Five ingredient gluten free Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are packed with Andes mints for a perfect holiday treat!
My name is Annie and I am officially a podcast junkie. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?
Previously, I listened to the radio in my office while I worked but about 8 months ago I decided I needed some variety. A friend mentioned some podcast called Serial and thought I would give it a go. I listened to the entire series in two days.
(If you haven’t listened to it stop reading this and go listen right now!) Like the rest of the world, I was totally hooked on the story and a newfound love for Sarah Koenig (I could listen to her read the phonebook I swear!)
I started binge listening to all sorts of other podcasts, and now it is the only way I can work. I really like This American Life because they cover so many topics. They make me laugh, make me cry, and often totally opens my eyes to something I didn’t really know about.
I have them on when I am writing, photographing, cooking, basically all the time. I have always loved a good story, so it is really easy for me to get engrossed in something. That is just what I was doing when I made these Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!
What ingredients do you need for Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
This recipe only requires five simple ingredients. We choose a gluten free base since we have dietary restrictions, but you can easily make them with gluten if you wish. The ingredients you need are:
- 1 (15 ounce box) chocolate gluten free cake mix
- Eggs
- Canola oil
- Butter
- Andes mints
How do you make cake mix cookies?
You may have heard of cake mix cookies, but if you have never made them, they are the perfect shortcut for easy homemade cookies. The flour, sugar, baking powder, etc are already measured out so all you have to add are eggs, fat and whatever add ins you like. In this case, I am using chocolate cake mix and Andes mints.
These cookies only require a bowl and a spatula, no electric mixer! I do prefer to bake them on my favorite silicone baking sheets because I think it prevents over baking and assures the cookies never stick.
What are good cookie add-ins, mix-ins, & toppings?
This is an excellent base recipe, and you can use it to make any number of delicious cookies! You could make a little variety box of cookies by splitting the basic chocolate cookie recipe into 3 even amounts, then adding 1/3 cup of whatever add-in you like! Here are some of my favorites (besides Andes peppermints):
- Chocolate chips/chunks–Dark, milk, white, whatever you prefer!
- Butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, espresso chips, etc.
- Nuts–Peanuts, pecans, macadamia, pistachios, etc.
- Candy–M&M’s, Reese’s, Butterfinger, any non-hard candy you like!
- Salty bites–Potato chips, bacon, or pretzels might sound weird, but the salty-sweet flavor is divine!
- Cereal–Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, etc.
- Crushed Cookies–Oreos, Nutter Butters, shortbread, etc.
- Dried goods–Coconut flakes or all types of chopped dried fruit (maybe even chocolate-covered dried fruit?) make for good chewy add-ins.
- Sauce or Syrup–These would be best added as toppings AFTER baking, otherwise it may mess with your cooking times. If you don’t want to add too much sugar to an already sugar-filled cookie, try this delicious Keto Caramel Sauce or Sugar Free Strawberry Sauce!
I find that 1 cup of add-ins gives me just the right amount for 12 cookies.
Cookie Bar Party Idea:
Need a fun activity for a sleepover or party? Let each person make their own customized cookies! Make this basic recipe, but don’t add any toppings. Separate the cookie dough into 6 containers (or however many people you have), then let each person pick their own mix-ins and toppings.
If divided into 6 containers, each person would get two perfect cookies. If you want to add more variety, you could make more cookie dough using different cake mixes. Vanilla, red velvet, whatever you like!
As long as the cookies are the same size, they should still need roughly the same cooking time. Because of this, you can still cook them all together on the same baking sheet for your convenience!
Other easy gluten-free dessert recipes:
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies {gluten free}
Five ingredient gluten free Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are packed with Andes mints for a perfect holiday treat!
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce box) chocolate gluten free cake mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped Andes mints
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and butter until a thick cookie batter forms. Fold in the Andes mints.
- Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray and roll the dough into golf ball size balls.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- BE CAREFUL not to over bake. Allow cookies to cool on a cooling rack, not on the pan to avoid over baking.
Notes
For a double chocolate version switch out chocolate chips for the mints.
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Brianna says
I don’t have pintrest! Can I still enter your giveaway? It won’t let me proceed without it!
Annie Holmes says
Hi Brianna, you can try again and it will let you enter without Pinterest now. 🙂
Brianna says
Thank you! I’ve done 4 different entries, but the tracker only shows 2! Sorry for all my glitches!
Annie Holmes says
Hi Brianna, thanks for letting me know! It looks like FB is being glitchy and they were the problem. I went ahead and took it off so nobody else has the same issue. I am showing four entries for you on my end, one is your contact info, two fb follows and an instagram so you are all good! 🙂
Good luck!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
These cookies look SO delicious – love the chocolate and mint!! And you already know how obsessed with Serial I am 🙂 the second one needs to come out already! I’m getting impatient.
Annie Holmes says
YESSS!!! I NEED it!
Brianna @Flippin' Delicious says
I love that you made gluten-free cake mix cookies. I just love the addition of the andes mints!
Annie Holmes says
I looooove andes mints!! They are addictive! Thanks Brianna!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
YUMMO, I love peppermint and dark chocolate! These cookies look great!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Cindy!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I just started listening to this American Life and I’m hooked! And I really hope the second season of Serial starts soon! These cookies look delicious, Annie! I love the combination of dark chocolate and mint. What a fun treat for the holidays!
