What Are Thin Mint Oreo Cups?

These delightful treats are a fun, no-bake take on classic Oreo truffles, elevated with the iconic flavor of thin mint cookies. Starting with a base of crushed Oreos and cream cheese, we infuse them with a burst of peppermint and enrobe them in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth mint chocolate shell. The result? A compact, intensely flavored “thin” mint experience, but with the added richness and texture of an Oreo truffle. They’re simple enough for beginner cooks yet impressive enough to steal the show at any party.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Effortlessly Easy: No oven required! These cups come together quickly with minimal fuss.
• Only 3 Core Ingredients: You read that right! Just Oreos, cream cheese, and mint chocolate chips are all you need for the basic version.
• Big Peppermint-Chocolate Flavor: The combination of refreshing mint and deep chocolate is utterly addictive.
• Customizable: Easily adapt them to your taste with different toppings and chocolate coatings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While fantastic for Christmas, they’re a hit year-round!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and store them for future enjoyment.

Exciting Variations for Your Thin Mint Oreo Cups

While the classic Thin Mint Oreo Cup is undeniably delicious, there are several ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or specific occasions. Here are three fantastic variations to try:

1. The Classic Mint-Chocolate Dream: This is the staple version that pairs a rich chocolate base with a vibrant Oreo and peppermint-infused truffle center, all topped with another layer of the same luscious mint chocolate. It’s a double dose of deep, refreshing flavor that truly captures the essence of a “thin” mint, but with a satisfyingly thick and chewy texture. This is your go-to for mint-chocolate purists.
2. Elegant White Chocolate Mint Cups: For a delightful twist, swap out the Andes mint chocolate for creamy white chocolate. Melt 1/2 cup of high-quality white chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (this helps achieve a smooth, pourable consistency). Layer the white chocolate just as you would the mint chocolate. This variation offers a softer, sweeter mint flavor with a beautiful contrasting aesthetic that’s particularly striking for festive presentations. The white chocolate provides a smooth, milky canvas for the bold mint center.
3. Dazzling Drizzles and Festive Toppings: Elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of texture by finishing your cups with a decorative touch. After the initial chocolate layer has set, drizzle melted white chocolate, extra mint chocolate, or even a contrasting dark chocolate over the top. Then, before the drizzle sets, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, or even finely chopped nuts. This option is perfect for holiday parties, adding a professional and playful flair to your dessert platter. The crunch of peppermint toppings adds a wonderful textural contrast.

Honestly, these treats are so good, it’s hard to stop at just one! If you want to avoid eating the entire batch yourself, bringing them to a party is an excellent strategy—they’ll disappear in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients for Minty Perfection

Creating these irresistible Thin Mint Oreo Cups requires just a few key components. The quality and preparation of each ingredient play a role in the final texture and flavor, so here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need and some helpful tips:

• Oreos: The star of the show! Use regular Oreos for the best results. There’s no need to separate the cookies from the cream; the creme filling adds moisture and helps bind the mixture together, contributing to that signature truffle-like texture. Using approximately 16-18 cookies will yield the perfect consistency for the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for binding the Oreo crumbs and providing a rich, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. It is crucial that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures it mixes seamlessly with the crushed Oreos, creating a smooth, pliable dough. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy, difficult-to-work-with mixture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but light cream cheese can also work.
• Andes Crème De Menthe Baking Chips: These chips are specifically designed to melt smoothly and deliver that unmistakable mint-chocolate flavor. When melting, do so in short bursts (30 seconds at a time in the microwave) and stir thoroughly between each interval to prevent burning. Alternatively, a double boiler method can be used for more controlled melting. If Andes chips are unavailable, you can melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips and stir in a few drops of food-grade peppermint extract to achieve a similar flavor profile.
• Sprinkles (Optional): Add a festive touch! Christmas-themed sprinkles are perfect for holiday presentations, but any color or type of sprinkle can be used to match your occasion or simply add a pop of color. Apply them while the chocolate coating is still wet so they adhere properly.
• Candy Canes (Optional): For an extra kick of peppermint and a delightful crunch, crushed candy canes are an excellent addition. Crush them into very fine pieces – almost a sugar-like consistency – so they blend well into the Oreo mixture without being too chunky. This provides a more intense peppermint flavor and an appealing texture contrast.
• White Chocolate Chips (for variation): If you opt for the white chocolate variation, choose good quality white chocolate chips. They melt smoother and taste better than cheaper varieties.
• Vegetable Oil (for white chocolate variation): A small amount of vegetable oil (or coconut oil) helps thin out melted white chocolate, making it easier to pour and create a smooth, even coating. White chocolate can sometimes seize or be too thick when melted alone.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Thin Mint Oreo Cups

Follow these simple instructions to create perfect Thin Mint Oreo Cups every time. Get ready for a delicious, no-bake adventure!

