If you’re anything like me and love a treat that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey—you absolutely have to try this Twix Cookie Cups Recipe. I promise you, once you make these little morsels, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for when you want a homemade dessert that feels fancy but comes together without much fuss. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step, share tips I’ve learned, and help make sure your cookie cups come out just right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Combo: Salted butter and caramel create that irresistible sweet-salty duo we all crave.
- Simple Techniques: You don’t need fancy equipment or skills to pull these off – just basic baking steps anyone can follow.
- Great for Gifting: These cookie cups make adorable gifts that show you put thought into something personal and delicious.
- Customizable Treat: You can swap milk chocolate for dark if you like, or add nuts to boost texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The mix of buttery cookie base, sweet caramel, and smooth chocolate is just magical. You’ll want to pick quality ingredients because they really shine in this recipe.
- Salted butter: I like salted because it adds a subtle savory touch that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: This keeps the cookies crisp and helps caramelize for that perfect texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash makes everything taste homemade and a little more special.
- Egg white: This helps bind the dough without making it too dense.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of the cookies – make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking powder: Gives a little lift so the cookie cups aren’t too flat.
- Caramels: Use good-quality unwrapped caramels for smooth melting.
- Milk: Just a splash to soften the caramel so you can spread it easily.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melts nicely over the caramel; swap for dark if you prefer richer chocolate.
Variations
I love tweaking this Twix Cookie Cups Recipe depending on the season and my mood. You can truly make it your own, so feel free to experiment once you get comfortable with the base recipe.
- Peanut butter twist: I’ve added a thin layer of peanut butter under the caramel before chilling — my family goes crazy for that added flavor combo.
- Dark chocolate chips: For a richer, less sweet version, I swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate, which balances the caramel beautifully.
- Nutty crunch: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the chocolate before it sets for extra texture.
- Salt sprinkle: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer takes these cookie cups to the next level of yum.
How to Make Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened salted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is important because creaming the butter and sugar well gives your cookies that lovely tender but slightly crisp texture. I usually spend about 2-3 minutes on this with my hand mixer to get it just right.
Step 2: Add the Egg White and Vanilla
Next, add the egg white and vanilla extract to your mixture. Mix everything thoroughly. You’ll notice your dough becoming a bit creamier, which means it’s ready for the dry ingredients. I always use just the egg white for this recipe to keep the cookies light and not too cakey.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix gently but well, making sure no flour pockets remain. The trick here is not to overmix, or you risk toughening the dough. The dough should hold together but remain soft enough to roll out easily.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookie Dough
Lightly flour your countertop and roll the dough out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. I find that thinner dough (closer to 1/4 inch) leads to crispier cups, while thicker dough makes them a bit softer. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles that will become your cups. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; rustic shapes taste just as good!
Step 5: Bake Until Puffy and Set
Place your cookie rounds on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake them at 350° for 6–8 minutes—keep a close eye here. You want them just puffy and no longer glossy, but not browned. This subtle timing makes all the difference. Overbaking can dry them out, and underbaking leaves doughy centers.
Step 6: Cool Completely on Wire Rack
Once baked, transfer the cookie rounds to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps firm them up so they can hold the caramel filling without getting soggy. I often bake the dough portion in the morning and do the filling in the afternoon—it saves time and reduces rush.
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Filling
While the cookies cool, microwave the unwrapped caramels with the tablespoon of milk for about 1 minute. I stop to stir at the 30-second mark to ensure even melting. Stir until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. You want it spreadable but still thick enough to hold shape on the cookies.
Step 8: Spread Caramel and Chill
Spoon a few teaspoons of the caramel onto each cookie and spread it almost to the edges. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—this homemade look is part of the charm! Place your caramel-topped cookies in the fridge for 10–15 minutes until they’re chilled and set.
