Homemade Thin Mint Cookies Recipe

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For those who eagerly await the season of Girl Scout cookies, particularly the iconic Thin Mints, there’s good news: you can recreate this minty, chocolatey delight in your own kitchen! These Homemade Thin Mint Cookies are not only easy to make but also capture the essence of the beloved original, allowing you to indulge in your favorite treat any time of the year.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa
  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract or oil
  • 12 ounces good-quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, such as Ghirardelli
  • 1/2 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract or oil (additional for chocolate coating)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by mixing the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. This step should take less than 15 minutes.
  2. Chill: Divide the dough in half, shaping each portion into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap (not parchment paper, to retain moisture) and refrigerate for a couple of hours or until firm.
  3. Shape and Bake: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely before coating.
  4. Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate with the oil and additional peppermint extract, stirring until smooth. Dip each cookie into the chocolate, using a fork to gently tap off any excess. Place on a wire rack or parchment paper to let the chocolate set.

Expert Tips:

  • Cocoa Matters: Opt for Dutch process cocoa for its smoother flavor and darker color, which closely mimics the taste of Thin Mints.
  • Dough Handling: Keeping the dough wrapped in plastic wrap during refrigeration helps to retain moisture, making it easier to roll out later.
  • Chocolate Coating: Achieve a professional-looking finish by gently tapping the fork to remove excess chocolate after dipping. This ensures a smooth coating.

Enjoy Fresh, Anytime:

These homemade Thin Mint Cookies offer the perfect blend of mint and chocolate, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a fan of the Girl Scout version or simply love the combination of flavors, this recipe allows you to enjoy these cookies fresh, anytime you desire. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a batch of homemade goodness that’s sure to satisfy your Thin Mint cravings year-round.

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