Homemade Thin Mints — These homemade Thin Mints require just 4 ingredients, and no one ever guesses what the “secret ingredient” is! Perfect for cookie swaps and potlucks!
Copycat Girl Scout Thin Mints
Thin Mints are those Girl Scout Cookies that I can eat an entire tube of in a sitting. Oh, you too?
I decided to try my hand at a homemade, no-bake, vegan version of Thin Mints. They should be called Thin Mints Cheater’s Mints. No-bake and so easy.
What’s the catch, you’re wondering? Ritz Crackers.
I promise these homemade Thin Mints don’t taste like crackers. The crackers provide a neutral base layer, nice crunch, and are a dead-ringer in size and shape for what will become cookies.
When they’re drenched in mint-flavored chocolate, you won’t know it’s a cracker or care that it started out as a cracker.
These copycat Girl Scout Thin Mints taste incredibly close to the real thing and take all of 15 minutes to make!
Ingredients in Homemade Thin Mints
These homemade chocolate Thin Mint cookies call for just four ingredients:
- Ritz crackers
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Vegetable shortening
- Peppermint extract
How to Make Thin Mints at Home
This is the easiest Thin Mint cookie recipe ever! Here’s an overview of how the no-bake cookies are made:
- Melt the chocolate and shortening.
- Add peppermint extract to the melted chocolate and get ready to dip.
- Place dipped crackers, which I now think of as cookies, on parchment paper. (Food goes from cracker status to cookie status the minute chocolate is involved.)
- Wait for the chocolate to solidify and firm up before digging in.
Baking Tip
I highly recommend adding a tablespoon of shortening for any chocolate dipping projects because it keeps the chocolate smooth, viscous, and much less likely to get that hard-before-you-want-it-to and clumpy consistency.
How to Quickly Firm Up the Chocolate Coating
Because of the shortening, it could take a half hour or more at room temperature for the chocolate to solidify, especially if you decide to do this project on an 80-degree day in the middle of summer without running your air.
Pop the tray in the refrigerator or freezer to speed things up. I like homemade Thin Mints better chilled anyway and store them in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never made these copycat Girl Scout Thin Mints with anything other than peppermint extract, so I can’t say for sure.
I’ve only made this recipe as written, but some readers have reported success using coconut oil or vegetable oil in place of the shortening.
Yes, although semi-sweet chocolate chips are a must if you want to make true Thin Mint copycats.
I’m sure you could easily make these gluten-free by using a gluten-free Ritz Cracker alternative.
There are different kinds of mint extracts available and are labeled as “mint,” “peppermint,” “spearmint,” and more.
For this recipe, I used store-brand (Kroger/Ralph’s) “peppermint extract” sold in a small 1-ounce bottle. Select the version of “mint” you think sounds best as not all types are available in all areas.
Can You Taste That It’s A Ritz Cracker?
In a word, no. No one who has ever tried these ever guesses that it’s a Ritz Cracker.
The only thing that may give it away is that it’s of course golden in color rather than chocolate-colored like real Girl Scout Thin Mints. So after biting in and examining, yes, there are some clues, but if you did it blindfolded, no clues at all.
It’s actually so amazing that the cracker has an extremely similar texture to Thin Mints, and even though you’d think it’s too buttery tasting or too salty, after being dipped in the mint chocolate mixture, the crackers work amazingly well.
I have always made these with the original version of Ritz although now they have a reduced sodium version you could try. The salt content in the regular crackers I find though is perfect with chocolate.
Chocolate always tastes better to me with a hint of salt.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Thin Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for many weeks.
In the freezer, I estimate that these could be kept for 3 to 6 months successfully.
Tips for Making Copycat Thin Mints
Be sure to place the chocolate-dipped crackers onto a parchment paper- or wax paper-lined baking tray. If you don’t line the tray, these cookies will never come off cleanly!
If desired, you can omit the shortening from this recipe. However, you may want to melt the chocolate in batches otherwise it may harden up before you can dip all the crackers into it.
Lastly, note that mint extract is much, much more potent than vanilla extract. 1 teaspoon of mint extract has an extreme amount of potency compared with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
You cannot un-do mint once it’s added so be very, very careful to not over do it and end up with a bottle of Listerine-tasting food.
