Copycat Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty Recipe

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Ever since the Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty, it’s become the perfect fusion of creamy indulgence and minty nostalgia. But what if those Frosty cravings hit and you’re nowhere near a Wendy’s drive-thru?

How to make Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty

Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty is a seasonal, limited-edition dessert that combines the classic Frosty with the iconic Girl Scout Thin Mints cookie flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of vanilla ice cream (softened)
• 1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust based on your mint preference)
• 1 cup of Thin Mints cookies or any chocolate mint cookies (crushed into crumbs)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup for extra richness
• Optional garnish: Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Frosty Base: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, whole milk (or heavy cream), and peppermint extract. Blend until smooth and frothy.
2. If you prefer a chocolate-based Frosty, replace the vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream and add the chocolate syrup to the mix.
3. Add Thin Mints Flavor: Stir in half the crushed Thin Mints cookies into the Frosty mixture. Blend lightly or stir by hand to allow cookie crumbs to incorporate without fully losing their texture.
4. Chill to Frosty Perfection: Pour the Frosty mixture into a freezer-safe container and let it sit in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes. This step helps emulate the iconic thick yet creamy consistency of Wendy’s Frosty.
5. Assemble the Dessert: Scoop the Frosty into a serving glass or bowl. Top with the remaining crushed Thin Mints cookies for crunch and garnish with whipped cream (if desired). You can drizzle chocolate syrup on top for that ultimate decadent finish.
6. Enjoy: Grab a spoon—although we won’t judge if you use a straw—and dive into your homemade Frosty!

Tips for Frosty Success:

• Adjust the Mint Flavor: If you don’t want an overpowering mint taste, start with less peppermint extract and gradually add more until it’s just right for your palate.
• Use Fresh Thin Mints – For maximum crunch and flavor, use freshly opened Thin Mints cookies. If Thin Mints aren’t available, try alternative chocolate mint cookies or even mint chocolate chips.
• Don’t Skip the Freezer Step – Even if the Frosty looks good after blending, chilling ensures the creamy, thick consistency that makes this dessert iconic.
• Experiment with Layers: For a fun twist, layer the Frosty and cookie crumbs for added texture and flavor in every bite!
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the ice cream and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk ice cream and almond milk to suit dietary restrictions.

What to serve with

Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty is already a standout dessert on its own, but pairing it with complementary treats can take your indulgence to the next level.

• Brownies: Pair the Frosty with warm, gooey chocolate brownies for a decadent treat. The deep chocolate flavor of brownies adds richness to the minty, creamy Frosty. You can serve the brownies plain or topped with a dollop of whipped cream to tie everything together.
• Mint Chocolate Milkshake: If you want to double down on the mint-chocolate theme, create a mint chocolate milkshake to accompany the Frosty. This is a fun option if you’re serving the dessert in a casual setting—think of it as creating a mini dessert buffet.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create mini ice cream sandwiches using Thin Mint cookies or chocolate wafers. Scoop a little of the Frosty between two cookies and freeze for a fun handheld treat.
• Pretzels: For a sweet and salty contrast, serve the Frosty alongside salted pretzels. Chocolate-dipped pretzels work exceptionally well here: the crunch and slight saltiness balance the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.
• Hot Coffee or Espresso: Mint chocolate Frosty and coffee? Yes, please! The warm, bold flavor of coffee or espresso creates a rich contrast with the cold, refreshing Frosty. Serve black coffee or make a mocha to enhance the pairing further.
• Chocolate Drizzle Waffle: Serve the Frosty with warm waffles drizzled in chocolate sauce or layered with thinly spread Nutella. The warm, crunchy texture of the waffles paired with the Frosty creates an irresistible mix of hot and cold.
• Whipped Cream: Top the Frosty with a generous helping of whipped cream for extra creaminess, then sprinkle crushed Thin Mints cookies or chocolate shavings on top. This simple garnish makes the Frosty look even more impressive when serving to guests.

