Easy Copycat Thin Mints with Ritz Crackers
Make easy copycat Thin Mints with Ritz crackers, Andes mint chips, and chocolate. These crispy, no-bake cookies are perfect for sharing!
If you love Thin Mint cookies but don't want to go to the trouble of making cookies from scratch, you're going to love this easy shortcut recipe! These homemade Thin Mints start with buttery Ritz crackers dipped in a delicious combination of semisweet chocolate and Andes crème de menthe baking chips.
They're crispy, chocolatey, lightly minty, and absolutely delicious!
And the best part? No baking required!
A Little Minty Inspiration
I was watching one of my favorite YouTube channels, Acre Homestead, when I saw her making homemade Thin Mints using Ritz crackers, melted chocolate, and peppermint extract.
Now, you know me. I love a good shortcut recipe, especially when it involves turning something ordinary into something extraordinary.
But there was one little problem.
I'm not particularly fond of peppermint extract.
Don't get me wrong. I love mint and chocolate together. But peppermint extract can be pretty powerful, and I've learned the hard way that a little too much can overwhelm an otherwise delicious treat.
(Ask me how I know!)
So, when I saw that recipe, I started thinking about how I could make something similar without using peppermint extract.
And that's when I remembered the Andes crème de menthe baking chips in my pantry.
A Friendsgiving Candy-Making Adventure
November 11 turned into quite the candy-making day at my house!
I was busy preparing treats for an upcoming Friendsgiving gathering. I'd already been working on homemade Butterfinger truffles and Andes Mint Chocolate Truffles, and my kitchen was beginning to look like a chocolate factory.
There was melted chocolate everywhere, a growing pile of dirty dishes, and more than a little temptation to sample everything I was making.
But I wasn't finished yet!
I decided to try my own version of those Ritz cracker Thin Mints, using the Andes baking chips to provide the mint flavor.
I melted one cup of Andes crème de menthe baking chips with one cup of semisweet chocolate chips, then dipped approximately 25 Ritz crackers into the mixture.
After chilling the cookies briefly, I added a pretty pale mint-green drizzle using melted white chocolate and a tiny amount of oil-based candy coloring.
I was already using that same drizzle on my Andes Mint Chocolate Truffles, so the two treats ended up looking like they belonged together.
And, as it turned out, they tasted pretty terrific, too!
What Are Homemade Ritz Cracker Thin Mints?
Traditional Girl Scout Thin Mints are crisp chocolate cookies with a mint-flavored chocolate coating.
This homemade shortcut version is a little different.
Instead of making chocolate cookies from scratch, we're using Ritz crackers as the base. They're thin, buttery, and slightly salty, which makes them a wonderful contrast to the sweet chocolate coating.
The mint flavor comes from Andes crème de menthe baking chips rather than peppermint extract.
The result is a crispy chocolate-covered cracker with a gentle mint flavor.
Are these identical to traditional Thin Mints? No.
But they're a fun, easy alternative that requires very little preparation and absolutely no oven time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No baking required. Your oven gets the day off!
- Only a handful of ingredients. Most of the ingredients are easy to find.
- A delicious sweet-and-salty combination. Buttery Ritz crackers pair beautifully with chocolate.
- Mild mint flavor. Andes baking chips provide the mint flavor without any extract.
- Perfect for sharing. These little cookies are easy to package for parties, holidays, and gatherings.
- Easy to decorate. A simple chocolate drizzle makes them look extra special.
Ingredients for Homemade Thin Mints
You'll find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here's a quick look at what you'll need.
Ritz Crackers
You'll need approximately 25 Ritz crackers. Their buttery flavor and crisp texture make them the perfect shortcut cookie base.
Andes Crème de Menthe Baking Chips
You'll need one cup of these mint-flavored chocolate baking chips.
They're the secret to getting that delicious mint flavor without using peppermint extract.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips
One cup of semisweet chocolate chips balances the sweetness of the Andes chips and creates the chocolate coating.
White Chocolate
You'll need a small amount of melted white chocolate for decorating. I didn't measure this ingredient because I was using it for another candy recipe at the same time.
Green Oil-Based Candy Coloring
Just a tiny amount gives the white chocolate a soft mint-green color.