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Homemade Thin Mints
Ingredients
- 18 Ritz Crackers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening, optional but recommended
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract*
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper; set aside. Clear out a spot in your refrigerator or freezer to accommodate baking sheet.
- In a shallow microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening (the shortening helps the chocolate stay smooth when using it for dipping; it prevents that thick and gloppy, chocolate getting hard before you want it to phenomenon) and heat for 1 minute on high power to melt. Stir and heat in 10- to 15-second bursts until chocolate can be stirred very smooth.
- To the melted chocolate add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract* and stir. If you prefer it mintier, add another 1/4 teaspoon. I used 3/4 teaspoon in total, but because all brands and taste preferences differ, taste your chocolate and add peppermint to taste.
- Add 1 cracker to the chocolate, coat it, and remove it by lightly scooping it up from the underside with a fork, allowing excess chocolate to drain off through fork tines. Place cracker on parchment and repeat with all remaining crackers. If necessary, re-heat the chocolate in 10- to 15-second bursts if it starts getting too firm for smooth dipping.
- After all crackers have been dipped, place baking sheet in refrigerator. Although these will solidify at room temperature, the shortening in the chocolate lengthens the amount of time that will take; the fridge or freezer helps speed it up.
- Store extra Thin Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for many weeks. In the freezer, I estimate that these could be kept for 3 to 6 months successfully.
Notes
- *Note: Mint extract is much, much more potent than vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon of mint extract has an extreme amount of potency compared with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. You cannot un-do mint once added so be very, very careful to not over-do it and end up with a bottle of Listerine-tasting food.
- There are different kinds of mint extracts available and are labeled as “mint, “peppermint”, “spearmint” and more. For this recipe I used store-brand (Kroger/Ralph’s) “peppermint extract” sold in a small 1 ounce bottle. Select the version of “mint” you think sounds best as not all types are available in all areas.
- Recipe inspiration from Kraft.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More Mint Dessert Recipes:
Peppermint Patty Chocolate Cookies — These cookies are fudgy and full of rich chocolate flavor thanks to both cocoa powder and chocolate chips. There are peppermint patties on the top for a burst of minty fresh flavor.
The Best Peppermint Chocolate Cake — I love this cake because it’s a fast, easy, one-bowl, no-mixer recipe that delivers amazing results every time without being fussy or complicated. The cake is soft, moist, decadently chocolaty, and perfectly pepperminty!
Fudgy Mint Chocolate Brookies — Chocolate and mint are a match made in holiday baking heaven. Especially when the result is a brookie: part rich, fudgy brownie with chewy edges; part soft and chewy chocolate cookie.
Andes Mint Brownies — The brownies have a box of 28 Andes diced and stirred into the batter, and another box of 28 mints that are diced on top. If you like mint, you’re going love these!
Chocolate Chip Andes Mint Cookies— These quadruple chocolate Andes mint cookies are big, bakery-style cookies that are rich, not overly sweet, and loaded with chocolate and mint chips.
Candy Cane Blossom Sugar Cookies — We’ve all had Peanut Butter Blossoms and these cookies are the holiday version The cookies are soft, chewy, covered in red sprinkles and there’s a Candy Cane Hershey Kiss in the center.
Triple Layer Fudgy Mint Oreo Brownies — These layered brownies are loaded with rich textures and flavors, from the dense fudgy brownies layer, to the soft, fluffy minty layer, with oodles of crushed Mint Oreos throughout.
Originally published July 29, 2012 and republished March 4, 2020 with updated text.
Genius! These look so amazing, I have to make them asap! I LOVE your creme de menthe bars, they are one of my favorite recipes of yours. Ok, off to the store! ;)
awww, thanks, kelli! between those bars and the peanut flour cookies, you dusted off some antiques :)
I love mint anytime of year, even though it’s my favorite (for good reason) during the holidays. But it just makes sense now since mint is so refreshing when the temps rise. Love how easy this recipe is–Ritz crackers seriously rock, especially when dipped in chocolate!
this is your kinda recipe – shortcuts, easy, no fuss! love all your stuff like that!
Love thin mints. I too could eat a whole package in one sitting. This is such a clever recipe Averie! I am compelled to go out and get some ritz crackers today!!
hope you DO get some Ritz and happy chocolate dipping :)
This looks like such a cool recipe! I always love recipes that are replicas of store bought ones. I’m just wondering how you make it in 80 degree heat without air.
