I still remember the first time I baked these fudgy Grasshopper Cookies — the way the mint-infused chocolate aroma filled my kitchen was just heavenly. It was a chilly afternoon, and my kids had just come home from school, looking for a snack that felt like a soft hug. I wanted something quick but special, and this fudgy Grasshopper Cookies recipe fit the bill perfectly. The cookies came out soft and fudgy, with just the right balance of mint and chocolate, like a little festive treat that made our simple afternoon feel magical.
Now, these fudgy Grasshopper Cookies aren’t just any cookies; they’ve become a staple in our home, especially around the holidays. I remember the first couple of batches didn’t quite hit the spot. I was aiming for the perfect fudgy chocolate dessert texture with a lively mint flavor, but they ended up a little dry or too thin. After a few tweaks—like adding a bit more butter and using crushed mint chocolate candies instead of just extracts—the softness and fudginess hit just right. It’s funny how a simple ingredient swap can transform the entire Grasshopper cookie recipe! If you ever felt like your mint chocolate cookies needed to be softer or more indulgent, these soft fudgy cookies will definitely cheer you up.
These days, between managing work, shuttling the kids around, and just everyday life, I find making fudgy Grasshopper Cookies the perfect way to sneak in a sweet moment without too much stress. I bake a batch on Sunday afternoons or whenever I feel the need for a minty chocolate pick-me-up. And the best part? The recipe is straightforward, and even if you’re rushing, you can sneak in some shortcuts (like pre-chopped chocolate or quick melting methods) and still get those luscious mint-infused chocolate cookies everyone raves about.
If you’ve been hunting for a fudgy Grasshopper Cookies recipe that balances soft textures with rich mint-chocolate flavor, you’re about to make a new family favorite — just like I did. Stick with me through the ingredients, step-by-step guide, and all my little tips. I promise, by the end of this, your kitchen will smell just like mine does when these soft fudgy cookies come out of the oven — irresistible!
And hey, if you’re curious about other soft deserts, you might enjoy these easy cream cheese cookies that also bring some softness to the cookie game.
INGREDIENTS:

Before diving into making the perfect fudgy Grasshopper Cookies, it’s important to gather your ingredients carefully—I always say that’s half the battle won. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – I always use real butter for that rich fudgy chocolate dessert texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – plain sugar works best to get the right balance without overpowering the mint.
- 2 large eggs – helps keep the cookies soft and holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – because vanilla amplifies that mint flavor so nicely.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – sifted, to keep those cookies tender.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – pick a good quality cocoa, and I like to buy mine in bulk at the store to save money.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed mint chocolate candies or chopped mint chocolate – this is the star for those mint chocolate cookies moments.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional but recommended) for an extra pop of mint.
When shopping for ingredients for fudgy Grasshopper Cookies, look for quality cocoa and fresh peppermint extract—it makes a noticeable difference. I usually pick up my mint chocolate candies during the winter holidays because many stores put them on sale. This trick helps keep costs down, especially if you’re like me and make these soft fudgy cookies in big batches.
Speaking of shortcuts, you don’t have to crush your mint chocolates by hand every time. I keep a jar of pre-crushed mint chocolate morsels in the freezer—it saves a ton of time on busy days when I want to whip up this mint-infused chocolate cookies treat with no fuss.
If you ever find yourself with leftover ingredients, most of these, like flour and cocoa powder, store well for months when kept in airtight containers—the butter, of course, belongs in the fridge until ready to use. And for more fun with cookies, check out this chewy fudge cookies recipe. It’s another winner if you love a fudgy chocolate dessert.
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:
Alright, now the fun part—making the fudgy Grasshopper Cookies come to life in your kitchen. Let’s walk through it step-by-step, and I’ll share the little tips I picked up along the way so your cookies come out perfectly soft and fudgy every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step means no sticky fingers scrubbing pans later, trust me.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. I like using a hand mixer here because it gives the dough a smoother texture — don’t worry if your arm feels tired; it’s worth it for those soft fudgy cookies!
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract if you’re using it. These extracts elevate your mint-infused chocolate cookies experience so nicely; it’s a little secret I don’t skip.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sifting these together before mixing them in helps make the dough smoother, a trick I learned making fudgy Grasshopper Cookies last holiday season.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix here; a few streaks are okay because it keeps those soft fudgy cookies from toughening up.
- Fold in the 1 cup crushed mint chocolate candies. This step is where your fudgy Grasshopper Cookies start to get their signature mint chocolate crunch—so dreamy!
- Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I usually wet my spoon or hands with water to stop dough from sticking because that saved me many “stuck on the spoon” mishaps with these mint-infused chocolate cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching closely. Your fudgy Grasshopper Cookies should smell like warm mint chocolate—if they start to look cracked on top but still soft, they’re ready. In my kitchen, it typically takes closer to 11 minutes for perfect fudgy softness.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Taking them off too soon can cause them to crumble, and leaving them too long on the pan can overcook—finding that sweet spot with these fudgy Grasshopper Cookies was my personal “aha” moment in the kitchen!
While the fudgy Grasshopper Cookies are baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or brew a cup of tea—nothing like the smell of mint chocolate cookies to keep you company. If you want some troubleshooting tips or alternative techniques, this Chocolate Fudge Mint Cookies – Bitz & Giggles post has some great tips to customize those.
