Thin Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Recipe — Creamy Mint Dessert Shake

If I told you dessert for breakfast was an option, would you try it? You’re not dreaming. I love reimagining childhood favorites with healthier twists, and this Thin Mint Chip Smoothie is no exception. Inspired by a family tradition—my dad always froze Girl Scout cookies—this smoothie captures the sweet, subtle mint and chocolate crunch of thin mints in a creamy, drinkable form. It’s refreshing, just minty enough, and the cacao nibs add a satisfying crunch. Don’t wait to blend one up—it’s a delicious treat any time of day.

This smoothie appears in my cookbook, Rachael’s Good Eats, and it stood out during recipe testing because my husband Bridger kept asking for more. It’s easy to get hooked on because it’s different from typical fruit-based smoothies—rich in chocolate and mint instead of tart berries. If you love mint and chocolate, this one will quickly become a favorite; I get messages about it all the time.

SMOOTHIE BASICS

Frozen banana is the unsung hero of smoothies: it creates a thick, creamy texture and adds potassium and antioxidants. This recipe combines banana with cacao and peppermint extract for a chocolatey milkshake experience, and packs extra nutrition through spinach, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and protein powder. Cacao and cinnamon deepen the flavor and contribute minerals like iron and magnesium while helping support balanced blood sugar.

I add spinach to most smoothies to sneak in extra greens. Spinach brings magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C and E, and it helps create the mint-green color that makes this smoothie feel playful and festive.

SHOP SMOOTHIE NECESSITIES

Essential tools and pantry staples make this smoothie easy: a high-speed blender, frozen produce, and a good vanilla protein powder will give you the best texture and flavor.

BLOAT, BE GONE

Peppermint is known to support digestion and ease bloating, so a touch of peppermint extract adds both flavor and calming benefits—perfect as we swap pumpkin flavors for peppermint treats. I enjoy this smoothie as an afternoon pick-me-up or a light dessert after dinner. It’s indulgent enough to satisfy a sweet tooth while also being soothing on the stomach.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• Unsweetened coconut milk (or another unsweetened non-dairy milk)
• Ice
• Frozen banana
• Frozen spinach
• Vanilla protein powder
• Cacao nibs
• Cacao powder
• Raw hemp seeds
• Peppermint extract

HOW TO MAKE MY THIN MINT CHIP SMOOTHIE

For the creamiest, coldest smoothie, use frozen banana and frozen spinach. If you don’t have frozen produce, regular fresh ingredients will still work—just add more ice.

Add unsweetened coconut milk, ice, frozen banana, frozen spinach, vanilla protein powder, cacao nibs, cacao powder, hemp seeds, and peppermint extract to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.

Pour into your favorite glass, top with extra cacao nibs and a few mint leaves if you like, then enjoy.

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & NOTES

Unsweetened coconut milk works well here, but any unsweetened non-dairy milk or regular milk can be used. If you prefer fresh mint to peppermint extract, blend in one or two mint leaves to start, then add more to taste. Hemp seeds are optional—skip them if you don’t have them; they add protein and healthy fats but don’t change the core flavor.

If you’re choosing a protein powder, pick a vanilla flavor you enjoy—the quality will affect the final taste. Use your preferred brand and amount for desired protein content.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF A MINT SMOOTHIE

Mint is rich in antioxidants and is widely used to support digestion. Whether you use fresh mint or peppermint extract, you’ll benefit from its calming effects on the stomach, making this smoothie not only delicious but also soothing after a heavy meal.

FRESH VS. FROZEN SPINACH

Both fresh and frozen spinach are nutritious; frozen spinach keeps the smoothie colder and often blends more smoothly because it’s more brittle. Use what’s convenient—nutritional value is similar either way.

OTHER DESSERT-LIKE SMOOTHIES TO TRY

Try variations that capture classic dessert flavors: pumpkin pie smoothie, peaches & cream smoothie, peanut butter chip smoothie, or snickerdoodle chip smoothie for more sweet, smoothie-style treats.