Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent dessert packed with rich chocolate chips, cool mint flavor, and a buttery, chewy cookie base. With a soft center and crisp edges, these bars offer a refreshing twist on traditional cookie bars—perfect for holidays, parties, or any mint-chocolate craving. The “loaded” aspect comes from an abundance of mix-ins like mint candies, dark chocolate chunks, and crushed cookies, making each bite uniquely delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
peppermint extract
vanilla extract
green food coloring (optional)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
mint chocolate chips or chopped mint candies
dark chocolate chunks
crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add peppermint and vanilla extracts. Mix until well combined.

Add green food coloring if desired and mix until evenly tinted.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.

Fold in the chocolate chips, mint chips or candies, dark chocolate chunks, and crushed cookies.

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10–25 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
Use white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a mint glaze.
Make them festive with colored sprinkles for holidays.

storage/reheating

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger—use it sparingly.

What’s the best way to crush cookies for this recipe?
Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them evenly.

Do I have to use food coloring?
No, it’s optional and just for visual appeal.

Can I use a smaller baking pan?
Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

Why are my bars too dry?
Avoid overbaking and measure flour correctly to prevent dryness.

Can I skip the sandwich cookies?
Yes, you can leave them out or replace them with chopped nuts or another favorite add-in.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or a larger sheet pan and adjust time as needed.

What type of mint candies work best?
Andes mints, chopped peppermint patties, or mint chocolate chips are great choices.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute for all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

Loaded Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an indulgent, flavorful treat combining everything you love about cookies and brownies with a refreshing minty twist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying a batch for yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Rich, chewy, and packed with texture, they’re a must-try for mint chocolate lovers.