There’s something absolutely delightful about bite-sized treats that pack a punch of flavor and texture. That’s exactly why I adore this Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe—it’s like your favorite candy bar transformed into a wholesome, handheld dessert that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts when I want something sweet but feel like skipping all the processed stuff. Each bite has that perfect trio of flavors and textures I crave, and I can feel good about sharing it with anyone.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with nuts, dates, and natural sweeteners to keep it vegan and paleo-friendly.
- No Baking Required: This recipe comes together quickly without turning on the oven, making it a stress-free treat.
- Layered Flavors and Textures: A crunchy, chewy cookie base, creamy caramel, and luscious chocolate topping recreate that classic Twix feel.
- Perfect Portion Control: Mini silicone muffin pans help you make perfectly sized cookie cups that are easy to grab and enjoy.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe serves a purpose — whether it’s for texture, flavor, or that nostalgic taste of a candy bar. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players and what makes them shine together.
- Raw Almonds: These add a lovely crunch and a mild nutty flavor to the cookie base. Toasting them lightly (optional) can enhance that nuttiness.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds chewiness and a hint of tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the dates.
- Medjool Dates: Naturally sticky and sweet, they bind the cookie base while bringing caramel-like notes without refined sugar.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- Sunflower Seed Butter: A creamy, allergen-friendly alternative to nut butter that adds richness in the caramel and chocolate layers.
- Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and depth to the caramel filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the caramel flavor giving it that warm, comforting vibe.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose a dairy-free variety to keep things vegan, and look for one with at least 70% cocoa for richness.
Make It Your Way
I love making these cookie cups just as the recipe suggests, but I also encourage you to play around! The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is—you can tailor it to your tastes and occasions.
- Nut-Free Variation: I’ve made this using pumpkin seeds instead of almonds for friends with nut allergies, and it worked beautifully without sacrificing texture.
- Chocolate Swap: Dark chocolate is my favorite for the richness, but using cacao nibs on top adds a delightful crunch and extra antioxidant boost.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Try sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top just before chilling. It really makes the caramel pop even more!
- Seasonal Flavors: Around the holidays, I like adding a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the cookie base for a cozy vibe.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Whizz the Cookie Base
Pop the raw almonds, shredded coconut, pitted Medjool dates, and salt into your food processor. Give them some love by pulsing and scraping down the sides occasionally. You'll want to keep going until the mixture clumps together—this can take a few minutes, so don’t rush! It should be moldable but not too sticky.
Step 2: Form "Cookie" Cups
Using a mini silicone muffin pan makes this super easy. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough into each slot, then press and pinch the edges up so you create a little cup shape. I like to use my fingers for the best control here, making sure they hold together well.
Step 3: Stir Up the Caramel Magic
In a small bowl, whisk together sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. The combination should be creamy and pourable, perfect for filling those cookie cups.
Step 4: Fill ‘Em Up
Fill each prepared cookie cup with about a teaspoon of that luscious caramel mixture. Don’t overfill—just enough to cover the bottom but still leave room for the chocolate top.
Step 5: Melt Chocolate & Finish
Microwave your dark chocolate chips in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each until silky smooth. Stir in the tablespoon of sunflower seed butter to give it that glossy, spreadable texture. Spoon the chocolate mixture over each cup, smoothing so it’s flush with the sides.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Pop the entire silicone pan into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chills everything firm so your cookie cups hold their shape and deliver that satisfying snap when you bite in.
Top Tip
I’ve made these cookie cups dozens of times now, and a few things really help nail that perfect consistency and flavor balance every time. These tips have saved me plenty of frustration and made the process a joy.
- Pulse, Don't Overblend: When making the cookie base, pulse in short bursts to avoid grinding the nuts into flour. You want texture and bits that stick—not a powder.
- Sticky Dates Are Key: Make sure your Medjool dates are soft and fresh. If they’re a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to revive their stickiness.
- Use Silicone Muffin Pans: They make removing these little treats a breeze since the cookie dough can be sticky. Plus, cleanup is a snap.
- Chocolate Temperature: Take care not to overheat your chocolate. Overheating can cause it to seize up. Melt slowly and stir often for the smoothest finish.
How to Serve Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
I usually leave these cookie cups unadorned because the layers speak for themselves, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crushed toasted almonds on top can be a lovely touch. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra melted chocolate for guests makes these feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These are decadent enough to stand alone, but pairing them with a cup of rich almond milk or a light berry fruit salad complements their richness nicely if you want a fuller dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
I once arranged these cookie cups on a rustic wooden board with some edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a dinner party. Little touches like that make them feel like more than just a snack—like a thoughtful, beautiful treat anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once chilled, store your Vegan Twix Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, perfect for meal prepping little indulgences throughout the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookie cups successfully by placing them on a parchment-lined tray first, freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. When you want one, just thaw in the fridge for an hour or so to enjoy that chewy caramel and crackly chocolate texture.
Reheating
I usually avoid reheating these since they’re best chilled, but if you want to soften them slightly, letting them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes works wonders without melting the chocolate topping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap raw almonds with cashews, walnuts, or pecans depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just make sure to pulse until they clump the right way without turning into flour.
The original recipe uses almonds and sunflower seed butter. For a nut-free version, swapping almonds for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds works great. Ensure your sunflower seed butter doesn’t contain any cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Stored in an airtight container, these cookie cups keep fresh for up to a week. Because of the natural ingredients, they’re best enjoyed within that time frame for optimal texture and flavor.
You can definitely prepare the cookie base in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When ready, just press it into your silicone muffin cups and continue with the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe feels like a secret little treasure to me—the way it manages to combine wholesome, plant-based ingredients with the nostalgic joy of candy bars is truly special. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I love sharing them. Whether it’s a quick treat for yourself or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these little cups never disappoint.
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Vegan Twix Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 13 mini cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Healthy Twix Cookie Cups are a delicious vegan and paleo-friendly treat featuring a nutty cookie base, a creamy caramel filling made with sunflower seed butter and maple syrup, and a rich dark chocolate topping. Perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 5 Medjool Dates, pitted
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Caramel Filling
- 3 tablespoon sunflower seed butter (unsweetened)
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seed butter
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Cup Dough: Combine all cookie base ingredients in a food processor and blend until the mixture starts to clump together, forming a dough that is easy to press and holds its shape.
- Shape the Cookie Cups: Scoop one tablespoon of the dough and place it into each slot of a mini silicone muffin pan. Use your fingers to press and shape the dough into small cups.
- Make the Caramel: In a bowl, whisk together sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the Cookie Cups with Caramel: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the caramel filling into each cookie cup, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave at 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until melted. Stir in the sunflower seed butter until smooth, then pour the chocolate mixture over each caramel-filled cookie cup, ensuring the chocolate sits flush with the cookie base.
- Chill to Set: Place the cookie cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to set firmly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almonds with walnuts or cashews for a slightly different flavor.
- Use a silicone muffin pan for easy removal of cookie cups without breaking.
- If you don’t have sunflower seed butter, almond or cashew butter can be used as alternatives.
- Ensure the dates are soft for easier blending; soak in warm water for 10 minutes if needed.
- For a sweeter caramel, increase maple syrup by 1 tablespoon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cookie cup
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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