Easy Thin Mints Recipe (+ Try Our White Chocolate Christmas Cookie Version!)
Who doesn’t love Thin Mints? Try making homemade Thin Mints easily using Ritz crackers!
Want a yummy no-bake dessert to make with the family?
Homemade Thin Mints are a super easy and delicious treat to make at home all year long! This quick and simple Thin Mint recipe requires just 4 ingredients (including Ritz crackers) and no baking! 😱 In fact, these are so easy to make using the microwave, your kids can probably help with this process.
Better yet, we have both a milk chocolate and white chocolate cookie version!
Once set up, these homemade Thin Mints have a very similar crunch and minty chocolate vibes as the real Girl Scout variety! I personally like them right out of the freezer with a glass of milk! YUM.
Eating keto? Check out our keto homemade Thin Mints recipe from our sister site, Hip2Keto!
Here’s a festive thin mint Ritz cracker recipe for Christmas!
Utilizing milk chocolate chips is delicious but try using white chocolate and peppermint extract as a holiday version. These white chocolate Christmas cookies are truly so tasty and the white & red combo makes them perfect for the holidays! You could even use crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles.
Homemade Thin Mint Cookies
yield: 24 SERVINGS
prep time: 15 MINUTES
cook time: 15 MINUTES
total time: 30 MINUTES
Do you love Girl Scout Cookies? Make this Thin Mint copycat recipe with a few pantry ingredients from home!
Ingredients
Milk Chocolate Thin Mints:
- 24 Ritz crackers (or about 2 of the smaller sleeves)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
White Chocolate Peppermint Thin Mints:
- 24 Ritz crackers (or about 2 of the smaller sleeves)
- 1 cup white chocolate baking chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions
1
Note: The directions are the same for either version.
Prep a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix your baking/chocolate chips with extract and coconut oil.
2
Microwave in 15-second increments until melted and smooth, stirring each time. My microwave takes about 4 times.
Note: Using some sort of oil helps the chocolate melt smoother with fewer clumps, which is why I'm adding in coconut oil here.
3
Dip the crackers into the melted chocolate, turning your hand to drip off the excess chocolate. I used a toothpick since the crackers have small holes in the middle.
4
Place the dipped crackers on top of the wax paper and freeze or refrigerate until set. That's it - enjoy!
Tips for making the best homemade Thin Mints:
- I melted milk chocolate chips, but you can maybe even consider melting Andes chocolate mints and skip the extract for an even easier recipe!
- When melting any type of chocolate in the microwave, I always add a bit of coconut oil or vegetable so the chocolate is nice and smooth, and less likely to clump.
- Depending on how warm your kitchen is, I’m sure they could be ok stored on a container on the counter, and if they start melting move them to the fridge or freezer.
Yummy minty bliss with these cookies!
When you get the craving for a quick homemade treat and don’t want to deal with measuring ingredients and baking, these cookies are perfect! I also love that no-bake Thin Mints require simple pantry ingredients I usually have on hand.
On a personal note: We still enjoy supporting our local neighborhood Girl Scouts during cookie season and this recipe hack can obviously never replace real Thin Mints in my heart. My husband usually goes crazy and buys 15 boxes of cookies that he puts in the deep freezer outside… and I end up eating them! 😂
My taste tester & teammate Jenna tried this Thin Mint cookie recipe and here’s what she thought:
“I love a good no-bake cookie recipe and this may very well be my favorite! These are fun to make with the kids too! Thin Mints are our favorite Girl Scout cookie, and these are perfect homemade version.”
And check out with this satisfied reader from Pinterest had to say:
“My family gives this an 11/10 lol. I had to make another batch. This has completely blown our minds. Now you’ve got them all in a frenzy texting others to try out the recipe. I used Trader Joe’s baking milk chocolate bar and added vanilla extract in addition to the mint. I’d love to do this with dark chocolate too! Will 100% be a repeat experience.”
Now here’s an easy no-bake Christmas cookie to try this season!
In case you are wondering, the white chocolate Thin Mints are delicious, as well. I love the festive peppermint flavor and I have a feeling Santa would be a dedicated fan of them too! I love how pretty they are with the red and green sprinkles. They make the perfect white chocolate Christmas cookies!
Know what goes great with holiday cookies? Our Grinch hot chocolate!
oh my gosh this blew my mind! I am SOOO excited to try these!!!
To make it even easier, use the Andes mint pieces in the baking aisle. They melt super easy, just dip the cracker in and let harden on wax paper. It’s the one cookie on my kids Christmas cookie wish list every year!
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m wondering if I can find the Andes Mint pieces during the off season though. Will look. Thanks for the suggestion.
I can’t find the actual “baking chips” this time of year, but you can just buy the Andes candy and chop it up to melt.
Or simply use mint chocolate every cake /candy store have them. We’ve been making thin mint cookies with ritz and mint chocolate for more than 20 years (my favorite cookie) ***you must keep mint chocolate away from any other chocolate – even if in separate bags – as the mint flavor will somehow insert itself in all other chocolate – even into candy melts ***
Yes! I have some Crumbl cookies right now that all have a minty taste because we had an Andes mint cookie in the pack. Same goes with sending an orange (cut) in the kids lunch. Somehow everything not factory sealed seems to absorb the orange flavor.