Annie Holmes says
Have you listened to the Harper High School one? There are two parts to it, you should listen to it! It brought me to tears!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
My husband is a podcast junkie as well, and he has been telling me I need to get on board. Hearing you rave about it makes me want to give it a try next time I am in the kitchen… hopefully baking up some of these delicious cookies! These look amazing, girlfriend! LOVE that it uses cake mix!!! Give me convenience and ease all the time! Plus andies mints?! YES. Just YAAHHHSS! Perfect! Cheers!
Annie Holmes says
Yes do it!!! Now that I work from home I CANNOT turn the TV on, I just can’t. I get nothing done! But I can totally work with podcasts on! You will get hooked in no time! 🙂
marcie says
I have never listened to a podcast — can you believe it? I should try that while I make these cookies, too — I’m all about chocolate and peppermint this time of year! And this giveaway is fabulous…it’s going up tomorrow on my post. 🙂
Annie Holmes says
Hurray! Thanks Marcie!! I can’t believe you haven’t listened to Serial since we have all raved about it so much, you would enjoy it I think!
Nora | Savory Nothings says
I binge-listen to Burnt Toast from food52 while cleaning. I’m hoping the side effect will be my daughter growing up to be the next big star on the foodie sky, hahaha! I love the cookies, Annie! I’m all in favour of chocolate mint treats, and I love how easy yours are to make!
Annie Holmes says
I haven’t listened to those! I know it sounds crazy but I haven’t gotten into the foodie ones much, I know that is crazy!! I guess I just think about food SO MUCH that it is kind of nice to have a break from it. But I will check those two out!! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These cookies look fabulous- pinning!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Medha!
Colette says
Annie, as a chocolate lover, these cookies are right up my alley!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Colette! 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I might have to check out that podcast. 🙂
These cookies look amazing. We have to eat Andes mints every December. 🙂
Annie Holmes says
Yes you really should!! It is addictive!!
Danielle says
Ever since you told me about Serial, I’ve been a total podcast junkie! I don’t even know how I made it this far in life without podcasts. I’m dying for season 2 of Serial to come out too! I’m also loving these cookies too, cake mix cookies are the best!
Annie Holmes says
I KNOW!!! WHERE IS SEASON TWO?!
My husband doesn’t get my obsession at all, I am so glad someone else shares it too!! 🙂
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
I’ve never made cookies with a cake mix – such a fun and easy “cheat” recipe!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Alisa! 🙂
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
My husband has been getting into podcasts on his walk to work, but I need to get on board! And I LOVE how easy these gluten free cookies are! Gluten free baking can be so intimidating so this is perfect. And chocolate and peppermint is one of my favorite combos.
Annie Holmes says
They really do make time fly by. I had a “deep cleaning” day earlier this week and I blew through several podcast episodes while I was cleaning and it seemed like time went by so quick! I think you would like them! 🙂
Kelly says
My husband is obsessed with podcasts and I keep telling myself I need to start listening to some. These cookies look amazing! The cake mix is so fun! Love the dark chocolate and peppermint combo!
Annie Holmes says
Dooooo it!! They are addictive!
Patti says
Could I use coconut oil as a substitute for the canola oil? I can’t wait to try these!!!!
Annie Holmes says
Hi Patti, yes I am sure that would work just fine! 🙂
jules says
Oh me! me! Me! Pick me! hehehe – I LOVE this items from Gin Kitchen. I even wrote about the tablet board in my recipe post on great gluten-free gifts for foodies! So rustic and yet, so functional for the modern kitchen! Oh, and your cookies look fan-tabulous, too!
Happy to be doing this Blogger Cookie Exchange with you, Annie!
~jules
Sharon says
Do the cookies spread a lot — if so, am I looking at a dozen per sheet? Love the idea of using cake mix for a change. Thanks for coming up with the recipe.
Annie Holmes says
Hi Sharon! I do bake 12 per cookie sheet. They don’t spread a ton, but a bit. I will clarify the directions! 🙂
Lindsey | Cafe Johnsonia says
Andes mints are one of my favorites! It never occurred to me to make GF cake mix cookies! Brilliant. 🙂
Elle @ Only Taste Matters says
I’m obsessed with chocolate and mint! Thank you for contributing to my delinquency!
Martha says
I’ve made these cookies for years before I learned I have celiac. But my recipe also called for dry roasted peanuts and coconut. I’m going to look for the gf cake mix and try to make them gf to see how they turn out!
Annie Holmes says
That sounds delicious!! I need to try it with coconut and peanuts! 🙂 I have made these with the Glutino Cake Mix and the Betty Crocker GF Chocolate mix and they were both great!
Amy Stafford says
These look like a chocolate and peppermint lovers dream!
Amanda says
Just in time for the holidays. I cant wait to make these!!
Dorothy Reinhold says
My favortie holiday flavors are peppermint and chocolate. I will be adding these to my holiday baking this year!
Vikki says
These cookies were so yummy, immediately made another batch because everyone loved them!
Kimberly says
Oh, I’ve got to try these, I love how easy they are and they look so good!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies would disappear in our house!
Catalina says
These cookies are exactly what I need for my afternoon tea!
Beth says
I’m just now starting to tune into podcast. Irie Lemon Podcast is ran by a blogger and a friend of hers. It is pretty motivational and contains some self help material concerning small business owners like us bloggers! These cookies look amazing!