Thin mint lovers! Be prepared to be amazed at this dessert. Layers of creamy mint cheesecake and a chewy brownie crust makes this Thin Mint Cheesecake a delicious and fancy dessert for any occasion.
Do you have a favorite girl scout cookie? Thin mints and caramel delights are two of my favorites. Thank goodness they are only sold for a few weeks out of the year.
Thin Mints are one of the most popular Girl Scout cookies, so I wanted to make a dessert that would do them justice.
This cake has layers of creamy mint cheesecake loaded with mint cookies on a brownie crust. It is the perfect combination of two classic desserts.
Why This Recipe Works
Making a brownie cake from scratch can be intimidating, but it's actually easier than you think. Plus, you can change up the cookies and flavoring in the cheesecake layer based on your mood or the event.
Our thin mint cheesecake is the perfect dessert. It's easy to make and includes layers of mint cheesecake and a chewy brownie crust.
Serve this cheesecake brownie recipe at your next party and watch it disappear in minutes. Not only is it delicious, but it is fancy enough for any occasion. Your guests will be amazed at your baking skills.
What You Need
You can make this fancy Girl Scout cookie cheesecake using just a few simple pantry ingredients. The recipe can be made in an 8x8 pan or 9 inch springform pan.
- Brownies - We love using this homemade chocolate chip brownie recipe for all our desserts, but you can also use a 8x8 box brownie mix if you want to save time.
- Cream Cheese - You will need one block of full fat cream cheese. Set it out ahead of time, so it mixes together easier.
- Powdered Sugar - Sweetens the no bake cheesecake filling.
- Extract - The combination of mint extract and vanilla extract gives you the perfect mint flavor without tasting like toothpaste.
- Cool Whip - You will use one thawed container of the whipped topping. You can also make a double batch of this homemade whipped topping, if you prefer that instead.
- Mint Cookies - Any chocolate mint cookie will work. Feel free to use Thin Mints, Keebler Grasshoppers, or Mint Oreos.
How to make a Thin Mint Cheesecake
Follow our simple recipe and in just a few steps you will have this amazing thin mint cheesecake brownie cake ready to enjoy.
- Prep the pan. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Make sure to spray the sides of the pan with nonstick baking spray before you spread the brownie batter in it.
- Make the brownie crust. Mix the brownie batter in a large bowl and spread in prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Unlatch the sides of the pan. Use a knife to gently loosen the brownie from the sides. Lift it out and remove the parchment paper. Place it back on the bottom of the springform pan and put the sides back on.
- Make no bake cheesecake filling. Beat the room temperature cream cheese, sugar, and extracts until creamy. Stir in Cool Whip gently. Add green gel food coloring to tint the cheesecake a mint green.
- Add the cookies. Chop up 15 mint cookies and stir them into the filling.
- Chill the no bake thin mint cheesecake. Spread the cheesecake on top of the cooled brownie. Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to let it set up.
- Remove from the pan. Use a knife to loosen the pan and cheesecake, so it comes out easier. Unlatch the pan and lift it out carefully.
- Add the chocolate ganache. Stir together chocolate chips and warm heavy whipping cream until it is melted and creamy. Let it cool slightly before spreading it on top. Use an angled spatula to spread the chocolate out.
- Decorate and serve. Add cookie pieces before the chocolate sets up completely. Fill in around them with Cool Whip swirls and top with sprinkles.
Storage Recommendations
Keep this brownie cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the undecorated cake for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the chocolate ganache and toppings before serving.
FAQ'S
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use a homemade stabilized whipped cream in this recipe.
What if I do not have a springform pan?
Bake the brownie in an 8x8 pan and add the rest of the layers on top of that. The baking time will be 25-28 minutes for that size pan.
You can also bake this in an 8-inch springform pan. Baking time would be 30 minutes.
Do mint desserts taste like toothpaste?
Not if you limit the amount of mint extract in a recipe. Mixing it with vanilla also helps to soften the flavor.
Some people are much more aware of the flavor, so they think mint desserts tastes like toothpaste. What it actually comes down to is a genetic issue.
The olfactory gene in some people makes them perceive tastes differently. Unfortunately if you have this gene, mint dessert will taste like toothpaste no matter what. If you have a good gene, mint desserts will taste amazing to you!
Other Mint Desserts
- Mint Oreo Fudge
- Mint Parfait recipe
- Chocolate Mint Fudge Bars
- Mint Brownie Swirl Fudge
- Mint Chocolate Chip Truffles
- Chocolate Chip Cheeseball recipe
- Chocolate Mint Bars
- Shamrock Sugar Cookie Bars
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Recipe
Thin Mint Cheesecake Recipe
Thin mint lovers! Be prepared to be amazed at this dessert. Layers of creamy mint cheesecake and a chewy brownie crust makes this Thin Mint Cheesecake a delicious and fancy dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup chocolate chunks
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed & divided
- green gel food coloring
- 21 chocolate mint cookies, divided
For the Topping
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Spray the sides with nonstick baking spray.
- Stir together the melted butter and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the butter mixture.
- Add the flour, salt, and baking powder and mix until just mixed in. Stir in the chocolate chunks gently.
