Healthier Thin Mint Cookies (gluten-free)

Healthier Thin Mint Cookies made with all paleo and vegan ingredients for an easy homemade recipe for your favorite girl scout cookie!

For someone who doesn’t even like mint things, it is shocking how much I love thin mint girl scout cookies.

I was a girl scout for a hot minute back in the day. And I would demolish a box of thin mints like they were going out of style. Plus I would keep them in the freezer and they had this extra crunchy texture – SO good.

What I love about this recipe is that it is surprisingly easy to make. And it only makes about 8 cookies, so you aren’t left with a couple dozen if you only want a few on hand.

When it comes to cookies, Thin Mints have a special place in many hearts. That crispy, chocolatey, peppermint-infused goodness is hard to resist! But what if you could enjoy the same nostalgic flavor without the added preservatives, refined sugars, and processed ingredients? Enter these healthier Thin Mint Cookies. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and maple syrup, they’re the perfect guilt-free treat. Let’s dive into how you can whip up a batch in no time!

Why Make Healthier Thin Mint Cookies?

There’s no denying the charm of the original Thin Mint cookies, but traditional versions often come with a long list of ingredients that can leave you feeling less than your best. By making these at home, you’re in control of what goes into them. Here are just a few benefits of this homemade version:

1. Simple Ingredients: These cookies are made with pantry staples like almond flour, cacao powder, and maple syrup.

2. Naturally Sweetened: Unlike refined sugar, maple syrup provides sweetness while offering trace minerals.

3. Gluten-Free: Almond flour makes these cookies a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.

4. Dairy-Free: Coconut oil and dark chocolate chips keep things dairy-free while maintaining rich flavor.

5. Customizable: Love a stronger peppermint flavor? You can easily adjust the peppermint extract to suit your taste.

Ready to bake? Let’s get started!

The cookie part itself is made with just 5 key ingredients that we will get to shortly. Then the outside is a simple chocolate coating.

But right now, I am hoping that you are drooling over the thought of eating thin mint cookies. And perhaps feeling a little nostalgic for this childhood cookie. I have a feeling I will be making a few other girls scout cookies soon, so if you have request, let me know!

What ingredients you need to make gluten-free Thin Mint Cookies:

• Almond flour. I use almond flour in this recipe as the main ingredient. It makes the cookies a bit more dense, filling and I haven’t tested other flours yet! Oat flour would like work, but I haven’t personally tried. Please don’t sub coconut as the cookies will not turn out!
• Cacao powder. This gives the cookies that subtle chocolate flavor you want. Cocoa powder could likely work too.
• Maple syrup. I use maple syrup here as a sticky liquid sweetener. You can also use honey if you prefer, but coconut sugar won’t work as it is a bit too grainy.
• Coconut oil. I usually just melt and cool coconut oil to get it to the liquid form need! You only need a little bit in this.
• Peppermint extract. The smallest amount is needed yet it is so key in giving these that thin mint flavor!
• Dark chocolate. I use a refined sugar free option as you can see. 

How to make vegan Thin Mint Cookies:

1. Mix together the almond flour, cacao powder, maple syrup, coconut oil and peppermint extract to form the dough
2. The dough may be a bit crumbly, but that is okay! It won’t be as dough-y as traditional cookies
3. Add the dough to fridge for 10-15 minutes
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper 
5. Form the cookies by spooning 2 tablespoons or so of dough into your hand and form into a ball then press down to make a flat cookie about 1/4 inch (these won’t rise as they don’t have baking powder/soda)
6. Add cookies to baking sheet then bake in oven for 12-14 minutes
7. Allow the cookies to cool for a few then melt together the chocolate coating ingredients in 30 second increments in microwave or saucepan
8. Dip each cookie into the chocolate the place back on the baking sheet
9. Once all the cookies are coated with chocolate, add to fridge to set then enjoy!

FAQs on making copycat Thin Mints:

1. Why do I have to refrigerate the dough? Chilling is important so that the cookies turn out round, have a crunch and the dough stays together. It’s only 10 minutes, so it doesn’t need to be long.
2. What is the peppermint extract? If you want these to taste like the real thing, you will need peppermint extract that provides the peppermint flavor to the cookies.
3. What is the best way to coat the cookies in chocolate? Use a fork to hold the cookie and coat the chocolate on top using a spoon. This will help keep your hands clean. Then add cookies to baking sheet or cooling rack so the chocolate sets.
4. What is the best way to store these cookies? In the fridge for 5 days or freeze for 2 months.

Why These Cookies are a Game-Changer:

Not only are these healthier Thin Mint Cookies a nostalgic treat, but they’re also a smarter choice for anyone looking to indulge mindfully. Here’s why:

• Low-Glycemic Index: Thanks to almond flour and maple syrup, these cookies are less likely to cause blood sugar spikes compared to traditional cookies.

• Nutrient-Rich: Almond flour provides protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E, while cacao powder is packed with antioxidants.

• No Artificial Additives: With just a handful of real-food ingredients, you can enjoy every bite knowing exactly what you’re eating.

More of my homemade girl scout cookies:

Copycat Paleo Girl Scout Samoa Cookies

Paleo Homemade Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies

Gluten-free Copycat Girl Scout Do-Si-Dos