If you're a fan of classic cinnamon rolls but crave a bold twist, the Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new go-to indulgence. These soft, pillowy rolls infused with rich cocoa in the dough and a delectable Thin Mint cookie filling are a match made in dessert heaven. Finished with a luscious mint-chocolate glaze, these rolls bring together nostalgic Girl Scout cookie flavors and traditional cinnamon roll comfort for an irresistible treat that’s bound to become a favorite at your brunch table or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients You'll Need
The magic of the Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each contributing beautifully to the final texture, taste, and aroma. From the cocoa powder that deepens the dough’s chocolate notes to the crushed Thin Mint cookies that add crunch and minty brilliance, these simple staples come together into something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the rolls their soft, chewy structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich, chocolatey depth to the dough without overpowering.
- Active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes your dough rise perfectly fluffy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and supports yeast activity for that perfect rise.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Whole milk (warmed): Provides richness and moisture to create tender dough.
- Water: Hydrates the dough, helping yeast activation and gluten development.
- Eggs: Bring a slight richness and bind the dough for elasticity and softness.
- Unsalted butter (cubed): Infuses the dough with buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies: Crushed to add mint-chocolate flavor and a delightful crunch in the filling.
- Demerara sugar: Adds a coarse texture and deep caramel flavor to the filling.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base for the glaze, balancing sweetness with tanginess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze for that classic cinnamon roll finish.
- Mint extract: Lifts the glaze’s flavors with refreshing mint echoes.
How to Make Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your dry ingredients — flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and yeast — in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix gently at low speed to distribute everything evenly. Then, add warm milk, water, and eggs, mixing on a low setting until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough. Gradually add cubed butter while increasing the mixer speed to medium, allowing the dough to become smooth, elastic, and start pulling away from the bowl.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Remove the dough and transfer it to a greased bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. They say patience is key here — let the dough rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. Afterward, refrigerate the dough for at least two hours or overnight to help develop flavor and make rolling easier.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the dough chills, combine crushed Thin Mint cookies, demerara sugar, kosher salt, and softened butter in a food processor. Pulse until you have a crumbly, yet slightly creamy mixture perfect for spreading. If the butter firms up, a few seconds in the microwave will soften it for easy mixing.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
On a floured work surface, roll the dough into a large 18 by 24-inch rectangle, keeping it as even as possible. Gently dust off excess flour, then spread your Thin Mint cookie filling edge to edge. This step is where the magic is visible with a glossy layer of mint-chocolate goodness waiting to be rolled into spiraled perfection.
Step 5: Shape and Proof the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the side closest to you, trimming the ends for neatness. Cut the roll into 16 equal pieces using a serrated knife or unwaxed floss, and arrange them on greased baking trays. Cover with foil and let the rolls rest until they become puffy and double in size — about an hour.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
Bake your rolls at 350°F for 15 minutes covered, then another 15 uncovered to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. While they bake, whisk together cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, mint extract, and milk to create a glossy glaze. Brush this luscious minty chocolate coat over the warm rolls and sprinkle crushed Thin Mints on top for added texture and flair. Let cool slightly before digging in.
How to Serve Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with crushed Thin Mint cookies sprinkled over the warm glaze—this gives each bite extra crunch and vibrant mint flavor. For an extra touch, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few fresh mint leaves adds both visual appeal and depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk to balance the rich sweetness. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to provide a light contrast to the indulgent rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable presentation, arrange the cinnamon rolls in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment. Alternatively, serve them individually in small ramekins or cupcake liners for personal portions that wow guests at brunch or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and maintains the glaze’s lovely texture without drying out the rolls.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze unbaked rolls after shaping on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking. You can also freeze fully baked rolls, wrapped tightly, and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your cinnamon rolls gently in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave individually for 20-30 seconds. Adding a small dab of butter or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar after reheating will refresh their moist, gooey appeal.
FAQs
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough for this recipe?
This recipe’s unique addition of cocoa powder in the dough and Thin Mint cookie filling creates a flavor profile that wouldn’t be replicated with plain cinnamon roll dough. For the authentic Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe experience, stick to the ingredients and steps provided.
What if I don’t have Thin Mint cookies on hand?
If Thin Mint cookies are unavailable, you can substitute with any mint-flavored chocolate cookies. The texture and flavor might differ slightly, but your rolls will still have that wonderful mint-chocolate essence.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap whole milk and butter for plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan butter, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.
How long does it take to make these rolls from start to finish?
With preparation, rising, chilling, baking, and glazing, expect around 3 to 4 hours total. Most of this is inactive time, so it’s a great recipe to work on alongside other relaxing activities.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily—just be sure to use larger mixing and baking tools and increase your rising space accordingly. Doubling up makes these minty treats perfect for parties or gifts.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a try because it’s such a fun and flavorful way to bring new life to a beloved classic. The combination of rich cocoa dough, refreshing mint cookie filling, and creamy glaze creates a treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Whether it's for a cozy weekend morning or special occasion, these rolls promise smiles with every gooey, minty bite.
Print
Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including rising and chilling time)
- Yield: Makes 16 rolls
Description
These Thin Mint Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of cocoa and mint with a unique twist, incorporating crushed Thin Mint cookies into the filling and a rich minty cocoa glaze. Soft, chocolaty dough is layered with a decadent cookie butter filling, baked to perfection, and finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze infused with mint extract. Perfect for a festive treat or an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 eggs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Filling
- 4 oz. Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup demerara sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Glaze
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons mint extract
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, sugar, and yeast on low speed until well mixed. Add water, warmed milk, and eggs on second lowest speed until incorporated. Gradually add cubed butter while mixing at medium speed. Once all butter is added, increase speed to medium-high and mix for 6-7 minutes until dough pulls away from sides.
- First Rise and Chill: Remove dough, place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Then chill dough completely in the fridge overnight or for at least two hours.
- Prepare Filling: Pulse Thin Mint cookies, demerara sugar, and salt in a food processor until finely crumbed. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and fold in softened butter until fully combined. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9x13-inch baking trays.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and rolling pin. Roll dough into an 18x24-inch rectangle, maintaining an even thickness. Dust off excess flour with a pastry brush.
- Spread Filling and Roll: Evenly spread the cookie filling over the dough from edge to edge. If filling is stiff, warm in 5-second microwave increments. Roll dough tightly from the side closest to you into a log. Trim excess dough from ends.
- Cut Rolls and Second Rise: Cut the log into 16 even pieces using a serrated knife or unflavored floss. Place cut rolls into prepared pans and cover with foil. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Bake Rolls: Bake rolls covered for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, mint extract, and milk until smooth and creamy while rolls bake.
- Glaze and Cool: Immediately glaze hot rolls with the mint cocoa glaze, sprinkle with crushed Thin Mint cookies if desired, and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warmed but not hot to activate yeast properly.
- Chilling the dough overnight improves flavor and texture.
- Use a pastry brush to remove excess flour before spreading filling to prevent dry spots.
- Microwave cookie filling briefly if it becomes too hard to spread.
- Use serrated knife or unflavored floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing.
- Cover rolls while baking initially to keep them moist.
- Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- These rolls contain gluten, eggs, and nuts from the cookies; adjust for allergies accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Reply