- Spread the brownie batter iin the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Unlatch the pan and run a knife around the edges. Flip the brownie over and pull the parchment paper off.
- Place the brownie back on the bottom of the springform pan and latch the sides on again.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the mint and vanilla extract and beat again.
- Fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip gently. Add green gel color and mix in until you get your desired green color.
- Chop up 15 of the mint cookies and gently stir them into the cheesecake mixture. Spread the cheesecake on top of the cooled brownie. Refrigerate for at least one hour before removing the sides of the springform pan.
- Place the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir until melted and creamy. Let cool for a few minutes before spreading it evenly on top of the cheesecake.
- Cut the remaining cookies in half and place them evenly around the top of the cheesecake edge.
- Use a piping bag and icing tip #18 to pipe the remaining Cool Whip in between the cookies. Top with sprinkles.
Notes
*You can use a double batch of homemade whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip, if you prefer.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 424Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 173mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 1gSugar: 36gProtein: 5g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post for Thin Mint Cheesecake Brownie Cake was first published January 2017. The post was updated February 2022.
Allyson Zea
I absolutely love cheesecake and this is just screaming my name! I need to try this!
Ashley F
This is maybe my favorite Christmas dessert ever. I love mint and chocolate!
Courtney O'Dell
This cheesecake is to die for delicious!
Kelly
How far ahead can I make this so it's still fresh and not dried out from refrigeration?
Jocelyn
How far ahead are you looking at making it? It should be fine made a few days early, as long as you cover it tightly. I hope you enjoy it!
Mindy
I can't find the thin mint brownie mix?? Could I use a regular brownie mix and add something to get the mint flavor??
Jocelyn
Yes, you can use any brownie mix for this cake...just make sure it is a mix for an 8x8 pan. Also, you could stir in some Andes mint chips for the flavor if you like. I hope you enjoy it!
Mindy
I have one other question... the cool whip on top will it run and make a mess or will it set and firm up once put in the fridge after it's all done??
Jocelyn
The Cool Whip will be just fine as it sets up. That's how I make it every time. If you want, you can add the Cool Whip right before serving. It will be fine either way.
Kristy
Do you use peppermint or mint extract? And do you find a difference using one or the other?
Jocelyn
For this particular dessert I used mint because the crushed cookies are mint. I think the peppermint has more of Christmas flavor to it, but it all comes down to preference. The biggest thing is not to over do either extract or it will taste like toothpaste.
Robin McAloney
Can I use a bit more cream cheese and a bit less whipped cream?
Jocelyn
You could always use a little more cream cheese if you like. I haven't tried it that way, so I can't give you an amount. It will change the texture of the filling to be thicker and less creamy that way though. You can also use homemade whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip, if that is what you are trying to avoid.
Meg
Can you use half and half instead of heavy cream? I only ask because I have some on hand. I realize I'm not losing weight making this anyway, lol!
Jocelyn
Yes, you could substitute half and half instead of cream. The chocolate topping will not get quite as hard as using heavy cream, so you might want to only use 3 Tablespoons instead of the 1/4 cup. I hope you enjoy it!!!
Melissa
I doubled the filling and ganache and put it in a 9 inch springform pan...It turned out fabulous and made a bigger dessert I could serve for a group...8 inch pans are hard to find anyway...I won't pay GS prices so I used a competitors brand which you can find year round at half the cost 🙂
Toni Solis
Made it..and it was a huge hit even among non Mint Lovers! Thank you for the recipe!
Jocelyn
I am so sorry to have offended you by my comments in this post. I honestly meant no disrespect to any of the older Girl Scouts and their parents, I was only stating a fact that I have learned how to say no to all the requests and demands from older kids selling products. As a baker, I have a hard time buying small boxes of cookies for $4 no matter the age of any girl. I think the program is a wonderful and inspiring thing for young girls to be a part of, and I really did not mean to offend you by my choices. I have no doubt your older girl scout rocks! Tell her to keep up the awesome work!
cindy
I used to feel the same about the price of GS Cookies. Now I just look at it as a small ( $4 ) donation to a very worthy org. Each year I buy one box from 4 or 5 different girls and everybody wins. I am very particular about donating and when I do it's usually to something that involves children. Great recipe!
Jocelyn
I agree with you. And I do usually buy a few boxes each year for that reason too!
Erin@WellPlated
Thin mints are my weakness! And now that you've combined them with cheesecake? I am a GONER.
Karly
Cheesecake, brownie and cake in one? ALL thin-mint flavored? You've created the holy grail of desserts!!! I MUST try this!
cakespy
This has all the value of the franklin MINT to me - it looks absolutely perfect, J!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Oh my gosh I'm such a sucker for thin mints!! This looks heavenly!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
This is GORGEOUS! Love thin mints. LOVE brownies. I just love everything about this.
Nicole
Thin Mints are my personal favorite so this cake has me like . . . Whoa!
shelly (cookies and cups)
This is such a stunner! I bet it's equally delicious 🙂 Those mixes are going to do me in!
Tanya
This looks so good! I have seen so many girl scouts selling cookies right now. I'll have to finally buy some next time. This looks so good.
Deb
This looks so yummy, Jocelyn! Thanks for sharing the recipe!