Important: Use oil-based coloring formulated for chocolate. Regular water-based food coloring can cause melted chocolate to seize.
How to Make Homemade Thin Mints with Ritz Crackers
These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and you don't need any special baking equipment.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Combine one cup of Andes crème de menthe baking chips with one cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
Melt them together gently until smooth and fully combined.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Step 3: Dip the Ritz Crackers
Dip each Ritz cracker into the melted chocolate mixture, making sure it's completely coated.
Allow excess chocolate to drip off before transferring the cracker to the parchment-lined baking sheet. (Yep! It's going to be a messy process!)
Continue until you've coated approximately 25 crackers.
Step 4: Chill Briefly
Place the baking sheet directly into the refrigerator.
Allow the chocolate coating to begin setting for a few minutes before adding the decorative drizzle.
Step 5: Prepare the Mint-Green Drizzle
Melt a small amount of white chocolate. Add a tiny amount of green oil-based candy coloring and stir until you achieve a pale mint-green shade.
Drizzle the tinted chocolate over the partially set cookies.
I used the same decorative drizzle on my Andes Mint Chocolate Truffles, which made the two treats look lovely together.
Step 6: Chill Again
Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely firm.
Once the cookies are set, trim around the edges with a paring knife and then carefully remove them from the parchment paper.
That's it! Your homemade Thin Mints are ready to enjoy. Place them on a pretty serving platter and enjoy!
What Did These Homemade Thin Mints Taste Like?
Oh, friends. These turned out to be such a fun little surprise!
First of all, the Ritz crackers stayed crisp beneath the chocolate coating. That's exactly what I was hoping for.
The mint flavor was lovely, too. It was mild rather than overpowering, which is just the way I like it.
I've made the mistake of adding too much peppermint extract to desserts in the past, and trust me, it's not something I care to repeat.
Using Andes crème de menthe baking chips gave these cookies a gentler mint flavor.
And that buttery, slightly salty Ritz cracker center? Such a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate!
I was especially pleased with the texture. The crackers retained their crunch, even after being dipped in chocolate and chilled.
I packaged these little treats alongside my Andes Mint Chocolate Truffles for Friendsgiving.
The matching pale green drizzle made them look like a coordinated collection of homemade candies.
Sometimes the simplest kitchen experiments turn out to be the most fun!
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Thin Mints
Don't overheat the chocolate. Melt the chips gently and stir frequently to avoid scorching.
Use fresh Ritz crackers. Since the cracker provides the crunch, you'll want to start with crackers that are nice and crisp.
Let excess chocolate drip off. A relatively thin coating keeps the finished cookies from becoming overly heavy.
Chill before decorating. Allowing the first coating to begin setting helps the decorative drizzle remain distinct.
Use chocolate-safe coloring. Oil-based candy coloring works best for tinting melted white chocolate.
Handle the finished cookies gently. Once the chocolate has hardened, transfer them carefully to your serving platter or storage container.
Fun Variations to Try
I loved this version exactly as I made it, but there are several other ways you could experiment.
Dark Chocolate Thin Mints
Try dark chocolate chips in place of semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
Milk Chocolate Mint Cookies
For a sweeter version, experiment with milk chocolate chips.
Chocolate Drizzle
Skip the green coloring and decorate the cookies with plain white chocolate or a contrasting dark chocolate drizzle.
Holiday Thin Mints
Decorate with festive chocolate drizzle colors for Christmas or other celebrations.
Extra Minty Cookies
If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you could experiment with a different ratio of Andes baking chips to regular chocolate chips.
These are suggested variations rather than versions I've personally tested.
How to Store Homemade Thin Mints
Once the chocolate has completely hardened, place the cookies in an airtight container.
I chilled mine to set the chocolate, then packaged them with my homemade mint truffles for Friendsgiving.
For a cool, firm chocolate coating, refrigeration is a good option. Separate layers with parchment paper to protect the decorative drizzle.
For best texture, I'd suggest enjoying them within about a week, although I haven't tested that full storage period.
You can also try freezing the finished cookies in a freezer-safe airtight container for longer storage. Allow them to thaw while still covered to help minimize condensation.
