These Homemade Thin Mints are one of the easiest cookies you'll ever make. You only need two ingredients—Ritz crackers and Andes baking chips—to make a crispy, chocolate-mint cookie that tastes remarkably similar to the classic Girl Scout Thin Mints.
If you're planning a holiday baking day, don't miss my 40+ Best Christmas Cookie Recipes for Holiday Cookie Trays and Platters for more classic and festive cookies to add to your Christmas cookie trays.
I know you can buy Thin Mints during Girl Scout cookie season, and I always do! But sometimes you want that chocolate-mint cookie when it's not Girl Scout cookie season. That's when these come in handy.
I've made homemade Thin Mints from scratch before, and honestly? They're not worth the extra effort when you can make these shortcut Thin Mints in about 20 minutes.
The Ritz cracker is the secret. It gives these cookies that thin, crisp, crunchy center, while the melted Andes chocolate provides all of the chocolate and peppermint flavor. If you love easy no-bake treats, these are definitely worth adding to your Christmas cookie list.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only 2 ingredients. You really only need Ritz crackers and Andes baking chips. That's it!
- No baking required. There is no cookie dough to mix, no oven to preheat, and no waiting for cookies to bake.
- They taste like Thin Mints. The crispy cracker center and chocolate-mint coating make these surprisingly similar to the classic Girl Scout cookie.
- They're incredibly quick. You can have a batch made and chilling in about 20 minutes.
- Perfect for holiday treats. Add Christmas sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, and you've got an easy addition to a Christmas cookie tray.
- They're great frozen. I actually love these straight from the refrigerator or freezer. The chocolate gets nice and crisp and the cookie stays crunchy.
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Tips and Tricks
- Use a fork for dipping. Place a Ritz cracker on a fork, dip it into the melted chocolate, then gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Don't overheat the Andes chips. They don't need to be completely melted when they come out of the microwave. Stirring will melt the remaining pieces. This helps prevent the chocolate from overheating.
- Let the excess chocolate drip off. This keeps the coating from pooling around the bottom of the cookies as they cool.
- Add sprinkles before the chocolate sets. If you're making these for Christmas, add festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet so they stick.
- Try them cold. These are delicious at room temperature, but they're also really good chilled or frozen. The chocolate becomes firm and the cookie stays extra crisp.
Ingredients
- Ritz crackers: These create the crisp, crunchy center that makes these cookies so easy and gives them a Thin Mint-like texture.
- Andes baking chips: I use Andes baking chips in Creme de Menthe or peppermint flavor. They melt into a smooth chocolate coating with plenty of mint flavor.
That's it! Two ingredients.
How to Make Homemade Thin Mints
Step 1: Melt the Andes baking chips. Place the Andes baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds. The chips won't be completely melted when you take them out, and that's okay. Stir until the remaining pieces melt and the chocolate is smooth.
Step 2: Dip the Ritz crackers. Place a Ritz cracker into the melted chocolate and flip it over to coat both sides. Use a fork to lift the cracker out of the chocolate, then tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Step 3: Let the chocolate set. Place the dipped crackers on a parchment- or wax-paper-lined baking sheet. If you're adding sprinkles, do that while the chocolate is still wet. Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened, or place them in the refrigerator to speed things up.
Step 4: Store the Thin Mints. Once the chocolate has completely set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen.
FAQs
Yes. If you don't have Andes baking chips, you can make these with chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peppermint extract or peppermint baking oil.
Melt the chocolate chips with a teaspoon or two of coconut oil and a little peppermint extract. Stir until smooth, then dip the Ritz crackers as directed.
I prefer the Andes baking chips because they're convenient and already have the chocolate-mint flavor these cookies need.
Yes! The Ritz cracker gives these cookies a crisp, crunchy center, while the Andes chocolate coating gives them that classic chocolate-mint flavor.
They're not an exact replica of a Girl Scout Thin Mint, but they're a really easy shortcut when you're craving that combination.
Absolutely. These are especially easy to turn into Christmas cookies.
Dip the Ritz crackers in the mint chocolate and add red, green, white, or Christmas-themed sprinkles before the chocolate sets. They look great on a holiday cookie tray and take very little time to make.
Yes. These cookies freeze very well.
Place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper if needed. They're delicious straight from the freezer, or you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated or frozen.
Yes. Peppermint Andes baking chips work well in place of the Creme de Menthe variety and give the cookies a stronger peppermint flavor.
More Peppermint Treats and Desserts
If you love chocolate and peppermint, don't miss my Peppermint Treats and Desserts roundup for more festive cookies, candies, desserts, and treats.
Homemade Thin Mints
Instructions
- Microwave Andes baking chips in a microwave safe bowl for 60 seconds. The baking chips won't be all the way melted, but that's ok. Start stirring and they'll finish melting. Stir until smooth.
- Dip crackers into chocolate and flip over. Use a fork to dip crackers and tap fork on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place dipped crackers onto a parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet.
- As the cookies cool the chocolate will harden.
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Kim says
This is genius! I always dip Ritz crackers in Nutella because i love the salty sweet combo.. it never dawned on me to use mint chocolate. GENIUS!
Winnie says
2 ingredients and that's it?
Well I guess it doesn't take more the 2 minutes to finish all the cookies - as they look DELICIOUS !
Chrystal - Adorn on a Shoestring says
I can't wait to try these! I'm a new follower via Blue Cricket Design.
Chrystal
http://www.adornonashoestring.ocm
Lisa @ Flour Me With Love says
I can't believe there are only two ingredients! These are one of our favorite cookies and I can't wait to try this recipe...I'd love for you to share this at Mix it up Monday:
http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/03/mix-it-up-monday_18.html
I hope to see you soon 🙂