And before you head to the oven, remember that fudgy Grasshopper Cookies will continue softening as they cool—that’s how you know you nailed that fudgy chocolate dessert texture.
SERVING:

Once your fudgy Grasshopper Cookies have cooled, it’s time for the best part: enjoying them! Our family especially loves these mint chocolate cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. The soft fudgy cookies pair perfectly with creamy drinks because the mint-infused chocolate flavor gently refreshes your palate.
These fudgy Grasshopper Cookies make a fantastic holiday treat, but honestly, we’ve enjoyed them just as much on random weeknights when we want to feel a little festive. I like to serve them on a pretty plate dusted with a pinch of powdered sugar for an extra touch of charm, especially when we have guests over. Presentation really makes a difference, and guess what—kids especially love helping me arrange the cookies, making it a fun family activity.
If there are leftovers (rare, but it happens), a neat little trick is chopping them up and sprinkling over vanilla ice cream for an easy mint chocolate cookies dessert twist. Sometimes, I layer crumbled fudgy Grasshopper Cookies into parfaits with whipped cream and fresh berries—a scrumptious way to stretch that mint-infused chocolate goodness.
We’ve also mixed things up seasonally: around St. Patrick’s Day, I add green food coloring to the batter or swap in some mint frosting for a festive spin, inspired by this lovely community’s Festive Saint Patrick’s Day brownies with mint frosting.
Friends who’ve tasted this Grasshopper cookie recipe always ask for the secret. They say nothing beats how soft and fudgy this chocolate dessert is, especially with that cool mint surprise in every bite. If you want to see how these soft fudgy cookies stack up next to other cookie experiences, I’d recommend checking out the raspberry cheesecake thumbprint cookies for a fruity cousin on the cookie block.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint chocolate candies in fudgy Grasshopper Cookies?
Absolutely! You know what I do when my fudge candies are low? I double down on peppermint extract for that mint-infused chocolate punch. Just be careful—peppermint extract is strong, so start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste. My family prefers the candy pieces though; they add great texture.
Q2: How do I keep my fudgy Grasshopper Cookies soft and not dry?
This was a struggle in my early cookie days. The trick I learned is not overbaking and always checking the cookies at the 10-minute mark. Also, make sure to use softened (not melted) butter. I’ve had readers confirm that storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread keeps them super soft.
Q3: Can I freeze this Grasshopper cookie recipe dough?
Yes! I love to batch-make the dough and freeze portions. When ready to bake, just pop them on your cookie sheet and add a minute or two to baking time. This shortcut saved my sanity more than once.
Q4: What makes fudgy Grasshopper Cookies different from other mint chocolate cookies?
Well, these are a fudgy chocolate dessert with a distinct mint chocolate candy mix-in, giving them a denser, softer texture than your typical crispy mint chocolate cookie. The combination of cocoa powder and crushed mint chocolates really makes them unique.
Q5: Can I substitute dark chocolate for cocoa powder in the recipe?
You can swap the cocoa powder for melted dark chocolate, but be careful to reduce the butter slightly since the chocolate adds fat. I tried this once, but my family preferred the original fudgy Grasshopper Cookies for its tender crumb.
Q6: Any tips for busy families making mint-infused chocolate cookies?
For sure! Use pre-crushed mint chocolates or even mini mint chips. You can also prepare the dough the night before and bake fresh cookies after dinner—a lifesaver on hectic days.
Q7: Do you recommend any other similar recipes to try after these fudgy Grasshopper Cookies?
If you love soft, fudgy chocolate treats, you might want to try chewy fudge cookies for a slightly different chocolate fix. And for something with tangy fruit flair, the raspberry cheesecake thumbprint cookies are a fantastic follow-up.
For more questions or tips from the cookie community, you might find this post on What is the recipe for fudgy grasshopper cookies? helpful—they have great advice and variations shared by other cookie lovers.
My Final Thoughts:
This fudgy Grasshopper Cookies recipe isn’t just about a fancy mint chocolate cookie—it’s about creating moments with my family around the kitchen table, sharing the warmth and little joys that come with soft fudgy cookies. It has this magical way of turning an ordinary afternoon into something special, all wrapped up in a fudgy chocolate dessert that’s bursting with minty freshness. Honestly, it holds a special place in my heart because it’s tied to laughter, cozy winter evenings, and sometimes even a little kitchen mess that my kids and I clean up together.
My fudgy Grasshopper Cookies Pro Tips:
– Always use softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
– Don’t skimp on the crushed mint chocolates—they add the perfect mint crunch.
– Keep an eye on baking time; underbake slightly for softer, fudgier cookies.
Over the years, we’ve tried variations like adding white chocolate chips or swirling a mint glaze on top. My husband loves them extra chocolatey, whereas my daughter is all about the mint frosting addition. This recipe is so versatile; I hope you’ll find your own family favorites too.
If you decide to make this fudgy Grasshopper Cookies your own, just remember to have fun with it—mix, match, and taste as you go. I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures. And if you love these soft fudgy cookies, don’t miss out on these delightful easy cream cheese cookies for a creamy twist on traditional cookies.
Wishing you a warm kitchen, joyful baking, and many happy bites of your fudgy Grasshopper Cookies!
fudgy Grasshopper Cookies
These fudgy Grasshopper Cookies combine rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors into chewy, decadent treats perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are set but still fudgy in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra minty punch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle with more crushed peppermint candies.

