Thin Mint Green Dream Parfaits

• •2 Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies ((about 28-30 cookies))
• •4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
• •1 Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (5.9 oz (large size))
• •3 cup Cold Milk (whole milk recommended)
• •8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
• •1 cup Powdered Sugar
• •1 cup Heavy Cream (for topping)
• •2 tbsp Confectioners' Sugar (for topping)
• •1 tsp Peppermint Extract (for cream cheese mixture)
• •1 tsp Peppermint Extract (for pudding mixture)
• •a few drops Green Food Coloring (or as desired)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the cookie crumble: Finely crush 1.5 sleeves of Thin Mint cookies (about 22-24 cookies) in a food processor or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. Reserve the remaining cookies for garnish.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Thin Mint cookies with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. This will form your base and layer crumble.

3. 3

   Make the mint filling base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.

4. 4

   Make the green mint pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups cold milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Add more food coloring if a deeper green is desired. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to firm up slightly.

5. 5

   Gently fold the prepared green mint pudding into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This forms your vibrant green mint filling.

6. 6

   Prepare the whipped cream topping: In a cold bowl, whip the 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form.

7. 7

   Assemble the parfaits: Grab 8 individual serving glasses or jars. Start by spooning about 1-2 tablespoons of the Thin Mint cookie crumble into the bottom of each glass. Lightly press down if desired, or leave it loose.

8. 8

   Next, add a layer of the vibrant green mint filling over the cookie crumble (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per glass). Follow with a layer of whipped cream (about 2-3 tablespoons).

9. 9

   Repeat the layers: Add another spoonful of cookie crumble, then more vibrant green mint filling, and top with a final generous dollop of whipped cream. You should get 2-3 layers of each per glass depending on their size.

10. 10

    Garnish and chill: Garnish each parfait with the reserved Thin Mint cookies, either whole, halved, or crushed, as desired. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to set and flavors to meld.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• 💡For cleaner layers, consider piping the filling and whipped cream into the glasses using pastry bags (or Ziploc bags with a corner snipped off).
• 💡Prepare the parfaits ahead of time! They taste even better after chilling for several hours, allowing the cookie crumbs to soften slightly and absorb the minty flavor.