To all the people in the comment section… Just buy the Kebbler Grasshopper Cookies, they taste very similar to thin mints.
*Kebbler
I have made these numerous times and they are awesome.
I have made these for years. If you want another recipe….you can also use the Wilton Light Cocoa chocolate wafers (that you buy at Joann’s or Michaels) and Cream de Menthe LorAnn oil. I think it’s the Cream de Menthe that gives them the true Girl Scout mint flavor.
Melissa, Thanks. I was wondering about using my Cream de Menthe. I bet it would taste “mintier” .
where do you get Cream de Menthe LorAnn oil??
Yummy…. I wonder if you could use the Icing flavoring we got free a while back to make these. I have mint in it and its away to use it 🙂
I have made these for years….try using Wilton Light Cocoa chocolate wafers and Cream de Menthe oil flavoring by LorAnn…give it more of the true mint flavor. I think I might have to try the Andes way too.
You just made my day. I have a couple of boxes of ritz that I was worried about expiring. I just need the mint extract. I’m so excited!
Oh you’ll love these! You’re welcome 🙂
They actually sell these in store, “Fudge Ritz”
Are they mint flavored?
The off brand ones at Savealot are mint flavored! Taste exactly like the Girl Scouts thin mints!
They are not mint flavored though
I love thin mints…I have been making mine with oreos and wiltons dark cocoa mint melts (found at JoAnns).
I carefully twist apart the oreos and remove the creme filling.
Warm up the dark cocoa mint melts, as directed on the package.
Dip the single (half) oreo into the melted cocoa mint melts and place on parchment to harden.
These are divine in the fridge or freezer!! Off to make a few for dessert tonight, thanks Lina for such a great recipe!!
Savvy, great idea thanks!
Great idea! You’re welcome 🙂
I also have put a light layer of peanut butter on the cracker then dipped them in chocolate and they taste like the peanut butter tag alongs
Oh yum! Great idea
wow! sounds like a great idea for Christmas this year for the cookie exchange I do with my friends and no baking!
oh, i bet these would be easy to do with those delicious mint chocolate chips from Trader Joes 🙂 YUMMM! Thanks!!!
My mom made a no bake cookie this year for a cookie exchange that is two ritz crackers with peanut butter in the middle then dipped in chocolate, similar to the tagalongs. I was surprised how well the crackers held their crunch. Great recipe! Might be good with Nutella too:)
i make these too. always a big hit
I saw this right after you posted, had everything on hand so I made them right then. Kiddos thought they hit the jackpot when they woke up from nap lol! Thanks for sharing, too easy and yummy!
Ha that’s cute thanks for telling us!
Delicious!
Wow! Just Wow! Thanks again Lina for another fabulous idea.
You’re welcome Melissa, enjoy!
Anyone know of a gluten free cracker that tastes anywhere near a Ritz? Thanks!
I don’t know of one that tastes like a Ritz, off the shelf, but I did find this recipe via google. I’d like to try it, and then make them into thin mints! https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/ritz-schmitz-have-a-cracker/
I saw this too! Looks delicious, but also like a lot of work 😉 I was hoping for ready-made, but I don’t think they exist. I’ve tried Glutino, ick! If you can remember what Ritz taste like, Glutino is no good at all.
I was wondering same thing, most gf crackers are very thin, I’d love to make these for my baby girl.
check these out
https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/gluten-free-thin-mint-cookies/
this is on google
https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/gluten-free-thin-mint-cookies/
Schar has a cracker that’s similar but not quite as buttery as a ritz
YUM!!!! Thanks for posting. I am SO trying this!
awesome thanks for sharing you ROCK GIRL !
These are good if you dip them in crushed peppermints! Perfect for Christmastime!
I stocked up on some Ritz really cheap recently. Now I just need the mint extract! LOL Sounds delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Num num num. These looks dangerous 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try them 🙂
You’re welcome!
These look so yummy!!! Thank you for sharing, Linda 🙂 I bet my nephews would love these!
I would never open a pack of thin mints, throw them on a tray, and bring them to a party… I would however make these and bring them. I also last year bought an entire case of thin mints… Which did not last my family (gave them to everyone for Easter) until it was time to rebuy this year… So this is not taking away from people buying Girl Scout cookies…if this was posted “off season” would anyone even comment about it?
Yum, I’m also wondering how these would take substituting chocolate graham crackers for the ritz… might have to try it!
We used to do this in the college cafeteria. We’d get an individual serving of mint chocolate chip ice cream, crumble saltines on top and then add a tablespoon of hot fudge. Perfect combination and really tasted like the thin mint cookies.
Wow! What a great idea. I have everything in my pantry for these. I will be making a box for my adult son to take on my next visit. He and I just love chocolate and mint. Hubby doesn’t like mint so I will make him the peanut butter ones. Awesome recipe. Thank you for posting it! Now I can use up those ritz crackers I got such a great deal on too 🙂
You’re welcome! I want to try the peanut butter ones too! 🙂
I can’t wait to try these. And don’t be concerned about some of the “off topic” comments. I love recipes like these because we can try to achieve a store bought flavor without buying the item in the store.
