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Classic Twix flavor: Enjoy the delicious combination of buttery cookies, sweet caramel, and creamy milk chocolate.
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Perfect bite-sized treats: These mini cookie cups are easy to serve at parties and special occasions.
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Simple ingredients: Most ingredients are everyday baking staples.
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Fun to make: Pressing the cookie dough into muffin tins and filling each cup makes this recipe enjoyable to prepare.
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Great for making ahead: Prepare the cookie cups in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve.
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Easy to customize: Experiment with dark chocolate, salted caramel, or different toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookie Cups
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Filling
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1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt, optional
For the Chocolate Topping
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1 cup milk chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening, optional
Optional Garnishes
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Flaky sea salt
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Crushed Twix candy bars
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Chocolate drizzle
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Caramel drizzle
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent the cookie cups from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and creamy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, buttery cookie texture.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups
Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of cookie dough into each prepared mini muffin cavity.
Use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon to press the dough into the bottom and up the sides, forming a small cup.
Make sure the dough is evenly distributed to help the cups bake uniformly.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cups
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
If the centers puff up during baking, gently press them down with the back of a teaspoon while the cookies are still warm.
Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes before carefully removing them.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Filling
Place the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
Alternatively, melt the caramel and cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Add sea salt if desired.
Step 6: Fill the Cookie Cups
Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of warm caramel into each cooled cookie cup.
Allow the caramel to settle and cool slightly before adding the chocolate topping.
Step 7: Melt the Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate chips and optional coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Layer
Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate over the caramel filling in each cookie cup.
Use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly.
Step 9: Add Optional Garnishes
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed Twix candy pieces if desired.
You can also drizzle additional caramel or chocolate over the tops.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
Place the cookie cups in the refrigerator for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate topping has set.
Once firm, arrange them on a serving platter and enjoy.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 24 mini cookie cups
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Cooling time: 20 minutes
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Chilling time: 20–30 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Variations
Dark Chocolate Twix Cookie Cups
Replace the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet topping that balances the caramel filling.
Salted Caramel Cookie Cups
Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel filling and sprinkle a little more over the chocolate topping for a sweet-and-salty combination.
Peanut Butter Twix Cookie Cups
Spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter inside each cooled cookie cup before adding the caramel.
White Chocolate Twix Cookie Cups
Use melted white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a sweeter variation with a creamy finish.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookie Cups
Replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder to create a chocolate-flavored cookie base.
Nutty Caramel Cookie Cups
Sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the caramel before adding the chocolate layer.
Mini Twix Cheesecake Cups
Add a small spoonful of sweetened cream cheese filling beneath the caramel for a cheesecake-inspired variation.
Holiday Twix Cookie Cups
Decorate the chocolate topping with festive sprinkles or colored chocolate drizzle to match different holidays and celebrations.
Storage/Reheating
Store Twix Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For a softer caramel center, allow the cookie cups to sit at room temperature for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.
You can also freeze the finished cookie cups for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
Thaw frozen cookie cups overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating is generally unnecessary because these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. Avoid microwaving them, as the chocolate and caramel can melt unevenly.
FAQs
1. What are Twix Cookie Cups?
Twix Cookie Cups are mini shortbread-style cookies shaped into cups and filled with caramel and chocolate, inspired by the flavors of a Twix candy bar.
2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes. Refrigerated sugar cookie dough can be used as a shortcut, although the flavor and texture will differ slightly from homemade shortbread.
3. How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?
Grease the mini muffin pan thoroughly and allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes before removing them. A thin knife can help loosen the edges if needed.
4. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes. A thick homemade caramel sauce works well. Avoid very thin caramel sauces because they may make the cookie cups soggy.
5. Why did my cookie cups lose their shape while baking?
The dough may have been too warm or the centers may have puffed up. Chilling the shaped dough briefly before baking and pressing the centers down while warm can help maintain the cup shape.
6. Can I make Twix Cookie Cups ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the cookie cups a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the caramel and chocolate when you’re ready to assemble them.
7. Can I make these cookie cups without a mini muffin pan?
A regular muffin pan can work, but the cookie cups will be larger and may require additional baking time. You will also get fewer servings.
8. What chocolate works best for Twix Cookie Cups?
Milk chocolate creates the most classic Twix-inspired flavor. Dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate are excellent alternatives if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
9. Can I freeze Twix Cookie Cups?
Yes. Freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
10. How do I keep the caramel filling soft?
PrintTwix Cookie Cups
Ingredients
Using soft caramel candies melted with a little heavy cream helps create a smooth filling that remains pleasantly chewy rather than becoming overly hard.
Conclusion
Twix Cookie Cups are a delightful homemade dessert that brings together buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and creamy milk chocolate in a convenient bite-sized treat. Their beautiful layered appearance and familiar candy bar flavor make them perfect for parties, holidays, dessert platters, and everyday indulgence.