National Chocolate Mint Day (February 19)

ByClare Brown Updated on
Stack of green mint macarons filled with chocolate cream

National Chocolate Mint Day is celebrated every year on February 19, and honestly, it’s one of the easier holidays to get behind.

Chocolate and mint is one of those combinations people either absolutely love or politely avoid, but if you’re in the fan club, this day is for you.

From classic treats like Thin Mints and York Peppermint Patties to homemade desserts and drinks, there are so many ways to enjoy this refreshing flavor pairing. It’s also a great excuse to try something new if you usually stick to plain chocolate.

When is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated every year on February 19, making it the perfect excuse to indulge in minty chocolate treats.

Who Invented It?

The holiday was created by the National Confectioners Association, the same group behind several other candy-themed holidays.

While no one knows exactly why February 19 was chosen, it’s likely meant to celebrate one of the most popular flavor combinations in the candy world.

The History of the Holiday

Chocolate and mint have been paired together for centuries, but it didn’t always look the way it does today.

Ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans drank cacao as a bitter beverage mixed with spices. When chocolate made its way to Europe, sugar and herbs like mint were added to soften the flavor.

By the early 1900s, chocolate mint candies became commercially popular. Brands like Huyler’s in New York helped bring mint chocolates to the mainstream.

Later, iconic treats like the York Peppermint Patty (1940s) and Girl Scout Thin Mints (1950s) turned chocolate mint into a household favorite.

chocolate brownies with mint

Top 5 Chocolate Mint Facts

  1. Thin Mints are the best-selling Girl Scout cookie every year
  2. Mint chocolate chip ice cream was invented in 1973 for a royal wedding
  3. There’s an actual plant called “chocolate mint” that smells sweet and minty
  4. York Peppermint Patties were originally marketed as a “cooling” treat
  5. Chocolate and mint were once used for medicinal purposes in ancient cultures

Coloring Page

Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day with a free printable coloring page featuring sweet minty treats, perfect for kids and chocolate lovers alike. It’s a fun screen-free activity for kids while you enjoy your own chocolate mint treat.

National Chocolate Mint Day Coloring Page
Mint Chocolate Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a taste test – Grab a few different mint chocolate treats, cookies, candy bars, ice cream, and rank them with friends or family.
  • Bake something homemade – Try brownies, cookies, or bars with mint extract or Andes mints mixed in. Even a basic boxed mix feels special with a mint twist.
  • Make a mint chocolate drink – Hot chocolate with peppermint extract, mint milkshakes, or even iced mochas all count.
  • Support a local chocolatier – Check if a nearby bakery or chocolate shop has mint specials this time of year.
  • Share the love online – Post your favorite mint chocolate treat and tag it for National Chocolate Mint Day.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

  1. Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie – A refreshing blend of chocolate chips, mint extract, almond milk, and a touch of honey, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
  2. Andes Mint Chocolate Sugar Cookies – Soft and chewy cookies with melted Andes Mints swirled inside, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness.
  3. Mint Oreo Truffles – Crushed mint Oreos mixed with cream cheese, dipped in rich chocolate, and topped with a drizzle of white chocolate.
  4. Grasshopper Pie Ice Cream – A creamy, boozy treat featuring crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and chocolate chips folded into a rich ice cream base.
  5. Classic Grasshopper Drink – A retro mint-chocolate cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream, shaken to perfection.
  6. Mint Chip Edible Cookie Dough – A safe-to-eat cookie dough packed with chocolate chips and fresh mint flavor, perfect for snacking.
  7. Mint Chocolate Oreo Fudge – A five-ingredient fudge recipe that combines the crunch of Oreo cookies with the smoothness of mint-flavored chocolate.
  8. No Bake Mint Chocolate Creme de Menthe Bars – Layered bars featuring a crunchy base, a creamy mint filling, and a smooth chocolate topping.
  9. Vegan Mint Chocolate Tart – A decadent dessert made with a cacao crust and layers of mint-infused dark chocolate ganache.
  10. No Bake Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake – A creamy, mint-flavored cheesecake with chocolate chips and a chocolate cookie crust, requiring no oven time.
chocolate chip smoothie with vanilla ice cream

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Links to Resources

Related Holidays

  • National Hot Chocolate Day (January 31) – A cozy winter holiday that pairs perfectly with this one. Try adding peppermint to your mug for a chocolate mint twist.
  • National Mint Julep Day (May 30) – A refreshing mint-focused holiday that celebrates this classic Southern drink, ideal for warmer weather.
  • National Chocolate Pudding Day (June 26) – Another excuse to enjoy chocolate, whether homemade or store-bought, and experiment with mint toppings.
  • World Chocolate Day (July 7) – A global celebration of all things chocolate, from dark to milk to mint-infused treats.
  • National Ice Cream Day (Third Sunday in July) – The perfect time to highlight mint chocolate chip, one of the most popular ice cream flavors.
  • Milk Chocolate Day (July 28) – A sweeter spin on chocolate celebrations, ideal for those who prefer creamy over dark.

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national chocolate mint day - february 19