Twix Cookie Cups Recipe

If you are looking for a playful and indulgent treat that combines the best of caramel, chocolate, and buttery cookies, look no further than these delightful Twix Cookie Cups. Imagine crunchy yet tender cookie bases holding luscious, creamy caramel centers that are then drenched in smooth milk chocolate. These Twix Cookie Cups are not only a spectacular dessert to serve at gatherings but also a heartwarming snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. You’ll be hooked after just one bite, and once you try making them at home, they will quickly become your new favorite go-to sweet!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these irresistible Twix Cookie Cups. Each one plays a critical role, whether it’s adding richness, chew, or that classic sweet finish. From the soft, salted butter to the shiny milk chocolate chips, these ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced dessert.

• Salted butter (1/2 cup / 111g): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 115g): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Boosts flavor depth and enhances the sweetness.
• Egg white (1): Binds the ingredients together without making the dough too heavy.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups / 228g): The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and shape.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Lightens the dough so your cookie cups aren’t dense.
• Caramels (20, unwrapped): The star ingredient, delivering a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center.
• Milk (1 tbsp): Used to soften the caramel for a luscious filling.
• Milk chocolate chips (2 cups / 400g): Creates the final smooth chocolate coating that snuggles each cookie cup.

How to Make Twix Cookie Cups

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prime temperature ensures that the cookie cups bake evenly to just the right tenderness. Meanwhile, cream together the salted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for giving your cookies a soft texture and subtle buttery sweetness.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Egg White

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, stir in the vanilla extract and egg white. These ingredients give your cookie dough richness and moisture, while the vanilla adds that familiar, comforting aroma that makes the kitchen smell divine.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then slowly fold them into your wet mixture. This brings the dough together with just the right balance of chewiness and structure, setting the stage for the cookie cups to hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Shape the Cookie Cups

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles – these will be your cup bases. Transfer just the cut cookies to an ungreased baking pan, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 5: Bake Until Puffy

Bake your cookie rounds at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. The cookies should look puffy and lose their glossy sheen, signaling they’re perfectly done yet still soft enough to cradle the caramel filling.

Step 6: Cool Completely

After baking, move the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool fully. This cooling period is essential to make sure the caramel and chocolate layers won’t melt or slide off later.

Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While the cookies cool, microwave the caramels and milk in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until smooth and creamy. This silky caramel will be spooned generously onto each cookie, creating that signature Twix-style gooey center.

Step 8: Assemble the Caramel Layer

Gently spoon a few teaspoons of the warm caramel onto each cookie, spreading it out almost to the edges. To help it set, place the cookie and caramel-covered tray in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until completely chilled.

Step 9: Melt and Spread the Chocolate

Finally, melt the milk chocolate chips using short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to keep it smooth. Spread a thin, even layer of this melted chocolate over the caramel for a glossy, luscious finish. Let the cookies cool again so the chocolate sets perfectly before enjoying.

How to Serve Twix Cookie Cups

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the chocolate just before it hardens. This contrast highlights the sweet elements beautifully. Alternatively, garnish with finely chopped nuts or even some crushed Twix bars for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these Twix Cookie Cups alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of milk to balance their sweet richness. They’re also fantastic when paired with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to create a more elaborate dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay them out on a charming dessert platter with colorful linens for a party or arrange them in individual mini cupcake liners for a polished look. You can even stack a couple for a mini cookie tower that’s both impressive and fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Twix Cookie Cups left after the party, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies will maintain their texture and the chocolate won’t get sticky, so every bite stays just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookie cups individually on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature to preserve their perfect texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your Twix Cookie Cups slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat or the chocolate may melt too much, but a little warmth brings out the gooey caramel perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use salted or unsalted butter?

Either is fine, but salted butter enhances the flavor by adding a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness better. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to your dough.

Can I substitute caramel candies with homemade caramel?

Absolutely! If you have homemade caramel, it can work beautifully and will be just as creamy, but the store-bought caramels are a quick, convenient option that yields consistent results.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate so it doesn’t seize?

Use short bursts in the microwave and stir frequently. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) to keep control over the temperature.

Can I make these cookie cups vegan or dairy-free?

With a few swaps, yes! Use a butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips, and make sure your caramels are also vegan-friendly. The texture might vary slightly but the deliciousness will still be there.

How thick should I roll the dough for the cookie cups?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick strikes the perfect balance – too thin and they won’t hold the filling well, too thick and the texture can be doughy. This thickness makes them tender but sturdy enough for the caramel and chocolate layers.

Final Thoughts

Making Twix Cookie Cups at home is such a sweet adventure – the combination of textures, flavors, and that homemade charm simply can’t be beat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day, these cookie cups provide the perfect little indulgence. Give the recipe a whirl, and I bet you’ll be making Twix Cookie Cups again and again, sharing that cozy happiness with everyone you love.

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