Homemade Thin Mints
Try this Homemade Thin Mints recipe
Try this Homemade Thin Mints recipe
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup (8 oz or 2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (i used dutched dark coco
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (fluff the flour before scooping too much flour will result in a dry dough)
- 16 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
- 1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or oil (make sure you get peppe not spearmint, and make sure you get extract, or oil, not flavoring)
- Carbohydrate 316.660490255673 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 136.111860880038 g
- Fiber 26.7752002389794 g
- Protein 19.0588745232 g
- Saturated Fat 80.5195556040077 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (488g)
- Sodium 50.5951606563823 mg
- Sugar 289.885290016693 g
- Trans Fat 5.97932943132724 g
- Calories 2302 calories
Step-by-step
- Set the oven to 350F
- Cream butter until light and fluffy, then add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- Stir in the salt, vanilla and cocoa powder. Mix until the cocoa powder is integrated and the batter resembles a thick frosting.
- Add the flour and mix just until the flour is combined, making sure to not over mix.
- Form dough into a ball. Knead a few times to bring together, then flatten into a disk between half an inch and one inch thick, cover in plastic wrap then place in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Remove dough from the freezer and roll it out really thin on a floured surface, about 1/8-inch.
- Cut cookies using 1 1/2-inch cutter (I used a small cordial glass that measured almost 2" and it was the perfect size).
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies bake, make the peppermint coating. Chop the baking chocolate into very small, thin pieces.
- Place in a glass measuring cup or similar container and microwave in short 15-20 second bursts.
- Stir in the peppermint extract. Feel free to add more peppermint as you see fit. (Don't add any more, the amount is perfect)
- Gently drop the cookies, one at a time, into the coating. Turn to coat entirely, then lift the cookie out of the chocolate with the fork and bang the fork on the side of the pan until the extra coating drips off.
- Place on a parchment or plastic wrap-lined baking sheet, and repeat for the rest of the cookies.
- Place the cookies in the refrigerator or freezer to set. (I didn't need to do this, they set up fine after about 1/2 hour at room temperature, but then again, we were having a blizzard, "room temperature" is relative!)
Homemade Thin Mints: A Baker's Delight
As a busy professional, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury. But there's something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. This weekend, I decided to challenge myself – to create a batch of homemade Thin Mints. I've always loved the crisp, cool, and minty flavor, and honestly, the store-bought ones just don't quite hit the mark. The process turned out to be more rewarding and easier than expected, a perfect stress-reliever after a long week. This recipe is a keeper, and I can't wait to share it with you.
The initial stages were simple enough. Creaming the butter and sugar, adding the cocoa powder and flour – a familiar process to any home baker. What truly made this recipe special was the attention to detail. Using Dutch cocoa powder brought a deep richness to the cookie base, and the subtle peppermint extract added that iconic Thin Mint zing. The instructions for rolling out the dough were exceptionally clear – thin, but not too thin – and the baking time was perfect. No burnt edges or underbaked centers here! The most enjoyable part (besides eating the finished product!) was dipping the cooled cookies into the melted chocolate. It was a little messy, but so satisfying to watch those perfectly formed cookies transform into miniature works of art. The chilling process helps set the chocolate and the cookies come out deliciously firm. I'm already dreaming of my next baking project!
Making these cookies wasn't just about the delicious results; it was also a therapeutic escape. The rhythmic process of creaming, mixing, rolling, and dipping was almost meditative. The quiet time in the kitchen, punctuated only by the gentle whir of the mixer and the soft clinking of the chocolate, was a much-needed respite from the demands of work and life. The finished product – a plate of homemade Thin Mints – was more than just a treat; it was a testament to the power of slowing down, indulging in a creative pursuit, and enjoying the fruits of my labor. And what a treat they were! Crisp, minty, and undeniably delicious. The perfect reward for a weekend well-spent. I highly recommend this recipe for anyone looking to indulge their inner baker, even if time is a precious commodity. The results are well worth the effort!
Beyond the simple joy of baking, this recipe also offers a chance to connect with others. Sharing the finished cookies with friends, family, or colleagues is an act of kindness, a way to spread a little sweetness in your daily lives. A homemade gift is always appreciated and speaks volumes about the time and effort put into creating something special. These Thin Mints are not just cookies, they’re little packages of love and care, ready to be shared with those who bring joy to your life. I hope my experience inspires you to try this recipe – you won't regret it!
Furthermore, this recipe opens the door for customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, perhaps adding some sea salt flakes for a sophisticated twist or using white chocolate for a lighter, sweeter version. Add some chopped nuts to the cookie dough for an extra textural element or sprinkle some crushed candy canes for extra festive flair. The possibilities are endless! Baking should be an enjoyable process of exploration and experimentation, and this recipe is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure. You'll be surprised at how therapeutic and rewarding this process can be.
Finally, remember that baking, like most things in life, is a journey, not a race. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Embrace the imperfections, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun! The key to successful baking (and to a fulfilling life) is patience, practice, and a dash of self-compassion. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and relish the delicious results! Happy baking, and enjoy your homemade Thin Mints!
