3-Ingredient Thin Mint Cookies (2024)

Desserts Holiday Cuisine December 4, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 25 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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This recipe for Copycat Thin Mint Cookies is an easy, no-bake treat made with only 3 ingredients. It is a simple recipe that replicates the taste you know and love in the famous Thin Mint Cookie with very little effort.

I fell in love with Thin Mints at first bite early in my childhood. But Girl Scout Cookies only come around one time per year, so a knock-off version of both Tagalong Cookies and Thin Mint Cookies became necessary to fulfill my intense craving.

But unlike classic cookie recipes, like Neiman Marcus, Cut-Out Sugar Cookies, and Muddy Buddy Cookies, this recipe doesn't even involve making cookie dough. These Copycat Thin Mints are the easiest cookie recipe ever!

Reasons to Love These Copycat Thin Mints

Only 3 Ingredients. Butter crackers, chocolate, and mint extract create a copycat version of the classic Thin Mint cookie that is a pretty close replicate of the famous cookie.
Perfect Texture and Flavor. These copycat thin mints are rich in chocolate, have a hint of mint, are super crunchy, and finish with a bit of salt for balance. Simple, yet perfect.
Satisfies the Craving. Whether you run out of Thin Mints, or can't wait for the Girl Scouts to come knocking on your door these Homemade Thin Mint Cookies will satisfy your craving!
Allergy-Friendly? Need a dairy-free or gluten-free version of Thin Mints? No problem with this recipe! Dietary modifications have been included.

Notes on Ingredients

Round Butter Crackers: You can use Ritz crackers or a version of butter crackers made without hydrogenated oils. Despite the name Butter Crackers, most versions are dairy-free. If you need these cookies to be dairy-free, be sure to carefully look at the ingredients. Gluten-Free butter crackers also work well in this recipe for a Gluten-Free Thin Mint Cookie.
Mint Extract: Mint extract is super strong in flavor. You will only need a tiny bit to impart a huge mint flavor to these cookies. Just be sure to use Pure Mint Extract for the best flavor.
Chocolate: Use any quality chocolate you like. You can use dark or milk chocolate, but I prefer the taste of dark chocolate, as it pairs well with the mint extract. Select either large chocolate bars and chop them up into small pieces, or use chocolate chips. And if needed uses your favorite good-quality dairy-free chocolate chips or chocolate bar.

∗ tips for making thin mint cookies∗

Making these copycat thin mint cookies is as simple as melting the chocolate and dipping the crackers, but I have a few tips to help you along the way.

Use chopped chocolate. If not using chocolate chips, you want to chop your chocolate bar into pieces about the size of chocolate chips. This will ensure an even melt.
Use a fork. I find a fork is a great tool to use to dip the crackers into the melted chocolate, as the chocolate can drip off through the prongs of a fork.
Work quickly or in batches. The chocolate will begin to harden and can become difficult to dip the crackers into. If you work slowly, it may be best to cut the recipe in half and then repeat. Alternatively, you can reheat your chocolate if needed, but I only recommend doing so once.
Let harden at room temperature. If time permits, let the chocolate set up at room temperature, as this will prevent the chocolate from forming condensation on the surface and potentially discoloring. However, if you have a couple of hours, it is best to let the chocolate harden fully at room temperature. They will still taste delicious!
Don't waste the leftover chocolate! Leftover chocolate? Use it to drizzle over pretzels and top with candy canes for a delicious treat.

How To Store Homemade Thin Mints

For appearance purposes, Homemade Thin Mints are best stored at room temperature, as this ensures that the chocolate doesn't become cloudy. However, they taste great refrigerated or frozen.

At room temperature: Place the thin mint cookies into an airtight container once fully hardened. Store in a cool place, for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Refrigerate: Place the crackers into an airtight container once the chocolate has fully hardened. Refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Freeze: Alternatively, store them in a freezer-safe airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

More Easy Chocolate No-Bake Recipes

Homemade Tagalong Cookies
Homemade Peppermint Bark
Crockpot Candy
Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Easy Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe

If you enjoyed this Thin Mint Cookies recipe, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.

3-Ingredient Homemade Thin Mint Cookies

Replicate the flavor you know and love in famous Thin Mint Cookies with very little effort using this simple no-bake recipe.

4.93 from 28 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 5 dozen

Calories: 53kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

▢ 60 round butter crackers
▢ 1 pound chocolate cut into squares, chips, or chunks
▢ ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside.
Place the chocolate into a heat-glass bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until creamy and smooth. Alternatively, place the glass bowl over a pot of simmering water over medium-low heat and melt until smooth, stirring frequently.
If needed, remove the chocolate from the double boiler and dry off the bowl. Add the peppermint extract to the melted chocolate and stir to combine.
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Place a cracker onto a fork and dip into the metled chocolate, allow the excess chocolate to drip off throng the prongs of the fork.
Place the chocolate crackers onto the parchment paper. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours to fully harden. In a bind, place the crackers into the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set up faster.