I haven't personally tested freezing this recipe, so I can't yet say how the cracker texture holds up after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make Thin Mints with Ritz crackers?
Yes! Ritz crackers provide a thin, crispy base for chocolate-covered mint cookies. They won't taste exactly like traditional Girl Scout Thin Mints, but they're a delicious shortcut alternative.
Do I need peppermint extract?
Not for this recipe! Andes crème de menthe baking chips provide the mint flavor.
Will the Ritz crackers get soggy?
Mine didn't! The crackers stayed crisp after dipping, chilling, and setting.
Can I use regular chocolate chips?
You can experiment with different chocolate varieties, but you'll need a source of mint flavor if you want the cookies to taste like Thin Mints.
Why did you refrigerate the cookies twice?
I chilled the cookies briefly after dipping them so the chocolate could begin setting. Then I added the pale green drizzle and returned them to the refrigerator until completely firm.
Do I have to add the decorative drizzle?
Absolutely not! The cookies will taste delicious without it. I simply liked the way the pale mint-green drizzle looked against the dark chocolate.
Are these cookies good for Christmas?
Absolutely! Chocolate and mint are a classic holiday combination, and these no-bake cookies are easy to prepare for a Christmas dessert tray or homemade candy assortment.
More Easy Homemade Treats to Try
If you enjoy making simple homemade candies and shortcut desserts, I've got plenty of other recipes for you to explore!
Andes Mint Chocolate Truffles
These homemade mint chocolate truffles were part of the same Friendsgiving candy-making session. I decorated them with the same pale mint-green drizzle, making them a perfect companion to these Thin Mint-inspired cookies.
Coming soon!
Homemade Candy Recipes: The Ultimate Guide
If you love homemade candy, you'll find plenty of inspiration in my Homemade Candy Recipes collection.
Easy Christmas Candy Recipes
Looking for more holiday treats? Check out my Easy Christmas Candy Recipes for delicious homemade candy ideas.
Copycat Recipes: Famous Favorites You Can Make at Home
I love recreating familiar treats in my own kitchen! You'll find plenty of ideas in my Copycat Recipes collection.
A Sweet Little Kitchen Experiment
One of my favorite things about baking and candy-making is discovering how a simple idea can turn into something completely new.
I started with inspiration from Acre Homestead, made a few changes to suit my own tastes, and ended up with a batch of crispy, chocolate-covered mint cookies that I was excited to share.
And isn't that what home baking is all about?
Trying new things, using what we already have, and making something delicious for the people we love.
These homemade Thin Mints are proof that you don't always need a complicated recipe to create a special treat.
Sometimes all you need is a box of Ritz crackers, a little chocolate, and a willingness to experiment.
Happy baking, friends!
(Or, in this case, happy no-baking!)
Don't forget to pin some photos to your Pinterest boards before you go, friends!
Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →
Easy Copycat Thin Mints with Ritz Crackers
These easy no-bake Thin Mint-inspired cookies are made with buttery Ritz crackers dipped in semisweet chocolate and Andes crème de menthe baking chips. They're crispy, chocolatey, and lightly minty, with a pretty pale green drizzle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Andes crème de menthe baking chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Approximately 25 Ritz crackers
- Small amount of white chocolate, melted, for drizzling
- Tiny amount of green oil-based candy coloring
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Andes crème de menthe baking chips and semisweet chocolate chips. Melt gently until smooth, stirring as needed.
3. Dip Ritz crackers into the melted chocolate mixture, coating completely.
4. Allow excess chocolate to drip off and place coated crackers on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate for a few minutes until the coating begins to set.
6. Melt a small amount of white chocolate and tint it pale mint green with oil-based candy coloring.
7. Drizzle the tinted chocolate over the partially set cookies.
8. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely firm.
9. Remove from parchment and serve or transfer to an airtight container.
Notes
* No peppermint extract is needed. The Andes baking chips provide the mint flavor.
* The Ritz crackers stayed crisp in my finished batch.
* Use oil-based candy coloring rather than regular liquid food coloring.
* The drizzle is optional.
* Store airtight in a cool place or refrigerate to help keep the coating firm.
* Setting time will vary depending on the temperature and thickness of the chocolate.
