Easy Homemade Twix Cookie Cups: Chewy Caramel & Chocolate Perfection
Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery cookie, rich caramel, and decadent chocolate with these amazing Twix Cookie Cups! Imagine a soft, chewy sugar cookie base, perfectly shaped into a cup, cradling a luscious filling of gooey caramel, all topped with a generous layer of smooth, melted chocolate. For an extra touch of gourmet delight, you can add an optional drizzle of more caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, elevating this simple treat to bakery-worthy status.
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible ease and efficiency. By utilizing readily available refrigerated cookie dough, these delightful chocolate caramel cookie cups come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute cravings, impromptu gatherings, or simply when you want a delicious homemade dessert without the extensive effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a treat that tastes like it took hours, but only requires a fraction of the time!
Why You’ll Love This Twix Cookie Cup Recipe
These individual cookie cups are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection:
- Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze them for later. This means you’ll always have a decadent treat on hand for unexpected guests, a quick dessert for busy weeknights, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. They thaw beautifully at room temperature.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: Thanks to the clever use of pre-made refrigerated sugar cookie dough, the prep work for these chocolate caramel delights is minimal. You spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results.
- Classic Flavor Combination: Experience the beloved harmony of chocolate, caramel, and a crisp cookie base, perfectly mimicking the iconic taste of a Twix bar, but in a charming and easy-to-eat cup form. It’s a flavor profile that universally appeals.
- Customizable Toppings: Personalize each cookie cup with your favorite additions. A sprinkle of sea salt provides a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that enhances all the flavors, while an extra drizzle of caramel sauce adds an unbelievably rich and indulgent touch.
- Perfect Party Treat: Their bite-sized nature makes these cookie cups ideal for any gathering. They are easy to serve, require no plates or forks, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly from any dessert table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Twix Cookie Cups
Crafting these delectable Twix Cookie Cups requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature flavor and texture:
- Sugar Cookie Dough: The foundation of our cookie cups! You’ll need one 16.5-ounce tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough. This shortcut makes the recipe incredibly fast and convenient. If your sugar cookie dough comes in pre-portioned squares, simply use your fingers to gently press and shape each square into a small circle before placing them into the muffin tin for the perfect cup shape. For a homemade touch, you can certainly use your favorite sugar cookie recipe, just ensure the dough is soft enough to mold easily.
- Caramels: The gooey heart of these treats. An 11-ounce package of classic Kraft caramels works perfectly, providing that distinct chewy and sweet caramel flavor. As an alternative, caramel bits are a fantastic option that melts quickly and smoothly. For a slightly different depth of flavor and chewiness, I personally love using Werther’s Chewy Caramels in this recipe, as they bring a wonderful richness.
- Water: Just a small amount of water is essential for achieving a perfectly smooth, pourable caramel. When melting the caramels, the water helps to thin them out and prevent them from becoming too stiff or grainy, ensuring that irresistible gooey texture inside your cookie cups.
- Chocolate Chips: The luxurious top layer! I typically opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips, which offer a balanced sweetness that complements the rich caramel and sugar cookie. However, if you prefer a sweeter profile, milk chocolate chips are a great alternative. For those who enjoy a deeper, slightly more intense chocolate flavor, dark chocolate chips would also be a wonderful choice, creating a more sophisticated contrast.
- Caramel Sauce (Optional): For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, a light drizzle of store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the set chocolate layer makes these cookie cups even more irresistible and visually appealing. It enhances the caramel notes and adds a beautiful sheen.
- Sea Salt (Optional): Don’t skip this if you love a good sweet-salty combination! A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the finished cookie cups acts as a flavor enhancer, making all the other sweet elements truly pop. It cuts through the richness and adds a delightful textural contrast.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Twix Cookie Cups
Creating these delightful chocolate caramel cookie cups is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take your cupcake or muffin tin and spray each cup generously with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents your cookie cups from sticking and ensures easy removal later.
MAKE THE COOKIE CUPS
Begin by preparing your sugar cookie dough. If using a tube of refrigerated dough, use a sharp knife to carefully slice the dough into ½-inch thick rounds. For pre-portioned dough, simply shape each piece into a small disc. Place one dough slice or disc into each individual cup of your prepared muffin tin. Using your fingers or the back of a small spoon, gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup, forming a sturdy, even cookie shell. Ensure the edges are slightly higher than the center to create a nice cavity for the fillings.
