When it comes to cookies, Thin Mints hold legendary status. Crisp, minty, and coated with rich chocolate, these treats are a favorite for good reason. Whether you’ve indulged in them as a Girl Scouts staple or hoarded boxes in your freezer, there’s no denying their universal appeal. But what if I told you that you could recreate these iconic cookies in your own kitchen? Making homemade Thin Mints is easier than you might think, and the results are unbelievably satisfying. Plus, there’s the added fun of sharing (or not!) a batch you’ve made yourself.
Read on to learn the secret behind crafting this mint-chocolate masterpiece!
What You'll Need to Make Thin Mints
Ingredients:
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate coating:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smooth coating)
Directions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar. Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates a tender dough base.
- Add the extracts. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The peppermint is the star here, so make sure it’s fresh for that truly minty punch.
- Combine dry ingredients. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar blend, mixing until combined. The dough may seem crumbly at first but will come together as you knead it lightly.
- Roll it out. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 2: Cut and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a small glass) to cut out circles of dough. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookies look set and the edges are firm. Be careful not to overbake—they’ll crisp up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate
- Melt the chocolate. Use a microwave or double boiler to melt the chocolate, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Stir in the peppermint extract and, if desired, coconut oil for extra smoothness.
- Dip the cookies. Using a fork, dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess chocolate and place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill to set. Pop your tray into the fridge for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating hardens.
Tips for Thin Mint Success
- Get the right thickness: Rolling the dough to 1/4 inch is key to achieving the classic snap of a Thin Mint. Thin enough to be crisp, but sturdy enough to hold the chocolate coating.
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough before rolling and after cutting the shapes. It keeps the cookies from spreading in the oven.
- Choose quality chocolate: Since the chocolate coating is a prominent flavor, opt for a good semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best results.
- Don’t rush the cooling: Make sure the cookies are totally cool before dipping them in the chocolate, or you’ll risk a mess with melted chocolate pooling or sliding off.
Serving and Storing Your Thin Mints
Serve these Thin Mints straight from the fridge or freezer for that classic, refreshing crunch we all love. They’re the perfect companion to a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a sweet, minty treat.
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. For a more authentic Thin Mint experience, keep them in the freezer where they can last for months (though we both know they won’t last that long!).
Homemade Thin Mints aren’t just delicious—they’re a joy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you gift them to friends, use them as a party dessert, or indulge yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to delight. Happy baking!
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