strictly vegan cookie, make sure to choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This adaptability ensures that everyone can enjoy these delightful treats tailored to their preference.
Key Tips for Perfect Cookie Formation
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Dough Consistency: The dough for these cookies will be quite thick and somewhat sticky. This is completely normal and contributes to their rich, brownie-like texture. Resist the urge to add more flour, as this could dry out the cookies.
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Effortless Scooping: To achieve uniform cookie sizes and make the process much cleaner, the easiest way to form each cookie is by using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop. This small tool will be your best friend, ensuring consistent portions for even baking.
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Proper Spacing: As you place the scooped dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, remember to spread them out evenly. Aim for at least one inch of space between each cookie. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the cookies from merging into one giant “cookie-cake” during baking.
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Flatten for Uniformity: Before baking, gently flatten each mound of dough. You can easily do this with the heel of your hand, or for a more perfectly round shape, use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup. This step helps the cookies spread evenly and ensures they bake through consistently.
Addressing the Coconut Oil Effect
As you prepare your cookie dough, you might notice something a little unusual: the formation of solid coconut oil on some parts of the dough. This is a common occurrence, especially depending on the specific brand of coconut oil you’re using and the ambient temperature of your kitchen or batter. Coconut oil solidifies at cooler temperatures, and this can sometimes lead to small, firm flecks within the dough.
But there’s absolutely no need to worry! This is a completely normal part of working with coconut oil in baking, and it will not affect the final outcome of your delicious cookies. Once the baking tray is placed into the preheated hot oven, the coconut oil will quickly melt and integrate seamlessly into the dough. It will contribute to the rich, moist texture of the cookies without leaving any trace of its initial solid form. So, feel confident in your baking process and trust that these mint double chocolate chip cookies will turn out perfectly.
A Familiar Favorite: The Thin Mint Experience
As previously mentioned, these exceptional cookies are crafted to be satisfyingly rich but not overtly sweet. This careful balance allows the nuanced flavors of chocolate and mint to shine through beautifully. The result is a taste profile that will undoubtedly evoke fond memories of those highly anticipated and often-requested Girl Scout cookies – specifically, the beloved Thin Mints. Imagine that crisp, chocolatey base infused with refreshing peppermint, but with a richer, softer, more decadent texture akin to a brownie. That’s precisely what these cookies deliver!
The versatility of these mint double chocolate chip cookies makes them perfect for various serving occasions. While they are undeniably wonderful on their own with a tall, cold glass of milk (or your favorite plant-based milk for a vegan option), I personally find them absolutely divine when served warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, fudgy cookie, melty chocolate, and cool vanilla creates an unforgettable dessert experience. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to an afternoon coffee or tea, offering a sophisticated yet comforting treat. Whether you’re enjoying them as a guilt-free indulgence or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to impress.
Minty Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from BabyCakes NYC
These delightful cookies are gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan-friendly, offering a rich, brownie-like texture with a refreshing mint twist. A perfect guilt-free indulgence!
Ingredients
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1
cup
coconut oil, softened -
1
cup
agave nectar -
1/3
cup
unsweetened applesauce -
1/2
cup
unsweetened cocoa powder -
1
teaspoon
salt -
2
tablespoons
pure vanilla extract -
1 1/2
cups
Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free all-purpose baking flour -
1/4
cup
flax meal -
1 1/2
teaspoons
xanthan gum -
2
tablespoons
finely chopped fresh mint leaves -
1
teaspoon
peppermint extract -
1
cup
semi-sweet chocolate chips
(use vegan, if desired, or adjust for sweetness preference)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened coconut oil, agave nectar, unsweetened applesauce, rich cocoa powder, salt, and pure vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well integrated. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, flax meal, baking soda, and xanthan gum until they are evenly distributed.
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Using a sturdy rubber spatula, gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix carefully until a cohesive dough begins to form. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cookie. Once the dough is formed, fold in the finely chopped fresh mint leaves along with the peppermint extract. Stir gently until the mint flavors are well incorporated throughout the dough. Finally, delicately fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred type) until they are evenly distributed, adding bursts of chocolate to every bite.
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Using a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons), portion out the dough and place each mound onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure that each cookie is spaced at least one inch apart to allow for proper spreading during baking. Gently press down on each dough mound with the heel of your hand or the smooth bottom of a glass or measuring cup to flatten them into uniform discs. This step helps achieve the perfect cookie shape and ensures even baking.
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Bake the cookies on the center rack of your preheated oven for approximately 14 minutes. For even baking, rotate the tray(s) 180 degrees after about 9 minutes. The cookies will be perfectly baked when their edges appear slightly crispy, yet their centers remain delightfully soft and fudgy. Remove them promptly from the oven once done.
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Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up and prevents them from breaking apart when transferred. While they are truly best served warm, if you plan to save them for later, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once entirely cool, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness.
These gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan-friendly mint double chocolate chip cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of mindful indulgence. With their rich, chewy texture reminiscent of a brownie and the refreshing burst of mint, they truly offer a delightful experience for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy these guilt-free treats that prove healthy eating can be incredibly delicious!
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