Introduction
If you love the crunchy, chocolatey goodness of Thin Mint cookies, then these Thin Mint Cookie Bars will be your new favorite dessert! These bars feature a buttery, minty chocolate crust, a thick, fudgy chocolate layer, and a silky mint chocolate ganache—a combination that’s rich, refreshing, and irresistible.
Perfect for bake sales, holiday treats, or an easy homemade dessert, these bars capture the essence of Thin Mints but in a thick, chewy, bar form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – No rolling or cutting cookies—just press, bake, and layer!
✔️ Rich & Minty Flavor – Perfect balance of chocolate & peppermint.
✔️ No Mixer Required – Simple ingredients, big flavor!
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holidays, and gifting.
✔️ Customizable – Make it gluten-free, extra fudgy, or low-carb!
Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step guide, pro tips, variations, serving ideas, and FAQs to perfect these Thin Mint Cookie Bars! 🍫🌿
What Makes These Bars So Special?
Unlike traditional Thin Mint cookies, these bars offer:
🍪 A buttery, crunchy chocolate-mint base
🍫 A thick, fudgy chocolate filling
🌿 A rich, mint chocolate ganache topping
🌟 The Secret? Using crushed Thin Mint cookies or chocolate graham crackers in the crust for authentic flavor and crunch.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
1. Thin Mint Crust (The Base) 🍪
- Thin Mint cookies (or chocolate graham crackers) – The classic minty base.
- Butter – Binds the crust and adds richness.
- Sugar (optional) – Enhances sweetness.
2. Fudgy Chocolate Layer (The Heart) 🍫
- Semisweet or dark chocolate chips – Creates a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Adds chewiness and fudginess.
- Peppermint extract – For that classic Thin Mint taste.
3. Mint Chocolate Ganache (The Silky Top) 🌿
- Heavy cream – Makes the ganache smooth and creamy.
- Mint chocolate chips – Adds a cool, refreshing flavor.
- Crushed Thin Mints (for topping) – Extra crunch and minty goodness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Thin Mint Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush 2 cups of Thin Mints (or chocolate graham crackers) into fine crumbs.
- Mix with ½ cup melted butter and 2 tbsp sugar (optional).
- Press into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Fudgy Chocolate Filling
- Melt 1 ½ cups chocolate chips with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in ½ tsp peppermint extract.
- Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Step 3: Make the Mint Chocolate Ganache
- Heat ½ cup heavy cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
- Pour over 1 cup mint chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then pour over the chocolate layer.
Step 4: Chill & Set
- Sprinkle crushed Thin Mints or extra chocolate chips on top.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until fully set.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
- Cut into 16 bars for perfect bite-sized treats.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
🔥 Enjoy the fudgy, minty goodness in every bite! 🔥
Pro Tips for the Best Thin Mint Cookie Bars
✔️ Use high-quality chocolate – Better chocolate = richer bars.
✔️ Let layers cool before adding the next – Prevents melting.
✔️ Chill for at least 1 hour – Makes slicing easier.
✔️ Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water – For clean cuts.
✔️ Store in the fridge – Keeps the bars firm & fresh.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
1. Extra Fudgy Thin Mint Bars 🍫
- Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the crust for a richer chocolate flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Version 🌾🚫
- Use gluten-free chocolate cookies or Oreos.
3. Peppermint Bark Thin Mint Bars 🎄
- Add crushed candy canes on top for a holiday twist.
4. Low-Carb Keto Thin Mint Bars 🥑
- Use almond flour + cocoa powder for the crust.
- Swap sugar-free chocolate chips & condensed milk substitute.
5. Mocha Mint Bars ☕🍫
- Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the chocolate layer for a coffee kick.
Best Pairings & Serving Ideas
Beverages to Serve With These Bars
☕ Hot Chocolate – Double the chocolate decadence.
🥛 Cold Milk – The perfect classic combo.
🍵 Peppermint Tea – Enhances the minty flavors.
Other Desserts to Pair With
🍪 Thin Mint Brownies – More chocolate + mint deliciousness.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy contrast to the fudgy bars.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
1. How do I store Thin Mint Cookie Bars?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap bars in plastic wrap & freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes! Try Oreos, chocolate wafers, or graham crackers.
4. How do I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
5. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Use:
- Coconut milk instead of heavy cream
- Dairy-free chocolate chips
- Vegan butter instead of regular butter
Conclusion
Thin Mint Cookie Bars are rich, fudgy, crunchy, and irresistibly minty—perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a sweet treat. Whether you serve them chilled or at room temperature, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with chocolate lovers and mint fans alike!
🔥 Try them today & enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate and mint! 🔥
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Thin Mint Cookie Bars – The Ultimate Minty Chocolate Dessert!
Description
If you love Thin Mint cookies, these Thin Mint Cookie Bars are going to be your new favorite dessert! A buttery chocolate base topped with a minty cream layer and finished off with a rich chocolate glaze, these bars are a mint lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mint Layer:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered mint chocolate chip ice cream or mint chocolate chips (chopped if using chips)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it out into an even layer.
2. Make the Mint Layer:
- In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, and peppermint extract.
- Add the chopped mint chocolate or mint ice cream and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Spread the mint layer over the cookie base, smoothing it out into an even layer.
3. Bake & Cool:
- Bake the bars for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the chocolate glaze over the top, spreading it into an even layer.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the glaze set for 30 minutes before cutting the bars into squares.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the delicious minty, chocolatey goodness!
Notes
These Thin Mint Cookie Bars are the perfect way to indulge in that iconic mint-chocolate flavor without needing to wait for Girl Scout season!
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