Step 9: Melt Chocolate and Top Cookies
Lastly, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval for smoothness. Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate over each caramel-topped cookie. Let the chocolate cool and firm up completely—then you’re ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
- Chill Your Dough: If your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling for easier handling.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out as soon as they’re puffy and dull instead of glossy to keep the perfect texture.
- Use a Silicone Spatula: It’s my favorite tool for spreading caramel—it prevents tears and helps get an even layer.
- Temper the Chocolate: Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before spreading to avoid melting the caramel underneath.
How to Serve Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple— a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a wonderful pop. Sometimes I throw on a few mini chocolate chips or a pinch of crushed nuts before the chocolate fully sets. It adds texture and makes them look even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups are perfect with a tall glass of cold milk (classic, right?). I’ve also paired them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert, and they go great alongside coffee for afternoon treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or special events, I like arranging the Twix Cookie Cups Recipe on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper, decorated with edible flowers or colorful sprinkles. You could even put them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go bites that look professionally done!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the chocolate firm and the caramel fresh. They stay great for up to 4 days this way, though truth be told, they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
Freezing works well too—just lay the cookie cups on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep nicely for up to 2 months. When you want one, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
I don’t recommend microwaving these because the caramel can get goopy or chocolate might seize, but if you want to warm one up, leaving it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes works perfectly to soften the caramel without ruining the texture.
FAQs
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Can I use salted or unsalted butter for this Twix Cookie Cups Recipe?
Yes, you can use either, but I prefer salted butter because it adds a subtle salty contrast that complements the sweet caramel and chocolate perfectly. If you use unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
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What if I can’t find caramel candies?
Good question! You can substitute with soft caramel sauce, but make sure it’s thick enough to spread without dripping. You might need to reduce or skip the milk to maintain the right consistency.
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Can I make the Twix Cookie Cups gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture. Keep an eye on baking times since gluten-free flours sometimes brown faster.
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How do I prevent the caramel from making the cookies soggy?
Cooling the cookies completely before adding caramel is key. Also, chilling the caramel-topped cookies in the fridge helps the caramel set properly, keeping your cookie cups from getting soggy and maintaining that perfect bite.
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Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
You sure can! White chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier top layer. Just be mindful that white chocolate melts faster and can be more delicate, so spread gently and let it cool thoroughly before handling.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Twix Cookie Cups Recipe turns out every single time. They bring back memories of grabbing a classic candy bar as a kid but elevated with homemade love and fresh ingredients. Making these in my kitchen has become a fun tradition, especially when I want to impress without stress. I encourage you to give them a try—you’ll delight in how easy, delicious, and versatile they are. Plus, sharing these with friends makes the whole process even sweeter!
Print
Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Twix Cookie Cups featuring a buttery cookie base topped with smooth caramel and finished with a layer of melted milk chocolate, perfect for a sweet treat or party dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (111g) salted butter
- 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- 1 1/2 cups (228g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Caramel Topping
- 20 caramels, unwrapped
- 1 tbsp milk
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups (400g) milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bases.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, ensuring an even texture for the dough.
- Add Egg White and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg white and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined, forming a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients, stirring thoroughly to form a dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles and transfer them to an ungreased baking pan.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until the cookies are puffy and no longer glossy. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel: While the cookies cool, microwave the unwrapped caramels with milk in 30-second intervals for a total of 1 minute, stirring at the halfway point and until smooth and creamy.
- Apply Caramel Layer: Spoon a few teaspoons of the caramel mixture onto each cookie, spreading it to almost cover the surface. Refrigerate the cookies with caramel for 10-15 minutes or until cold and set.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
- Finish with Chocolate: Spread a small layer of melted chocolate over the caramel on each cookie cup. Allow the chocolate to cool and set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before adding caramel to prevent melting.
- Caramel can be microwaved carefully to avoid burning; stirring is essential.
- Refrigerate the cookies after adding caramel to help it set properly.
- Use a round cookie cutter that fits your desired size for the cookie cups.
- Store finished cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg