Healthier Vegan and Gluten-Free Thin Mint Cookies Recipe
Introduction
If you love classic Thin Mint cookies but want a healthier, vegan, and gluten-free option, this recipe is for you. These cookies offer rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing peppermint touch, made from wholesome ingredients to satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup flax meal
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup runny sunflower seed butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the chocolate coating:
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Optional: a dash of peppermint extract for stronger peppermint flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix almond flour, cacao powder, flax meal, maple syrup, sunflower seed butter (or almond butter), almond milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until a thick, well-combined batter forms.
- Step 2: Shape the batter into cookies, flattening them slightly. The dough will be sticky, so dampen your fingers with water to help pat and shape about 8 cookies.
- Step 3: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes, adjusting for size and thickness.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.
- Step 5: While cooling, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth. Stir in a dash of peppermint extract if desired.
- Step 6: Dip each cooled cookie into the chocolate coating, fully covering them. Place the coated cookies in the freezer for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.
- Step 7: Store the cookies in an airtight container and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free option, substitute almond flour with oat flour, but adjust liquid ingredients as needed because oat flour absorbs differently.
- Swap sunflower seed butter for almond butter or any other seed butter based on preference or allergies.
- Add more maple syrup or a bit of coconut sugar if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
- If peppermint isn’t your favorite, try a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder for a unique twist.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. They also freeze well; keep them frozen for longer storage and thaw before enjoying. Reheat briefly if you like the chocolate softened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While you can substitute regular flour, the texture and nutritional profile will change significantly. Almond flour adds protein and healthy fats, making the cookies moist and tender. If you use regular flour, reduce other liquids slightly and expect a different consistency.
Can I make these cookies without chocolate coating?
Yes, you can enjoy these cookies without the chocolate coating for a simpler, less sweet option. They will still have great flavor from the cacao and peppermint, but the coating adds that classic Thin Mint experience.
Print
Healthier Vegan and Gluten-Free Thin Mint Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 8 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
These Healthier Vegan and Gluten Free Thin Mint Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Girl Scout favorite. They feature almond flour, flax meal, and natural sweeteners to create a rich, chocolatey cookie with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Coated in smooth chocolate, they offer a crispy outer layer with a soft, chewy center. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, guilt-free treat that is both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup flax meal
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup runny sunflower seed butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Optional: a dash of peppermint extract for stronger peppermint flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, cacao powder, flax meal, maple syrup, sunflower seed butter (or almond butter), almond milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture forms a thick, well-combined batter.
- Shape Cookies: The dough will be sticky and slightly wet, so dampen your fingers with water to help mold the batter into cookie shapes and flatten them slightly. This recipe should yield about 8 cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes, depending on their size and thickness, until they are just firm.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the tray to ensure they set properly before coating.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating: While the cookies cool, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a bowl until smooth. Optionally, add a dash of peppermint extract for a stronger flavor.
- Dip Cookies: Dip each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate coating, ensuring it is evenly covered on all sides.
- Set Chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated cookies in the freezer for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate has fully hardened and set.
- Store and Serve: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. Enjoy them as a refreshing, healthy treat!
Notes
- The dough is sticky; dampening your fingers makes shaping easier.
- You can swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter if nut allergies or preferences require.
- Add more maple syrup or coconut sugar if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
- For a flavor twist, substitute peppermint extract with cinnamon or espresso powder.
- These cookies freeze well; stash extras for future enjoyment.
- Storage: airtight container at room temperature (up to 1 week) or chilled in refrigerator (up to 2 weeks).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: thin mint cookies, vegan cookies, gluten free cookies, healthy cookies, peppermint cookies, chocolate cookies, dairy free, almond flour cookies, low sugar cookies
