CopyCat Girl Scout Mint Cookies

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position a rack in the center. While the oven heats, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, cooking oil, and cocoa in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until fully incorporated; the mixture will be very sticky and thick.

2. Step 2.

   Let the dough stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly. Meanwhile, prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

3. Step 3.

   After the dough has rested, shape it into very small balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

4. Step 4.

   Spray the back of a large spoon with cooking spray (such as Pam) and use it to smash each dough ball down flat. Re-spray the spoon as needed to prevent sticking.

5. Step 5.

   Bake the cookies for about 8 minutes, until they are set and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet until they reach room temperature.

6. Step 6.

   While the cookies cool, melt the chocolate chips either in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, or in a double boiler over simmering water. Once completely melted and smooth, add a couple drops of mint flavoring, being careful not to add too much as it is a powerful flavor. Stir well.

7. Step 7.

   Once the cookies are cool, spread the melted chocolate on top of each cookie or dip the cookies into the chocolate. If dipping, allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the cookies back on the parchment or a wire rack to set.