Ingredients Substitutes

Not everyone has Thin Mints cookies or even the exact ingredients on hand to recreate Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty at home. The good news? You can still enjoy this dreamy, minty dessert by making smart substitutions without compromising its creamy texture and rich flavor.

1. Thin Mints Cookies Substitutes

Thin Mints cookies are the defining flavor of this Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty, but if you don’t have those available, try these substitutes:

• Mint Chocolate Cookies: Any store-bought brand of mint chocolate cookies will mirror the flavor of Thin Mints. Look for crispy or wafer-style options for the best match in texture.
• Mint Oreo Cookies: Mint-flavored Oreos can work beautifully as a substitute. Crush them into crumbs for layering or blending into the Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty.
• Andes Mint Chocolates: Chop up Andes Mints (or any brand of mint chocolate bars) into small pieces for the same combination of chocolate and mint flavors.
• Homemade Mint Chocolate Cookies: If you don’t have store-bought cookies, you can bake a quick batch of mint chocolate cookies at home using cocoa powder, a mint extract, and basic cookie ingredients.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream Substitutes

If you’re out of vanilla ice cream or need to tailor the Frosty for dietary restrictions, here are some alternatives:

• Chocolate Ice Cream: Swap vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream for a richer, extra-chocolaty Frosty. This creates more of a “double chocolate mint” experience.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: For an easy shortcut, use mint chocolate chip ice cream as the base. It’s already mint-flavored and pairs perfectly with crushed cookies.
• Plant-Based or Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Use almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk ice creams, or oat milk-based options. Vanilla or chocolate flavors from brands like Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy or Halo Top work well here.
• Frozen Yogurt: Greek-style frozen yogurt in vanilla flavor can be a lighter alternative to ice cream. It has a tangy profile but still provides the creamy consistency.

3. Whole Milk or Heavy Cream Substitutes

Traditional milk or heavy cream adds creaminess to the Frosty, but there are plenty of substitutes based on what you have available:

• Plant-Based Milks: Swap whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Coconut milk adds a slightly tropical flavor, but it works well with mint and chocolate.
• Evaporated Milk: If you want extra richness but don’t have heavy cream, substitute with evaporated milk for a creamy texture without being overly thick.
• Cream Alternatives: Half-and-half, low-fat milk, or lactose-free milk can also work, though the Frosty may be slightly less thick.

4. Peppermint Extract Substitutes

Peppermint extract provides the minty backbone of this recipe. If you don’t have it, try these alternatives:

• Crushed Peppermint Candies: Blend crushed peppermint candies or candy canes directly into the Frosty mix. These will add mint flavor and a little crunch.
• Mint Essential Oil: Food-grade mint essential oil can be used sparingly (just 1-2 drops!) as a replacement for peppermint extract.
• Mint Syrup: Use mint-flavored syrup (like those used for coffee drinks) as an extract substitute. Adjust based on desired sweetness.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Muddle fresh mint leaves and steep them in milk before adding to the recipe. While not as intense as peppermint extract, this creates a subtle and refreshing mint flavor.

5. Chocolate Syrup Substitutes

If you want that chocolatey drizzle or an extra boost of richness, but you’re out of chocolate syrup, here are your alternatives:

• Melted Chocolate: Melt milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler to create your own syrup. Add a splash of milk or cream to make it pourable.
• Cocoa Powder Mixture: Mix unsweetened cocoa powder with sugar and a splash of water to create a quick homemade chocolate syrup.
• Nutella or Chocolate Spread: Melt Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread for a velvety replacement.

6. Whipped Cream Substitutes

Whipped cream is optional, but if you want an extra creamy topping, here’s what you can use instead:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Whip chilled canned coconut cream until fluffy. It’s a great dairy-free alternative.
• Cool Whip: Store-bought whipped topping can be used in place of homemade whipped cream.
• Yogurt Topping: Use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt or whipped dessert yogurt as a tangy, creamy alternative.

Final Thoughts

You’ve now mastered how to make your own version of Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgic flavors, all wrapped up in a creamy homemade treat.

More Wendy’s Recipes:

• Homemade Wendy’s Fish Sandwich Recipe