I couldn’t agree with Rachael’s comments more! I made these tonight and they are just wonderful, it’s nice to making a store bought cookie from home. Lina you are the greatest in my book, so sorry others make such weird comments about a simple cookie recipe that you shared with us. Keep those recipes coming, you make everything taste soooo good!
Ha thanks ladies! 🙂 Glad you liked them!
I just made these, awesome is my only thought! I do have to admit I hesitated to buy the mint extract at full price, but so worth it! Thanks so much, I have loved all of your recipes that I have tried so far!!!
Thanks Kayla! Glad you thought so 🙂
I decided to make these today when I saw ritz type crackers (back to nature brand) on clearance at Kroger for 82 cents! They are amazing! Thanks for the great and easy recipe!
Sweet! Now I can have my thin mints while I wait for cookie season! This last year I was goin to only buy one box(idc about the price) but after I had bought my one box less than a week later I was going to walgreens and cutest little girl said to me, “ma’am, I hate to bother you but would you like to sample a cookie? I’m selling them to raise money for Girl Scouts.” Then she flashed a grin so big and was missing her front teeth. I told her I’m sorry but I bought a box last week and her smile faded…then I pulled out a $20 bill and said but I sure would like to donate this to you. That little grin returned and she came around the table a gave me a big hug. Her mom kept thanking me saying they had been there for a while and a ton of people would just walk by and put their hands up, not to be bothered by her and seeing her daughters smile made her day. Well, that little smile made my day.
Yes, I’ve made them about 3 or 4 years now. Taste just like Girl Scouts thin mint cookies. Delicious
Just made these and they are delish!! I melted three squares of Almond Bark with 1/2 tsp Mint extract and it was so easy! Thanks for sharing this great recipe! My husband and I aren’t big fans of the GS thin mints, but we couldn’t stay out of these! 🙂
AWESOME AND EASY….
Even easier way, melt down Andy’s baking chips in a fondu pot, put ritz cracker in, flip, pick up with a fork tap on the side to get excess off, slide onto parchment paper off fork with table knife. Let stand till hard. Enjoy!!
Looks yummy and easy to make will defiantly try, thanks
Could you use club crackers instead of ritz?
I will continue to buy girl scout cookies and I also buy popcorn from the boy scouts. I will also be trying this recipe – thanks for sharing it!
Can you use peppermint extract instead of mint?
I’m sure that would be yummy also 👍
I noticed aldis now has the thin Oreo style cookie! These would work. Just an FYI
Oh great idea! Thanks Leane! We just got an Aldi so I’ll look for those 😍
I use only two ingredients, Andes candies baking chips and Ritz crackers. Huge hit with my family for many years now.
Perfect! Thanks for sharing!
If you’re like me with no time to make anything, you can buy the thin mint type cookies year round at Aldi! Also… It is GS cookie season and would be a great year to go out of the way to support our local GS troops. They are partnering with grub hub for delivery.
In our area Girl Scout cookie sales are all virtual this year, so if you don’t know a girl in scouts, you might have a hard time finding cookies. It’s my daughters first year so it’s the real deal for us, but I’ll save this recipe for the off season.
Thanks so much for this idea. I just made them and they were delicious. I used the Peppermint extract. So simple and so delicious!
yay! That makes me so happy to hear!
I have 4 girls in Girl Scouts and we are only selling cookies virtual this year. I expect cookies sale to be awful this year and that’s sad for the girls, but only .50 cents or some small amount goes to them. The girls sell the heck out of cookies and they really need and use their money. I love when the girls get donations bc they get 100% of the money to use for group activities. It was this way for my boys in Boy Scouts too!
I noticed when I registered my girls for online sales that the cookie boxes raised to 5.00 a box. 😲 I was in shock. Smaller boxes, smaller cookies, and charging higher prices. Yikes!
I told each girl I’d buy one box for them and that’s it.
I guess I’ll be using this recipe for myself. 😁
Yes, I loved the donations we got in boy scouts too when selling their popcorn! Thanks for stopping by, Girl Scout cookies sure are tasty! lol
I’ve made these for years using Andes chips. I also make “butterfingers” with peanut butter filled cheese crackers dipped in chocolate!!
YUM! Thanks so much for sharing!
I make these for Christmas cookies and add crushed candy canes on top. Always a hit!!
Oh I love that!!! Thanks for sharing!
I have made these for years and use the dark chocolate wafers at Hobby Lobby.
Meant to say the dark chocolate mint wafers
OMG, these are perfect for gift giving!
Anyone have a “Non-alcohol” tip for the mint extract? I know that there isn’t “Much” alcohol in it, but we avoid it like the plague! 😉 Any tips would be appreciated…
Maybe peppermint oil or just the Andes or mint chocolate chips from the baking section. I use peppermint oil for peppermint patties and a very little bit goes a long way.
thank you!!!!!!
Yes! The andes chocolate mint candy would be perfect then.