Ritz Cracker Thin Mints

A No-Bake Mint Chocolate Delight

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, no-bake dessert that captures the classic flavor of Thin Mints with a salty-sweet twist, this Ritz Cracker Thin Mints recipe is about to be your new obsession. Made with just five ingredients and a little creativity, these bite-sized treats are perfect for last-minute gatherings, holiday cookie swaps, or just a late-night chocolate fix. With layers of minty chocolate and buttery crackers, they mimic the texture of the beloved Girl Scout favorite—with an irresistibly crunchy twist.

This recipe is perfect for busy home bakers, chocolate lovers, or anyone who wants to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re making these with the kids, prepping for a party, or simply indulging in a little kitchen therapy, these Ritz Cracker Thin Mints are guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-bake and super easy — Just a few simple steps.
  • Kid-friendly — Let little hands help assemble and decorate.
  • Customizable — Add toppings, swap extracts, or dip in white chocolate for a twist.
  • Budget-friendly — Uses pantry staples and no fancy tools required.
  • Crowd-pleasing flavor — Crisp, chocolatey, minty, and just the right amount of salty.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to get started:

  • 80 Ritz crackers (about 4 sleeves)
  • 1 container chocolate frosting
  • 1 teaspoon mint extract
  • 12 ounces chocolate chips
  • 1 cup Andes mints, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Mint Frosting

In a medium bowl, stir together the chocolate frosting and mint extract until completely smooth and evenly combined. This will form the minty “glue” inside your sandwich cookies.

2. Assemble the Cracker Sandwiches

Lay out 40 Ritz crackers, bottom-side up. Spread about a teaspoon of the mint frosting onto each. Top with another Ritz cracker to form a sandwich. Press gently to ensure they hold together without the filling spilling out.

3. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Be careful not to overheat.

4. Dip the Sandwiches

Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Add Toppings

While the chocolate is still wet, immediately sprinkle a bit of the chopped Andes mints on top. This adds visual appeal and a double hit of minty flavor.

6. Chill and Serve

Once all sandwiches are coated and topped, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Then serve and enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Fork or dipping tool
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

No stand mixers, ovens, or fancy gadgets required!

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Don’t overfill: Too much frosting and the filling will ooze out when you press the crackers together.
  • Use a dipping fork: This helps keep the crackers from breaking and allows for cleaner chocolate coating.
  • Work in batches: If your kitchen is warm, dip and top in small batches to keep the chocolate from hardening too quickly.
  • Try flavored chips: Swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate, semi-sweet, or even peppermint-flavored ones for more variety.
  • Use peppermint extract: If you want a bolder mint flavor, peppermint extract can be substituted for mint extract. Just use sparingly—it’s stronger.

Fun Variations

1. White Chocolate Thin Mints

Substitute white chocolate chips for a totally different but equally delicious experience. Add green food coloring to the frosting for a festive touch.

2. Peanut Butter Crunch

Instead of mint extract, mix peanut butter into the frosting. Dip in milk chocolate for a take on chocolate peanut butter cookies.

3. Candy Cane Crunch

Top with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes during the holidays for a seasonal twist.

4. Espresso Buzz

Add ¼ teaspoon of espresso powder to the melted chocolate to give your cookies a mocha flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Once the chocolate has fully set, transfer the Thin Mints to an airtight container.

  • Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Let thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Pro tip: These are even better cold—just like the original Thin Mints!

Perfect Pairings

Pair these cookies with:

  • Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
  • Cold milk for the kids
  • Espresso or coffee for a midday pick-me-up
  • Red wine like a Cabernet or Merlot for a bold contrast

They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert board alongside fudge, truffles, and peppermint bark.

FAQ

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the sandwich together. A homemade chocolate buttercream would work wonderfully.

I don’t have Andes mints—what can I use?

Chopped chocolate bars, mint candies, or even mini chocolate chips will work. For extra flair, drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Are these gluten-free?

Traditional Ritz crackers contain gluten, so the standard recipe is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a certified gluten-free buttery cracker to make them suitable.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies store well and are perfect for making a day or two in advance. In fact, they often taste better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Ritz Cracker Thin Mints recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to make something incredibly delicious. With no baking required and a prep time under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. These cookies have the perfect balance of salty, sweet, minty, and chocolatey—and they’ll disappear faster than you think.

Love This Recipe? Share It!

If you enjoyed this easy and delicious treat, don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you later. And if you want more creative, no-fuss desserts like this one, be sure to subscribe to the blog for weekly recipes, baking tips, and sweet inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Happy snacking and happy no-baking! 🍫🌿

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