Bake the cookie cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. It’s important not to overbake them, as we want them to remain chewy, not hard. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and allow the cookie cups to cool slightly in the tin for 1-2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set without becoming too brittle. While still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a teaspoon to gently press lightly into the center of each dough piece in a circular motion. This action creates a deeper, well-defined cup shape, perfect for holding the gooey caramel and chocolate layers.
MAKE THE CARAMEL FILLING
In a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and water. Heat the mixture in the microwave in short 20-second increments, stirring frequently after each interval. Continue this process until the caramels are fully melted and you have a smooth, pourable caramel sauce. Be patient and stir well to avoid scorching the caramel. The water helps achieve a consistent, gooey texture.
Once the caramel is perfectly melted, use a spoon to carefully add the warm caramel to each baked cookie cup, filling them approximately two-thirds full. Work relatively quickly, as caramel can begin to set as it cools. After filling, transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This chilling time is essential to allow the caramel to set firmly, preventing it from mixing with the chocolate layer and creating distinct, beautiful layers.
MELT THE CHOCOLATE LAYER
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, place your chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, again using short 20-second increments. Stir thoroughly between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. A slow and steady approach ensures a silky-smooth finish.
Once the chocolate is melted, spoon it onto the top of the caramel-filled cookie cups, ensuring each cup is completely filled to the brim. You may need to use the back of your spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate to the edges, creating a neat and even top layer. After all the cups are topped with chocolate, place the muffin tin back into the refrigerator for another 15 minutes. This final chilling step allows the chocolate to set completely, ensuring a firm, snappable layer that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie and gooey caramel.
TOP AND SERVE YOUR TWIX COOKIE CUPS
Once both the caramel and chocolate layers are fully set, it’s time to gently remove your finished cookie cups from the muffin tin. A butter knife can be helpful here; carefully run it around the edges of each cup to loosen them before lifting them out. Handle them with care to maintain their perfect shape.
Arrange your beautiful Twix Cookie Cups on a serving dish or a flat surface. Now for the optional, yet highly recommended, finishing touches: drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over each cookie cup for added richness and visual appeal, and then sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top. The salt will enhance the flavors and create that delightful sweet-and-salty balance that Twix lovers adore. Serve immediately and enjoy these homemade chocolate caramel cookie cups!
Helpful Tips for Cookie Cup Success
Achieving perfect Twix Cookie Cups every time is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these pointers in mind for the best results:
- Grease Your Muffin Tin Generously: This step cannot be overstated! Ensure every crevice of your muffin tin cups is thoroughly coated with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the baked cookie cups from sticking and makes for effortless removal, keeping them perfectly intact.
- Avoid Overbaking the Cookie Cups: Watch your cookie cups closely in the oven. They should be removed as soon as their edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. Overbaking will result in a hard, crunchy cookie instead of the desired soft and chewy texture that forms the ideal base for these treats.
- Work Quickly While Melting Caramel: Caramel sets relatively fast as it cools. Once you’ve melted your caramels and water to a smooth consistency, spoon it into the cookie cups without delay. This ensures it remains gooey and easy to pour, filling the cups evenly.
- Chill Between Layers for Best Results: Allowing each layer (caramel and chocolate) to chill and set properly in the refrigerator is crucial. This step creates distinct, firm layers that prevent the ingredients from melding together, giving you that beautiful, well-defined look and texture characteristic of Twix bars.
- Use a Mini Muffin Tin: For a true bite-sized experience and to yield more cookie cups, consider using a mini muffin tin. Adjust baking time slightly if needed, as smaller cups might bake faster.
- Unwrap Caramels in Advance: To speed up the process, unwrap your caramels before you begin melting them. This small prep step can save you a few minutes when you’re ready to make the caramel layer.
Storage Instructions for Twix Cookie Cups
Proper storage ensures your Twix Cookie Cups remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume them within a few days, store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and delightful for up to 3 days, maintaining a soft cookie and slightly yielding caramel.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness and to keep the caramel and chocolate layers extra firm, store the Twix Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days, offering a firmer, more candy-bar-like bite.
