Unjunked Caramel Cookie Cups (Unjunked Holiday Treat - Day 9 of 12)
Day 9 of 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats: Caramel Cookie Cups
If you love the combination of cookie + caramel + chocolate, but don’t love the ingredient list that usually comes with it, this recipe is for you.
These Unjunked Caramel Cookie Cups are one of those treats that feel indulgent, rich, sweet, and satisfying, while still being made entirely with real, nourishing ingredients. No refined sugar. No baking. No complicated steps.
They’re also a perfect example of what this 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats series is all about: keeping the flavors we love, while quietly removing the junk that doesn’t serve us.
Why These Cookie Cups Are Unjunked
✔️ Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup
✔️ No refined sugar or artificial caramel
✔️ Made with healthy fats that actually satisfy
✔️ No-bake and freezer-friendly
✔️ Perfect for holiday trays, parties, or make-ahead treats
The caramel layer might surprise you most, it's made from dates and peanut butter, yet tastes rich, creamy, and classic.
Unjunked Caramel Cookie Cups Recipe
Ingredients
Cookie Layer
1 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil
Caramel Layer
¾ cup pitted dates (soaked 10+ minutes)
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons water (add more if needed)
Chocolate Layer
4 ounces dark chocolate
Remaining coconut oil
Instructions
Line a muffin tray with baking cups.
Blend all cookie layer ingredients until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of each cup. Freeze for 15 minutes.
Blend all caramel layer ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread over the cookie layer. Freeze again for 15 minutes.
Melt the dark chocolate with the remaining coconut oil. Pour over the caramel layer.
Freeze for another 15 minutes, or until set.
Store in the fridge or freezer and enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.
Tips for Success
If your caramel feels too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until smooth.
For a deeper caramel flavor, use Medjool dates.
These cups hold up well in the freezer, perfect for prepping ahead during the busy holiday season.
Day 9 of the 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats 🎄
This Unjunked Caramel Cookie Cups recipe is Day 9 of the 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats.
Over the next 3 days, I’ll be sharing:
Healthier versions of classic holiday desserts
Simple swaps you can actually stick with
Short videos for each recipe on Instagram and Facebook
If you want all 12 recipes in one place, you can grab the free 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats PDF here, which includes every recipe in this series.
If you missed Previous Days, start here with:
Michelle Walker
a mom, former educator, and the founder of Unjunk America - a movement dedicated to helping families ditch processed foods, decode food labels, and reconnect with real food. With a warm, no-judgment approach, Michelle empowers parents to make simple, sustainable changes in their kitchens, one meal at a time.
Learn more or join the movement at UnjunkAmerica.com.
