Ready to dazzle your taste buds? Let me take you on a journey where minty freshness meets the crunchy charm of buttery Ritz crackers, all enveloped in rich, velvety chocolate—this delectable treat is as simple to make as it is delicious to devour!
Creating delectable delights is my passion. These Ritz Cracker Mint Thins are an ideal balance of crunchy and creamy, with an invigorating twist of mint that makes them bipolar.
As in, they are both delightful and indulgent—mint thins that are—refreshing, yet also somewhat rich. They contain a sleeve of Ritz crackers and a lusciously coating of semisweet chocolate blended with peppermint extract.
They are so good! So, yeah.
Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe Ingredients
- Ritz Crackers: Light, crispy base; contains carbohydrates and a touch of salt.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Rich in antioxidants; provide sweetness and creaminess.
- Peppermint Extract: Adds a refreshing minty flavor; invigorating and aromatic.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures smooth texture; helps chocolate coat evenly on crackers.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Optional garnish; adds crunch and extra peppermint sweetness.
Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional, for garnish)
How to Make this Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe
1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a bowl safe for the microwave, mix the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
3. Melt the chocolate in a microwave, using 30-second intervals and stirring well after each.
4. Mix together the melted chocolate and peppermint extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
5. Dip each Ritz cracker in the chocolate mixture, making sure it is completely coated.
6. Using a fork, lift the cracker coated in chocolate out of the bowl. Let any extra chocolate drip back into the bowl. Perfection in chocolate coating the cracker is not necessary.
7. Layer the prepared crackers on the baking sheet in a single layer.
8. If you want, you can scatter crushed peppermint candy or candy canes on the top before the chocolate hardens.
9. Move the baking sheet to the refrigerator and cool the crackers for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
10. After placing the mixture in the desired shape, take it out of the refrigerator. You can either serve it immediately or keep it in a container with an airtight seal.
Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper
3. Microwave-safe bowl
4. Microwave
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Fork
8. Refrigerator
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate? A: Yes, if you want a different taste profile, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
- Q: How do I melt the chocolate chips?A: In a bowl safe for the microwave, melt the chocolate chips slowly, stirring every 30 seconds. If this method does not appeal to you, try using a double boiler to melt the chocolate on your stovetop.
- Q: Can I substitute the peppermint extract?A: If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract—but use it sparingly, as it can be stronger.
- Q: How should I store the mint thins?A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days, or place them in the fridge for longer-lasting storage.
- Q: Can I skip the vegetable oil?Vegetable oil assists in the smooth coating of the chocolate over the crackers. Therefore, it is advised to include it; however, if you can’t or don’t wish to, you can leave it out.
- Q: What can I use for garnish instead of crushed candy canes?A: Drizzle them with white chocolate, sprinkle over some colored crumbs, or leave them plain if you want a simpler flavor.
- Q: Are there alternatives for Ritz crackers?A: You can use any buttery cracker, but Ritz gives you the best texture and flavor. It really is a cracker that can hold up to, and stand out in, a topping situation.
Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe Substitutions and Variations
You can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Should you not have access to peppermint extract, you might consider using mint extract instead. As another alternative, use very small amounts of peppermint oil (remember that oil is much more concentrated, and use it with that in mind).
List of ingredients:
Mint extract
OR
Peppermint oil (in very small amounts)
OR
Peppermint extract
Coconut oil or canola oil may be used in place of vegetable oil to achieve similar texture and consistency when melting chocolate.
People who want to avoid chocolate might try using an alternative of white chocolate instead. But it is certainly going to change the flavor in a big way.
If crushed peppermint candies are not available, try using crushed chocolate mints. If you don’t have those, just leave them out altogether.
Pro Tips
1. Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips as they offer a smoother melt and richer taste, enhancing the overall flavor of your treat.
2. Ensure Crackers are Completely Dry Before dipping, make sure the Ritz crackers are completely dry to help the chocolate adhere better and create a smoother coating.
3. Double-Boiler Method If you prefer, melt the chocolate using a double boiler instead of a microwave to have more control over the melting process and prevent any risk of burning the chocolate.
4. Cooling Rack Technique Place the finished chocolate-coated crackers on a cooling rack over parchment paper instead of directly on the baking sheet. This allows any excess chocolate to drip off properly and ensures the crackers don’t stick to the paper.
5. Peppermint Candy Size Variations When using crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, consider varying the size of the pieces for texture. Smaller pieces will melt slightly into the chocolate, while larger pieces provide a nice crunch.
Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe
My favorite Ritz Cracker Mint Thins Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper
3. Microwave-safe bowl
4. Microwave
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Fork
8. Refrigerator
Ingredients:
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a bowl safe for the microwave, mix the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
3. Melt the chocolate in a microwave, using 30-second intervals and stirring well after each.
4. Mix together the melted chocolate and peppermint extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
5. Dip each Ritz cracker in the chocolate mixture, making sure it is completely coated.
6. Using a fork, lift the cracker coated in chocolate out of the bowl. Let any extra chocolate drip back into the bowl. Perfection in chocolate coating the cracker is not necessary.
7. Layer the prepared crackers on the baking sheet in a single layer.
8. If you want, you can scatter crushed peppermint candy or candy canes on the top before the chocolate hardens.
9. Move the baking sheet to the refrigerator and cool the crackers for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
10. After placing the mixture in the desired shape, take it out of the refrigerator. You can either serve it immediately or keep it in a container with an airtight seal.