Ritz Crackers Thin Mints
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My Ritz Cracker Thin Mints are everything you love about the classic Girl Scout cookie, made right in your kitchen with just 4 ingredients. I’ve been a Thin Mints lover for years, and this copycat version is the perfect fix when you can’t track down a Girl Scout. No baking required, ready in 15 minutes, and every single one disappears fast.
My Easy Ritz Cracker Thin Mints
My daughter was a Girl Scout, which means I know more about Thin Mints than I ever expected to. Every January, my house became cookie central. We’re talking boxes stacked on the counter, orders to fill, and neighbors stopping by. Thin mints were always the first to sell. I get it. That crisp bite and cool minty flavor are hard to resist.
These Ritz Cracker Thin Mints came out of necessity. There’s a long stretch between January and the next cookie season, and thin mints are not easy to wait for. I started making these so my family could get that same fix anytime, without tracking down a cookie booth. The chocolate is rich, the mint is just right, and the Ritz gives you that satisfying snap.
My kids approve, and that’s all I needed to know. For more no-bake treats your family will love, check out my chocolate caramel truffles, and my copycat Mounds bars.
Why You’ll Love These Thin Mint Ritz Cookies
- Only 4 ingredients – Ritz crackers, chocolate chips, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract are all you need. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find.
- No baking required – The whole process happens in the microwave and the refrigerator. You don’t even need to turn on the oven.
- That real Thin Mint flavor – The combination of milk chocolate and peppermint extract nails the classic taste. Crispy, minty, chocolatey, and completely addictive.
Ritz Cracker Thin Mints Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Ritz crackers – You’ll need one sleeve of Ritz crackers for this.
- Milk chocolate chips – You can use cooking chocolate, but chocolate chips will melt faster and more evenly.
- Vegetable oil – Vegetable shortening or coconut oil works as well.
- Peppermint extract – To give the classic minty flavor.
- Wax paper – Parchment paper or a cookie sheet will work as well.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Prefer dark chocolate? Swap the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense, less sweet coating.
- Want a stronger mint flavor? Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Start small and taste as you go.
- No vegetable oil? Coconut oil works just as well and adds a very subtle flavor that pairs nicely with the chocolate.
- Want a festive look? Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the tops for a holiday twist.
- Prefer white chocolate? Dip in white chocolate with a tiny drop of peppermint extract for a peppermint bark style version.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Thin Mints
Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step One: Make Melted Mint Chocolate
- Place chocolate chips and vegetable oil in microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt chocolate chips by microwaving the bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment until chocolate is melted.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
Step Two: Cover Crackers in Chocolate
- Dip Ritz crackers individually into the melted chocolate mix, coating both sides, and allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
Step Three: Cool in Refrigerator
- Place on wax paper in a single layer and refrigerate to cool and harden the chocolate.
- Stir constantly between microwave rounds – Chocolate can burn quickly. Short bursts with stirring in between give you smooth, glossy chocolate every time.
- Shake off the excess – After dipping, give the cracker a gentle shake or tap it on the edge of the bowl. Too much pooled chocolate on the bottom makes them stick to the wax paper.
- Use a fork for dipping – Slide the cracker onto a fork, lower it into the chocolate, flip, and lift. It makes coating both sides clean and easy.
- Don’t skip the oil – That small amount of vegetable oil is what keeps the chocolate from seizing up and going thick and grainy.
- Refrigerate on a flat surface – Make sure your baking sheet is level in the fridge so the chocolate sets evenly on each cracker.
- Double the batch – These go fast. If you’re making them for a crowd, use two sleeves of crackers and double everything else.
Ritz Crackers Thin Mints FAQs
Did They Get Rid Of Thin Mints?
Thankfully, no! The Girl Scouts sell Thin Mints starting in January every year. You can typically buy them January through March.
There are many recipes for making these cookies at home, but this no-bake homemade thin mint cookies recipe is super simple, and I love having it on hand for last-minute Christmas snacks.
Can I Use Peppermint Essential Oil Instead of Peppermint Extract?
I have only made these Thin Mints with peppermint extract and while it might be tempting to try it with a peppermint essential oil you have to hand, a lot of essential oils are not edible. You can use an edible Peppermint Oil or Oil Of Peppermint, but always check the label on the product before trying it out in food.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These are actually great to make a day or two in advance. Once the chocolate is set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate works and gives you a totally different look. Add the peppermint extract the same way. The flavor will be sweeter and more peppermint-forward.
What if my chocolate seizes or gets lumpy?
This usually happens if water gets into the chocolate or it overheats. Start fresh with new chips and make sure your bowl is completely dry. Microwaving in shorter intervals also helps.
Can I use a different cracker?
Ritz is the best choice because of its buttery, slightly salty flavor. Graham crackers or saltines will work in a pinch but won’t taste as much like the original thin mint.
How many does one batch make?
One sleeve of Ritz crackers gives you about 20 to 30 coated cookies depending on how thick your chocolate layer is.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature – These can sit at room temperature for a few hours if your kitchen isn’t too warm, but refrigerating them keeps the chocolate firm and fresh.
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer them with wax paper so they don’t stick together.
- Freeze – These freeze well for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
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Ritz Crackers Thin Mints
Ingredients
- 30 Ritz crackers 1 sleeve
- 16 ounces milk chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips and vegetable oil in microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt chocolate chips by microwaving the bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment until chocolate is melted.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Dip Ritz crackers individually into the melted chocolate mix, coating both sides, and allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place on wax paper in a single layer and refrigerate to cool and harden the chocolate.
Notes
- Make sure the sides of each cracker are covered in chocolate.
- Store any leftover Thin Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two weeks or more. To freeze them, wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in a freezable container, and store in the freezer for 3-6 months.
Nutrition
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