Homemade Thin Mints
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cooling Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
18
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Calories
70 kcal
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Course
Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Thin Mints
Description
Homemade Thin Mints use Ritz crackers as the base, coated in melted semi-sweet chocolate blended with vegetable shortening to maintain a smooth texture during dipping. Peppermint extract adds a strong mint flavor, carefully adjusted to preference because mint is potent. After dipping each cracker, they are placed on parchment to cool and harden. The final result is a crisp, minty chocolate-coated treat with a refreshing bite from the peppermint essence and a crunchy underlying texture from the cracker.
The method involves melting chocolate and optionally adding shortening for smoothness, then stirring in peppermint extract to taste. Each Ritz cracker is dipped to coat evenly, drained of excess chocolate to prevent clumps, and laid out to set chilled and firm. These mints serve well as a homemade holiday or anytime snack for those who enjoy the combination of chocolate and mint flavors.
Because peppermint extract is very concentrated, careful measurement is important to avoid overpowering bitterness. Using a semi-sweet chocolate balances the mint's sharpness. The recipe requires refrigeration or freezing to set the chocolate quickly and keep its texture.
Ingredients
- 18 Ritz crackers
- 1 cup chocolate chips melted, semi-sweet
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening optional but recommended
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper; set aside. Clear out a spot in your refrigerator or freezer to accommodate baking sheet.
- In a shallow microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening (the shortening helps the chocolate stay smooth when using it for dipping; it prevents that thick and gloppy, chocolate getting hard before you want it to phenomenon) and heat for 1 minute on high power to melt. Stir and heat in 10- to 15-second bursts until chocolate can be stirred very smooth.
- To the melted chocolate add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract* and stir. If you prefer it mintier, add another 1/4 teaspoon. I used 3/4 teaspoon in total, but because all brands and taste preferences differ, taste your chocolate and add peppermint to taste.
- Add 1 cracker to the chocolate, coat it, and remove it by lightly scooping it up from the underside with a fork, allowing excess chocolate to drain off through fork tines. Place cracker on parchment and repeat with all remaining crackers. If necessary, re-heat the chocolate in 10- to 15-second bursts if it starts getting too firm for smooth dipping.
- After all crackers have been dipped, place baking sheet in refrigerator. Although these will solidify at room temperature, the shortening in the chocolate lengthens the amount of time that will take; the fridge or freezer helps speed it up.
- Store extra Thin Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for many weeks. In the freezer, I estimate that these could be kept for 3 to 6 months successfully.
Notes
- Use peppermint extract sparingly as it is very potent and can easily overpower the chocolate flavor.
- Vegetable shortening helps maintain a smooth chocolate coating that does not harden too thickly or clump.
- Allow the chocolate-coated crackers to chill in the refrigerator or freezer for faster setting and firmer texture.
- Choose between different types of mint extracts (peppermint, spearmint) based on your flavor preference, availability, and potency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 18Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 70 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 70kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Sodium | 30mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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