The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies
Ah, the holiday season! It’s truly the most wonderful — and often the most wonderfully chaotic — time of the year. Between bustling schedules, last-minute gift runs, and trying to squeeze in all the festive fun, it can sometimes be hard to find that perfect balance. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there’s always one thing that brings warmth and cheer to any home: the aroma of freshly baked cookies. And nothing quite captures the spirit of the season like a batch of incredibly soft, gloriously fudgy, and delightfully cool Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies. Imagine your favorite chocolate cookie married with a refreshing mint candy center – pure bliss in every bite!
Like many of you, I sometimes struggle to fully embrace the holiday spirit when life gets extra busy. Just recently, I was caught up in a whirlwind, and before I knew it, the festive decorations were still tucked away. Thankfully, my youngest son, with his boundless energy and keen eye, took it upon himself to remedy the situation! He managed to unearth all our Christmas treasures, a feat I was particularly grateful for since my husband had, quite unintentionally, blocked access to our decoration storage with a file cabinet. Leave it to a nimble 8-year-old to save the day and kickstart our holiday cheer!
Why These Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have
These Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies aren’t just any cookies; they’re a cherished part of our family’s holiday traditions. They were the very first cookie I added to our annual baking repertoire, and they’ve been a beloved staple ever since. My kids practically count down the days until we make them! The moment they spot thin mints alongside our holiday candy, the chorus of “When are we making the mint crinkles?” begins. And for good reason! This recipe is fantastic for baking with children. The steps are straightforward, engaging, and result in a treat everyone will adore.
The magic starts with a rich chocolate dough, rolled into perfect little balls, then generously coated in powdered sugar. This sugary blanket isn’t just for looks; it creates that iconic “crinkle” effect as the cookies bake, revealing a beautiful contrast of deep chocolate and snowy white. But the real showstopper happens right after they come out of the oven: a delicate mint is gently pressed into the center of each warm cookie, melting slightly to form a gooey, refreshing core. It’s a moment of culinary alchemy that transforms a great cookie into an extraordinary one. For more festive baking ideas, don’t forget to check out my chocolate orange shortbread cookies too!
Choosing the Perfect Mints for Your Crinkles
When it comes to the “mint middle” of these delightful fudge crinkles, the choice of mint candy is quite important. I typically reach for Zachary brand thin mints, which are conveniently available at Dollar General for about a dollar a box. You’ll need two boxes to complete a full batch of these cookies. However, don’t feel limited to a specific brand! Other options, like Necco thin mints, work just as beautifully and can be found at various grocery stores.
The key isn’t the brand itself, but rather the *size and thickness* of the mints. For optimal results, look for chocolate mints that are relatively thin – thinner than a mini York Peppermint Patty – and approximately an inch (or slightly less) in diameter. This specific size ensures the mint melts perfectly into the center of your cookie without becoming overly dominant or making the cookie difficult to handle. A thin mint melts into a smooth, creamy layer, creating that luscious “middle fudge” effect that makes these crinkles so irresistible.
Secrets to Achieving Perfect Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies
While the recipe for these crinkle cookies is wonderfully straightforward, a few tips can elevate your baking experience and guarantee truly spectacular results:
- The Dough Consistency: The recipe calls for a “stiff dough,” which is essential for handling and achieving the right crinkle texture. If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it for 15-30 minutes. This will make it much easier to roll into uniform balls.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the confectioners’ sugar! A generous roll ensures a beautiful, distinct crinkle pattern. For an extra snowy effect, you can even do a double roll – once before baking, and then a lighter dusting on the cooled cookies (though not strictly necessary for the crinkle itself).
- Precision Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. Crinkle cookies are prone to drying out if overbaked. They should be just set at the edges, with a slightly soft center. Remember, they’ll continue to set a bit as they cool.
- Immediate Mint Press: This is crucial! As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, while they are still piping hot and soft, gently press a thin mint into the center of each one. The residual heat will soften and melt the mint, creating that perfect fudgy, creamy core. If you wait too long, the cookies will firm up, and the mint won’t meld as nicely.
- Cooling Properly: After pressing in the mints, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents breakage. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and allowing the chocolate mint center to set.
Why a Cake Mix Base?
Using a Devil’s Food cake mix as the base for these cookies is a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It simplifies the ingredient list and significantly cuts down on prep time, making these cookies perfect for busy bakers or those new to the kitchen. The cake mix provides a consistent, deeply chocolatey flavor and a wonderfully fudgy texture that’s hard to beat. Combined with shortening, which helps keep the cookies tender and moist, you get an incredibly satisfying bite every time.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the fudgy chocolate and mint center to be perfectly soft. They make an exquisite addition to any holiday cookie platter, a delightful treat for school lunches, or a much-appreciated homemade gift.
To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Mint Middle Fudge Crinkles
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Ingredients
- 1 box devils food cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 boxes thin mints
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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Combine the cake mix, shortening, eggs and water to make a stiff dough.
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Roll the cookie dough into 1 inch balls and then roll each ball through the confectioners sugar.
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Place 2-3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
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Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully press one mint into the center of each cookie.
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Let rest for 2 minutes on the tray and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
A Festive Treat for Every Occasion
Whether you’re looking for the perfect cookie to impress at a holiday party, a fun baking project with the kids, or simply a sweet escape for yourself, these Mint Middle Fudge Crinkle Cookies are an absolute winner. Their delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint makes them a standout, and the ease of the recipe ensures you’ll be baking them year after year. So, embrace the joy of holiday baking and treat yourself and your loved ones to these extraordinary cookies. Happy baking!