Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups gluten free all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup vegan butter, at room temperature; ¾ cup coconut sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ⅓ cup vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips; ¾ cup vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips; ¾ cup unsweetened plain almond milk or other plant-based milk; 2 tablespoons unsweetened creamy almond butter; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

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If you adore the classic chocolate chip cookie but are looking for a fun and healthy twist, you absolutely have to try this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe. These delightful little treats not only bring irresistible chocolate goodness but do so with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that keep them vegan and gluten-free, while skipping the refined sugars. They’re perfect for whenever you crave something sweet yet nourishing, and their charming cup shape filled with a luscious chocolate center makes every bite feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thick, light brown cookie dough mixed with dark chocolate chips scattered throughout. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is placed inside the bowl, resting on the dough as if recently used to stir it, with swirled textures visible in the dough. The image is bright and clean, showing the mixture in the center of the bowl from a top-down view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these cookie cups comes from a few simple yet essential ingredients that harmonize perfectly to deliver incredible taste, texture, and appearance. From the rich vegan butter to the wholesome coconut sugar and gluten-free flour, each component plays a vital role.

Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for tender, allergy-friendly cookie cups.
Xanthan gum: Helps bind the gluten-free flour, ensuring the cookies hold together beautifully.
Baking soda: Gives a slight lift and lightness to the dough.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and moisture crucial for soft, melt-in-your-mouth textures.
Coconut sugar: A natural, refined sugar alternative that brings gentle caramel notes.
Unsweetened almond milk: Moisturizes the dough while keeping it dairy-free.
Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a lovely aroma to every bite.
Vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips: Offers rich melty pockets of chocolate that make these cups irresistible.
Unsweetened creamy almond butter: For the filling, providing a smooth, nutty richness that complements the chocolate perfectly.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and greasing a 24-count mini muffin pan. In one bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (only if your flour blend doesn’t already have it), baking soda, and salt—these dry ingredients create the perfect structure. In another larger bowl, beat the vegan butter and coconut sugar with a wooden spoon until creamy and smooth. This step is so satisfying because you can see the transformation from grainy sugar to fluffy goodness.

Step 2: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, giving it a good stir to combine all those sweet flavors. Then, sift the dry mix into the wet ingredients to prevent lumps and gently fold them together. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re well-distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the cookie cups

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls about the size of a tablespoon and place them into each muffin cup. Press each ball gently into the well using your fingers or any round-ended tool you have handy (I love using the end of a pestle). This shapes the dough perfectly into small cups ready to hold their rich filling.

Step 4: Bake and cool

Bake the cookie cups for about 10 to 12 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow them to rest in the pan for five minutes to firm up, then transfer to a cooling rack. It’s important to let them cool for at least 20 minutes before filling, so they keep their shape and don’t lose that lovely crisp edge.

Step 5: Make the chocolate filling

While the cookie cups cool, prepare the silky chocolate filling by melting the refined sugar-free chocolate chips with almond milk on low heat, stirring in the almond butter and maple syrup until smooth. This creamy center is what elevates the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe to a next-level dessert experience.

Step 6: Fill the cookie cups

Gently spoon or pipe the chocolate filling into each cooled cookie cup, filling them generously. Let them set at room temperature or in the fridge until firm for a luscious bite every time.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe

The image shows multiple round cookies arranged on a white marbled surface, each cookie having two layers; the outer layer is a golden brown with a slightly rough texture forming a thick border, and the inner layer is a smooth, dark chocolate filling that is glossy and slightly wrinkled on top. Scattered around the cookies are small, round, dark chocolate chips placed randomly on the surface, adding variation and contrast. The cookies and chocolate chips are evenly spaced, creating a clean and neat layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookie cups are stunning on their own but you can jazz them up with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, crushed toasted nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder to add elegance and enhance the chocolate flavor. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves also offer a pleasing contrast in color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve them alongside a scoop of vegan ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. A warm cup of almond or oat milk latte complements these cookie cups beautifully, perfect for cozy afternoons or celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe on a pretty platter garnished with edible flowers or crushed cookies for texture. You can even make mini dessert boxes as party favors or arrange them with fresh fruit skewers for a colorful dessert board everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them a little softer, slightly warm them before serving; chilled ones have a firmer texture thanks to the chocolate filling and vegan butter.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookie cups without filling for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature, then add the chocolate filling fresh before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookie cups warm, briefly reheat them in a low oven or microwave for about 10 seconds. This revitalizes the gooey center and softens the exterior, recreating that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use another nut butter instead of almond butter for the filling?

Absolutely! Cashew or sunflower seed butter works wonderfully and will slightly change the flavor while keeping that creamy, rich texture.

Is xanthan gum necessary in this recipe?

If your gluten-free flour blend already contains xanthan gum, then you can skip it. Otherwise, it helps hold the cookie dough together and prevents crumbliness.

What if I don’t have coconut sugar; can I substitute it?

You can swap coconut sugar for organic brown sugar or date sugar, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might be just a little different.

Can this recipe be made nut-free?

Yes! Use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk and swap almond butter in the filling for sunflower seed butter or tahini to avoid nuts entirely.

How do I know when the cookie cups are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and a firm top. They will still be slightly soft when warm but will set as they cool, holding their cup shape nicely.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe is a total game-changer. It combines all the things we love about chocolate chip cookies with the wholesome goodness of plant-based, allergy-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re making them for parties, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a special treat, these cute and delicious cookie cups will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!