For like 1 hour it’s warm; the rest of the time, coastal breeze is nice & cool!
OMG! What a great idea. I love thin mints and never would have thought to use crackers! So easy and fun to make. I bet the ritz provide just a hint of salt too. Mmmmm!
Just a smidge and if you want less, they sell the low salt Ritz, too!
I had these at Christmas time last year and I loved them! They really do taste like thin mints, and I’ve tried several “copycat” recipes. Some were a little closer to the real deal holyfield, but you know what? These are WAY WAY easier and for the time and energy savings AND not having to bake? I’d make these before any other version.
Now, to find me some gluten free Ritz. Man, I love Ritz. With peanut butter. Or chocolate.
Ritz will always remind me of a midwestern cheese platter too. WIth sliced cheddar and summer sausage. Not a family gathering goes by without that tray. And it is a neverending tray too – full for the whole gathering – it’s an appetizer, a side dish, and a late-night, after-dinner snack.
Random comment….sorry. ;)
love the random comment and yes ritz is such a midwestern snack – as I was looking thru my recipes, I realized I have more than my share or use them as condiments/garnishes in lots! Tricuits and Ritz and Wheat Thins. That’s my childhood!
And yes, for the time/effort/hassle/ vs. taste/end result…this version trumps all. Yes, you could make & roll out choc shortbread-style cookies and maybe they’re a tiny bit better but for the work/reward factor…Ritz wins.
Girlfriend- this is totally brilliant! I want! The ritz in the middle was such a fun and easy idea!
and where you are in that heat, no oven, no sweating!
Another wonderful surprise recipe Averie, thanks! The PETA site was so informative too. I was amazed to see list of Vegan grocery store staples that I never would have considered before. Betty Crocker Bac-o’s Bacon Flavor Bits? Too funny, I may have to use them in something just for the irony :) I LOVE mints and these look so easy and healthy. Great idea as usual.
Oreos are vegan and so is one of the “Buttercream” frostings, either by Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. Always interesting, the bacon too!
Who can honestly resist the entire packaged roll of thin mint cookies? IU swear, I get excited each late winter/early spring because it’s GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON! ;)
What an interesting recipe, Averie! Such simple ingredients to make such a delicious, nostalgic treat. I may have to pay homage to you and remake this sometime in the fall when girl scout thin mints seem SO far away. And I would’ve NEVER EVER guessed that ritz crackers are vegan! Weird b/c they are buttery! I love your photos too. They look like 3D cookies. :)
thanks for the photo compliments, appreciated :)
Oreos are vegan and so is one of the “Buttercream” frostings, either by Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. And Betty Crocker Bac-o’s Bacon Flavor Bits are, too. Always interesting.
Why eat mint only when it’s cold out? Eat it in the summer to cool you down is my logic!
Thin mints are one of my favorites. I could put down an entire sleeve of those suckers. Love the idea of this one and the simplicity.
Oh and I DID put down many sleeves :)
wow they look identical!! thin mints are the classic favorite girl scout cookie but I was always a samoas girl- could easilyyyyy put back a tube of those at once, and honestly I probably did once or twice in my childhood.
only once or twice? Multiply that by x10000 times for me :)
ohmygoodness, Averie! What a brilliant way to make an easy homemade thin mint. I’ve seen homemade thin mint recipes that require a lot of steps like making a chocolate cookie, making a mint filling, and then dipping in chocolate. This just looks, well, easy!
yes for the work/reward and ease/taste this version is the CLEAR winner. I’ve tried a few types and rolling out all those shortbread cookies, making, baking them, etc…not worth the massive extra steps & hassle!
I do like Thin Mints, but I’m more partial to Tagalongs. Can you make those too please? :D
Lol
The PB cups I linked in the post, with Ritz crackers + PB + all dipped in chocolate is my closest rendition of those, so far :)
Yum! Living in England means no GSCs, so I’ll be giving these a try….but I think I’ll sub the unhealthy shortening with organic coconut oil!
it’s 1 tablespoon in an entire batch, and not all of the chocolate is used, there is some waste, so I wasn’t concerned.
Not sure if mint + cocoonut will give you an authentic taste, but hey, if you like it, that’s all that matters!
Creative! I love thin mints, I could eat the whole box. I love putting them in the freezer and eating them frozen. So good.
frozen is like a delicacy :)