1. Prepare Your Muffin Pan: Line a mini muffin pan with mini paper liners. This step is crucial for easy removal and serving. Set the prepared pan aside, ready for assembly.
2. Crush the Oreos: Place approximately 16-18 regular Oreos (without separating the cookies from the cream) into a food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve a fine, sand-like crumb consistency. If the mixture seems too wet or sticky, you can add 1-2 more Oreos and pulse again. Transfer the crushed Oreos to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
3. Process Candy Canes (Optional): If you’re adding candy canes for extra peppermint punch, unwrap 3 candy canes and place them in your food processor or blender. Process until they become a fine, sugar-like powder. Add this crushed candy cane powder to the bowl with the Oreo crumbs and mix well to combine. This step is entirely optional but highly recommended for an intense mint flavor!
4. Mix in Softened Cream Cheese: Add the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the Oreo and candy cane mixture. Using a hand mixer on low speed (or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease), mix until a thick, uniform dough forms. This may take a few minutes and some patience, as the mixture will be stiff at first. Keep mixing until it’s well combined and pliable.
5. Shape the Dough Balls: Pinch off small portions of the dough, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll these portions into neat, small balls. You should yield approximately 22 balls. Gently flatten each ball to the approximate width of your mini muffin cups. This ensures an even chocolate coating later.
6. Melt the Andes Chocolate: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt about 1/2 cup of Andes Crème De Menthe Baking Chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, then remove and stir vigorously for 30 seconds. If not fully melted and smooth, return to the microwave for additional 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until perfectly smooth and pourable. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize.
7. Assemble the Cups: Pour just enough melted mint chocolate into the bottom of each mini muffin liner to barely coat it. Immediately press one of the flattened Oreo-peppermint dough balls into the chocolate layer. Then, pour more melted chocolate over the dough ball, ensuring it is completely covered. If desired, immediately add some festive Christmas sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets.
8. Chill and Harden: Repeat the melting and assembly process for all your cups, working in batches if necessary to keep the chocolate warm and easy to work with. Once all cups are assembled, place the muffin pan in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
9. Enjoy! Let the Thin Mint Oreo Cups sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating for the best texture, as the chocolate can be quite firm straight from the fridge.

White Chocolate Thin Mint Cups Variation:

If you’re eager to try the white chocolate version, the process remains largely the same. Melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips along with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts (30 seconds, then 15-second intervals) and stir until smooth. This quantity of white chocolate will typically cover about 6 candy cups. Adjust the amount of white chocolate and oil accordingly if you plan to make more white chocolate cups using all your Oreo dough.

More Holiday Treat Ideas

If you’re looking for more festive and delicious recipes to share during the holiday season, check out these fan favorites:

• Christmas Crack: An addictive salty-sweet caramel crunch made with saltines.
• Santa Cookies: Fun and colorful cookies adorned with M&Ms.
• Peppermint Popcorn: A delightful mix of popcorn coated in two types of chocolate and crushed peppermint.
• Christmas Donuts: Delicious homemade donuts creatively decorated to look like Rudolph the reindeer.
• Christmas Cupcakes: Themed as charming snow globes for a magical touch.

Recipe Card: Thin Mint Oreo Cups

Pin Recipe

Thin Mint Oreo Cups – 2 Ways!

By Chelsea Lords

These Thin Mint Oreo Cups have a creamy Oreo-peppermint filling nestled between layers of melted Andes chocolate. They’re both easy to make and irresistibly festive. Add candy canes and Christmas sprinkles for a special holiday dessert!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Servings:

22 cups

The Allure of Mint and Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing

The combination of mint and chocolate is a timeless classic, especially beloved during the holiday season. But what makes this pairing so irresistible? The cool, refreshing sensation of peppermint perfectly complements the rich, sometimes bitter, notes of chocolate. This creates a delightful contrast that awakens the palate and leaves a clean, invigorating aftertaste. From thin mint cookies to peppermint bark, this flavor duo consistently captivates. Our Thin Mint Oreo Cups harness this powerful synergy, delivering an intense yet balanced experience that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a nostalgic flavor for many, evoking memories of festive times and sweet indulgence, making these cups an instant hit.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with simple recipes, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Dough is too wet/sticky: This usually means your cream cheese was too soft, or you used slightly fewer Oreos. Add 1-2 more crushed Oreos (without the cream) to the mixture and mix until it reaches a more manageable, pliable consistency.
• Dough is too dry/crumbly: If your dough isn’t coming together, your cream cheese might not have been soft enough, or you used too many Oreos. Add a tiny bit more softened cream cheese (start with 1/2 teaspoon) and mix until the dough can be easily rolled into balls.
• Chocolate seized after melting: This happens when even a tiny amount of water gets into the chocolate while melting, or it’s overheated. Unfortunately, seized chocolate is hard to recover. To prevent this, ensure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. When microwaving, use short intervals and stir frequently. If using a double boiler, ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
• Chocolate coating is too thick: If your melted chocolate seems too thick to pour smoothly, you can thin it slightly. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil (not water!) to the melted chocolate and stir until it reaches a pourable consistency.
• Cups are hard to remove from liners: Ensure the chocolate has completely hardened before attempting to remove them. Chilling them in the refrigerator for the recommended time (or even longer) is crucial. If they are still stubborn, a brief rest at room temperature (just a few minutes) might help, but don’t let them get too warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of Oreos?

Yes, you can experiment! While regular Oreos provide the best texture, you could try Mint Oreos for an even stronger mint flavor, or even Golden Oreos for a different taste profile. Avoid Thin Oreos or Double Stuffed Oreos as they might alter the dough consistency significantly.

Can I make these Thin Mint Oreo Cups vegan or gluten-free?

To make them vegan, use vegan-friendly “oreo-style” cookies, a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and vegan mint chocolate chips. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

How long do these treats last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Thin Mint Oreo Cups can last for 1 to 2 weeks. They are best enjoyed within the first week for optimal freshness and texture.

Do I have to use Andes Crème De Menthe Baking Chips?

No, you don’t have to! While they offer a convenient and distinct flavor, you can melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips and stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of food-grade peppermint extract (adjust to taste) to create your own mint chocolate coating.

What if I don’t have a food processor or blender?

No problem! You can place the Oreos in a large Ziploc bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin or a heavy object to crush them into fine crumbs. It requires a bit more effort but works just as well.

Can I make these in a different size?

Yes, you can use regular-sized muffin pans. The recipe will yield fewer, larger cups, and you will need more chocolate coating. Adjust chilling times accordingly.