Equipment Needed

Parchment Paper

Notes

Storage: These Homemade "Thin Mints" can be stored in a sealed container in a cool place, for up to 5 days. Alternatively, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They can also be frozenin a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 1 month.

Chocolate: Use good-quality dark or milk chocolate. If needed use dairy-free chocolate.

Butter Crackers: Gluten-free butter crackers work in this recipe to make gluten-free thin mints.

Recipe Tip: Work quickly or in batches. The chocolate will begin to harden and can become difficult to dip the crackers into. If you work slowly, it may be best to cut the recipe in half and then repeat. Alternatively, you can reheat your chocolate if needed, but I only recommend doing so once.

Nutrition

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About Kristen Chidsey

Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

Reader Interactions

Comments

4.93 from 28 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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Yvette
March 07, 2023 at 12:10 pm
I’m a very good cook. However, I’m a little confused. Your recipe says place a cracker on the fork and dip into the chocolate. The photo shows it as a sandwich with a filling
Am I missing something?
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  March 07, 2023 at 1:40 pm
  Hi Yvette! It may just be a trick of the eye the way the crackers are stacked. It is a single cracker dipped in chocolate.
  Reply
Austin
May 19, 2020 at 11:23 pm
What kind of chocolate would you recommend? Dark or milk? What exact cracker and chocolate did you use?
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  May 20, 2020 at 7:22 am
  Hi Austin! Use whichever chocolate you prefer. I myself, like dark chocolate and used this variety. As for the crackers, I used these from Trader Joes.
  Reply
  - Gina
    December 06, 2020 at 6:30 pm
    I was taught a different version and actually use Andes Mints instead of the peppermint extract, but we keep the chocolate. You can also use something like CandiQuick Coating and we always use a Ritz type of cracker. I remember making these with 3 Generations of women one Christmas. Those are some of the best memories.
    See Also
    No Bake Birds Nest Cookies
  - Kristen Chidsey
    December 07, 2020 at 6:52 am
    The Ande mints sound like a fabulous idea. Thank you for sharing!
Juanita
March 18, 2020 at 8:02 pm

These are good and very easy to make. Thanks!
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  March 18, 2020 at 8:13 pm
  I am so glad you enjoyed Juanita!
  Reply
Renee Goerger
November 16, 2019 at 1:44 pm

I've always been a sucker for a thin mint, and now I'll be making them at home! Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
Beth
November 15, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Sorry Girl Scouts - I'm now making my own cookies! Well, at least the Thin Mints, Samoas still have my heart!
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  November 16, 2019 at 8:36 am
  LOL! I am glad you enjoy Beth!
  Reply
Taylor
October 04, 2019 at 3:02 pm

My absolute favorite Girl Scout cookie! Taste just like the real thing!
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  October 04, 2019 at 3:24 pm
  Isn't it crazy how similar the taste is? I love it!
  Reply
Justine
October 04, 2019 at 2:40 pm

This is so easy!! Probably my new favorite snack, and I don't even have to wait for GS cookie season to start. 🙂
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  October 04, 2019 at 3:25 pm
  Gotta love being able to dig into GS cookies all year long 😉 So glad you enjoyed Justine!
  Reply
Linda
September 29, 2018 at 11:19 am
What a great idea for making easy thin mints! And I know if I make them, I'll be like you, and want to sneak them all the time. But hey, they're a lot better for you than the original so I can have more, right?
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  September 29, 2018 at 11:34 am
  TOTALLY Linda!! They are SO much better for you then what you purchase!
  Reply
Beth Lee
September 29, 2018 at 10:10 am
OMG! I am so excited about this. so clever and easy. Will make some and surprise my daughter! (if there is any left by the time we see her!)
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  September 29, 2018 at 11:35 am
  Ha--good luck having any left for your daughter. They are irresistible.
  Reply
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
February 24, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Fantastic! Perfect for snacks, lunches or to curb a sweet tooth!
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  February 26, 2017 at 10:22 am
  Thanks Megan!
  Reply
Liz
February 22, 2017 at 10:44 am
My dear friend has made these numerous times! I need to give them a shot!!!
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  February 22, 2017 at 8:51 pm
  I hope you do Liz--so easy and tasty!
  Reply
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
February 22, 2017 at 7:59 am
I saw this pop up in my inbox and there was this little voice in the back of my head that said DON'T click on that link...but I did...and now am in trouble! While I like the taste of Thin Mints, I'm not a fan of the $$ for the quantity - but, Kristen, your homemade version is budget friendly, so easy, and so dang dangerously deeelicious! Thanks for sharing this! Happy Wednesday to ya!
Reply
- Kristen Chidsey
  February 22, 2017 at 9:49 am
  LOL!!! Sorry, #notsorry! These are a bit dangerous but a lot easier on the wallet!
  Reply