- Freezer: These cookie cups are excellent for freezing! Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.
TWIX COOKIE CUPS
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Ingredients
- 1 16.5 oz tube Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 11 oz pkg of caramels
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- Caramel sauce optional
- Sea salt optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°. Spray cups of cupcake/muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray.
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MAKE THE COOKIE CUPS: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into ½ inch thick slices. Place each slice of dough into individual cups, pressing dough into the bottom and into the sides.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (1-2 minutes).
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Using the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a teaspoon, press lightly into the dough in a circular motion to form the cups.
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MAKE THE CARAMEL: In a medium mixing bowl, add caramels and water. Heat in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring frequently, until fully melted.
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Using a spoon, add caramel to the cookie cups, filling about ⅔ full. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes or until caramel is set.
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MELT THE CHOCOLATE: In another bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat in 20 second increments until fully melted, stirring between each interval.
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Spoon the melted chocolate onto the top of cookie cups, filling completely. Place in the fridge for another 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
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TOP AND SERVE: Remove cookie cups gently, using a butter knife to lift from the tin.
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Arrange on a serving dish or flat surface. Drizzle caramel sauce over each cookie cup and top with a pinch of sea salt, if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Twix Cookie Cups
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Twix Cookie Cup baking experience is a complete success:
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough works wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure the dough is on the softer side, allowing it to be easily pressed and molded into the muffin tin cups without cracking or crumbling. If it’s too stiff, it might be harder to shape into perfect cups.
How do I keep the caramel from getting too hard?
The key is proper melting! Ensure you add the specified amount of water when melting the caramels in the microwave. This helps thin them out and prevents them from becoming overly stiff once cooled. Also, be careful not to overcook the caramel; melt it just until smooth and pourable. Once chilled in the cookie cups, the caramel should remain delightfully chewy, not hard or brittle.
What’s the best way to remove cookie cups from the pan?
Patience is a virtue here! Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin before attempting to remove them. Once fully cooled, the chocolate and caramel will be set, and the cookie will be firm enough to handle. Use a thin butter knife or a small offset spatula to gently loosen the edges of each cookie cup from the tin, then carefully lift them out. A well-greased muffin tin also significantly aids in easy removal.
Can I freeze Twix Cookie Cups?
Yes, these Twix Cookie Cups are perfectly freezer-friendly! To freeze, arrange the cooled cookie cups in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.
Can I make these in advance for a party or event?
You certainly can! Twix Cookie Cups are a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them 1–2 days ahead of your event and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the freshest appearance and taste, I recommend adding any optional caramel drizzle and sea salt just before serving. This ensures the toppings look vibrant and the salt maintains its delightful crunch.
More Twix-Inspired Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings:
If you love the iconic chocolate and caramel combination, you’re in luck! Here are a few more delightful Twix-inspired recipes that are worth trying:
- Twix Cookie Bites: These incredible no-bake treats perfectly capture the classic Twix chocolate-caramel flavor. Made with simple ingredients like Nilla wafers, Rolos, and almond bark, they are quick to prepare and an instant hit for any occasion.
- Twix Cookie Bars: For a dessert that’s simple to prepare and ideal for feeding a larger crowd, these bars feature a delectable shortbread base topped with a generous layer of gooey caramel and rich chocolate. It’s a homemade dessert that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss.
- No-Bake Twix Pie: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this pie combines a buttery crust, a creamy, luscious filling, and plenty of chopped Twix candy bars. It’s a decadent and incredibly easy dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or when you need a quick, impressive treat.
- No-Bake Twix Cake: Featuring delightful layers of a vanilla cookie crust, smooth creamy pudding, and crunchy pieces of Twix candy, this no-bake cake offers a wonderful sweet-and-salty candy bar dessert that everyone will adore. It’s a showstopper with minimal effort.
These Twix Cookie Cups are truly the ultimate shortcut dessert, offering a harmonious blend of soft, chewy cookie bases, rich, irresistible caramel, and a decadent chocolate topping. They’re a perfectly portioned, bite-sized version of your favorite candy bar, delivering maximum flavor with surprising ease. Enjoy crafting and devouring these delightful homemade treats!