Twix Cookie Cups
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines crunchy cookie goodness, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate, you’ve got to try these Twix Cookie Cups. These delightful little bites capture the spirit of the classic candy bar in a charming, easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. Twix Cookie Cups bring together buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate into a perfectly crunchy and irresistibly sweet bite that’s sure to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Crowd-Pleasing: Twix Cookie Cups are straightforward to make and loved by kids and adults alike, making them perfect for parties or a quick snack.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The crispy cookie base, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate work together for a blissful flavor combo that hits every sweet spot.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, adding sea salt, nuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for a personal twist.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: These cookie cups stay fresh for days, letting you prepare them ahead for gatherings or last-minute cravings.
- Fun and Festive Presentation: Their bite-sized shape makes them adorable and convenient for serving at any event, especially during holidays or celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Twix Cookie Cups requires just a handful of basic ingredients, each bringing something special to the final creation—from buttery richness to chewy caramel texture. Every item plays a key role in building that iconic Twix taste you’ll love.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the cookie dough, providing structure and that classic cookie crumb texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used to balance sweetness and add a subtle caramel undertone.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the dough together and adding moisture for softness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and comforting notes.
- Caramel Candies or Soft Caramel: The star ingredient that brings gooey sweetness right inside each cup.
- Milk Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted to coat the cups, providing that smooth, chocolate finish.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors and elevate the sweetness perfectly.
Variations for Twix Cookie Cups
One of the best parts about Twix Cookie Cups is how easily you can tweak the recipe to match your mood or dietary needs. Whether you want to spice things up or keep it classic, these variations add extra fun and flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the cookie base for a crunchy surprise with every bite.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the caramel before adding the chocolate for a sophisticated sweet-salty combo.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, flaxseed egg substitute, and vegan caramel to make these treats completely plant-based.
- Peanut Butter Infusion: Mix peanut butter into the cookie dough or drizzle melted peanut butter on top of the chocolate layer.
- Chocolate Variations: Swap regular milk chocolate for dark chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference.
How to Make Twix Cookie Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually sift in the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Cookie Cups
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and press them into the wells of a mini muffin tin, making sure to create a slight well or cup shape in the center. This will hold your caramel perfectly.
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bases
Bake the cookie cups for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking, as you want them crisp but not too hard to bite into.
Step 4: Add the Caramel
Immediately after baking, place a soft caramel candy or a small spoonful of caramel sauce in the center of each warm cookie cup. The warmth helps the caramel soften and meld with the cookie.
Step 5: Top with Chocolate
Melt your chocolate chips gently using a double boiler or microwave. Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel, completely covering it. Return the cookie cups to the oven for a minute or so to set the chocolate, or let them cool at room temperature until firm.
Step 6: Cool and Remove
Allow the Twix Cookie Cups to cool completely in the tin before carefully removing them. This prevents breaking and keeps their perfect shape intact.
Pro Tips for Making Twix Cookie Cups
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs blend more thoroughly giving your dough perfect texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep caramel and chocolate layers balanced to avoid overflow and spillage during baking.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If dough gets too soft when shaping, chill it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
- Quality Caramel Matters: Opt for soft, chewy caramel candies or homemade caramel for the best gooey texture.
- Cool Completely Before Removing: Let the cookie cups set fully so they hold shape and don’t crumble when popped out.
How to Serve Twix Cookie Cups
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or some finely chopped nuts on top of the chocolate for extra texture and flavor contrast. You can also dust lightly with cocoa powder or drizzle white chocolate for a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair Twix Cookie Cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn these treats into a satisfying dessert. Fresh berries or a cup of rich coffee also complement their sweet richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookie cups on a festive platter with colorful sprinkles or edible gold dust for special occasions. You can also place them in small paper cupcake liners for an elegant look or pack them in decorative boxes as charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Twix Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them cool to prevent the chocolate from melting, and separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie cups for up to a month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag to preserve freshness without crushing.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, simply warm Twix Cookie Cups in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or gently reheat in a low oven for a few minutes, just enough to soften the caramel without melting the chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?
Absolutely! Soft caramel sauce can be spooned into the cookie cups after baking. Just be mindful not to use too much to avoid soggy cookies.
Are Twix Cookie Cups gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.
How long do Twix Cookie Cups last?
They stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, longer if refrigerated, but are best enjoyed within that timeframe for optimal texture.
Can I make larger versions of these cookie cups?
Yes! Simply use a standard muffin tin instead of mini, but adjust baking time to about 15-18 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Do I need special equipment to make these?
No special tools are needed beyond a mini muffin pan for shaping the cups and basic kitchen staples like a mixer and spatula.
Final Thoughts
Twix Cookie Cups are a delightfully fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of the beloved candy bar in a homemade baked treat. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress with something sweet and special. Give these cookie cups a try—you’ll be sharing them again and again with friends and family!
Related Posts
PrintTwix Cookie Cups
Twix Cookie Cups are a delightful treat combining a buttery cookie base, gooey caramel center, and smooth chocolate topping. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these bite-sized desserts capture the classic Twix candy bar flavors in a fun, crowd-pleasing bakery-style bite perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cookie cups 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with substitutions
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping
- Soft caramel candies or 1/2 cup soft caramel sauce
- 1 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: sea salt, chopped nuts, peanut butter for garnish or mix-ins
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually sift in the flour and salt, folding gently until a soft, pliable dough forms that is not sticky.
- Shape the Cookie Cups: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the cookie dough into small balls, then press each ball into the wells of a mini muffin tin to form cups with a slight well in the center for the caramel.
- Bake the Cookie Bases: Bake the dough cups for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake to keep them crisp yet tender.
- Add the Caramel: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, place one soft caramel candy or a small spoonful of caramel sauce into the center of each warm cookie cup. The warmth will soften the caramel and allow it to meld with the cookie base.
- Top with Chocolate: Gently melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave. Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel, making sure to cover it completely. Return the cookie cups to the oven for about a minute to set the chocolate or let them cool at room temperature until firm.
- Cool and Remove: Let the Twix Cookie Cups cool completely in the tin before carefully removing them to keep their shape and prevent crumbling.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better dough texture.
- Do not overfill the cups with caramel or chocolate to avoid overflow during baking.
- If dough is too soft to shape, chill for 15-20 minutes.
- Choose soft caramel candies or homemade caramel for the best gooey texture.
- Allow cookie cups to cool fully in the tin before removing for the best shape retention.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Twix, cookie cups, caramel cookie, chocolate dessert, bite-sized treats, party snacks, caramel chocolate cookies
