Name: No-Bake 15 Minute Thin Mints
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 Oreo cookies; 12 oz semisweet chocolate; 2-3 drops crème de menthe oil flavoring or peppermint oil flavoring

These homemade No-Bake Thin Mints are a delicious copycat of the classic Girl Scout cookie that you can make in just 15 minutes. With a crisp chocolate cookie base covered in mint-infused chocolate, they’re the perfect treat for mint chocolate lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple – ready in just 15 minutes with no baking required
Only 3 ingredients needed
Perfect for satisfying Girl Scout cookie cravings year-round
Great for gift-giving or holiday cookie platters
Kid-friendly recipe that’s fun to make together
Customizable mint flavor – make it as subtle or strong as you prefer
Significantly less expensive than buying packaged cookies
No special equipment needed – just a microwave and refrigerator

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Oreo cookies form the perfect base for these thin mints, providing that classic chocolate cookie texture without any baking. You’ll only need the chocolate wafer parts, so feel free to save the cream filling for another use or enjoy it while you work.

Semisweet chocolate gives these cookies their signature coating and provides the ideal sweetness level. The chocolate creates that satisfying snap when you bite into the cookie, just like the original thin mints. You can use chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate bars for this recipe.

Crème de menthe oil or peppermint oil flavoring is the essential ingredient that transforms ordinary chocolate-covered cookies into thin mints. These concentrated flavorings give you that distinctive cool, refreshing mint taste. Just a few drops go a long way, so add carefully and adjust to your taste preference.

Directions

Prepare the Oreos:
- Carefully separate the Oreos
- Scrape off the filling and discard (or eat)
Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate at 50% power, stirring every 30-60 seconds until smooth
- Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stove
Add Mint Flavor:
- Stir the crème de menthe or peppermint oil flavoring into the melted chocolate
Coat the Oreos:
- Rest each Oreo wafer on the tines of a fork and dip it into the melted chocolate until fully coated
- Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Chill and Set:
- Repeat the process for all cookies
- Refrigerate the cookies until the chocolate is set

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen thin mint cookies (40 individual cookies from 20 Oreos). Each cookie contains about 75 calories.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Dark Chocolate Thin Mints: Substitute dark chocolate for the semisweet chocolate for a richer, less sweet version.

White Chocolate Mint Cookies: Use white chocolate instead of semisweet and add a drop of green food coloring along with the mint flavoring for a festive twist.

Peanut Butter Thin Mints: Use peanut butter-filled Oreos and skip scraping out the filling for a unique peanut butter-mint combination.

Holiday Thin Mints: Add holiday-colored sprinkles on top of the chocolate while still wet for a festive appearance.

Double Mint Cookies: Mix some finely crushed mint candies into the melted chocolate for added texture and mint flavor.

Coconut Mint Thins: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top of the chocolate coating before it sets.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: These no-bake thin mints can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness and a cool, firm texture similar to the original Girl Scout cookies, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer Storage: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. The frozen cookies have a satisfying snap and can be eaten directly from the freezer.

Serving After Storage: No reheating is necessary. If refrigerated or frozen, you may want to let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular Oreos without removing the filling?

While the recipe calls for removing the filling to better mimic thin mints’ texture, you can keep the filling if you prefer. This will result in a sweeter, creamier cookie that’s more like a chocolate-mint sandwich cookie than a traditional thin mint.

What’s the difference between peppermint extract and mint oil?

Peppermint oil or crème de menthe oil are more concentrated than extracts. If using peppermint extract instead of oil, you’ll need to use about 1/4 teaspoon, as it’s less potent. Oils provide a cleaner mint flavor that better mimics authentic thin mints.

My chocolate seized up when melting. What happened?

Chocolate typically seizes when water comes into contact with it or if it’s overheated. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry, and melt chocolate slowly at 50% power in short intervals, stirring frequently.

Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos?

Yes! Any plain chocolate wafer cookie will work well in this recipe. You could try chocolate graham crackers or even chocolate digestive biscuits for a slight variation in texture and flavor.

How can I make these cookies look more professional?

For a more polished look, use a dipping tool or fork to coat the cookies, allowing excess chocolate to drip off completely. After placing on parchment paper, you can run a toothpick around the edges to remove any “feet” that form from pooling chocolate.

Why is my chocolate coating too thick?

If your chocolate coating is too thick for easy dipping, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate. This will thin the consistency without affecting the flavor or setting properties.

Can I make these thin mints vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free Oreos (which are already vegan) and dairy-free chocolate chips. Most mint flavorings are naturally vegan, but check the label to be sure.

How do I know when the chocolate is properly set?

The chocolate is properly set when it appears matte rather than shiny and doesn’t leave a mark when gently touched with a fingertip. This usually takes 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Can I add coloring to make them more festive?

Absolutely! Add a drop of food coloring to the melted chocolate for holiday-themed cookies. Green works well for a mint theme, or you can coordinate with seasonal colors for holidays.

My cookies don’t have the same “snap” as store-bought thin mints. Why?

For a crisper texture that mimics the classic snap of commercial thin mints, store your cookies in the refrigerator or freezer. The cooler temperature firms up the chocolate coating and cookie base.

Conclusion

These No-Bake 15 Minute Thin Mints offer all the minty chocolate goodness of the beloved Girl Scout cookie without the wait or the price tag. Their simplicity makes them perfect for last-minute treats, while their crowd-pleasing flavor ensures they’ll be a hit at any gathering. With just three ingredients and no baking required, these homemade thin mints prove that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most impressive results. Whether you’re satisfying a personal craving or preparing a batch to share, these cookies bring that perfect balance of chocolate and mint in every bite.