I am absolutely thrilled to share this Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe with you because it perfectly combines the nostalgic joy of a classic Kit Kat bar with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that make you feel good inside and out. These cookies deliver that satisfying crispy crunch, luscious chocolate layers, and a subtle nutty sweetness all while being free from gluten and animal products. I love how this treat satisfies chocolate cravings with a nourishing twist, making it my go-to snack for family gatherings, cozy nights, and even casual celebrations.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
When I first tasted these cookies, the rich, chocolatey aroma and the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors swept me away. The almond flour brings a slight earthiness and tender crumb, which pairs beautifully with the creamy peanut butter fudge that sits between the crispy cookie layers. The dark chocolate coating adds just the right amount of indulgence without overpowering the natural flavors.
What excites me the most is how easy this recipe is to prepare. I don’t need a cabinet full of complicated ingredients or fancy kitchen gadgets—just a handful of everyday items you can find in most pantries. Plus, the dough is so straightforward to work with; rolling and cutting it into those iconic rectangular shapes is oddly satisfying.
I’ve found this recipe to be versatile enough for many occasions, from a fun weekend baking project to a sophisticated vegan treat for holiday parties. It stands out because it captures the essence of a Kit Kat bar’s crunchy and creamy layers, made kindly for anyone with dietary restrictions. Trust me, once you try this Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again.
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are simple yet crucial in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile. Each plays a role in making these cookies crisp, tender, and decadently chocolatey without any gluten or dairy.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Blanched almond flour (or tigernut flour): Provides a light, tender base with a subtle nutty flavor.
- Coconut sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of caramel and helps create a crispy cookie texture.
- Ground flax: Acts as a vegan binder replacing eggs for structure and moisture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweetness.
- Melted coconut oil: Gives moistness and adds a gentle tropical richness.
- Water: Helps bring the dough together without extra fats.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookies’ overall taste.
- Dark chocolate (for fudge filling and coating): Brings intense chocolate flavor with a smooth finish.
- Peanut butter (or Sunbutter): Creates the creamy fudgy layer with a delicious nutty kick.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to get a crisp, golden cookie without any burn.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut sugar, ground flax, and salt. Making sure these are evenly combined sets a great foundation for your dough.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients — melted coconut oil, water, and vanilla extract — into the dry mixture. Start mixing with a spatula until the dough starts to come together, then knead with your hands to form a smooth, pliable dough.
Step 4: Place your dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out evenly to about ⅛ inch thickness. This thinness is key to achieving that crisp, Kit Kat-like bite.
Step 5: Using a knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 3.5 inches by 0.75 inches. Don’t worry about leftover scraps; re-roll them gently to make extra cookies!
Step 6: Transfer the parchment with cut cookies onto a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Once out of the oven, separate the cookies carefully with your knife or pizza cutter and allow them to cool on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: For the fudge filling, melt 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir in 3 tablespoons of peanut butter until smooth. Let this mixture cool for about 10 minutes until thick like frosting.
Step 8: Assemble your Kit Kat layers by spreading the fudge between sets of three cookies. Place assembled sets on a lined baking sheet and pop them into the freezer to help the filling set firmly.
Step 9: Meanwhile, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate with ½ tablespoon coconut oil over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth.
Step 10: Dip each frozen cookie set one at a time into the melted chocolate, fully coating them. Place the dipped cookies back on the lined sheet to set.
Step 11: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the cookies for an elegant finishing touch, then allow them to fully set before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 11 servings, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring throughout the week. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, including mixing and cutting the dough. Baking takes around 8 to 10 minutes, while assembly and chilling add about 20 additional minutes. In total, you’re looking at just under 50 minutes from start to finish, with some resting time to let the fudge and chocolate coating set beautifully.
How to Serve This Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
I love serving these cookies slightly chilled or at room temperature to maintain their delightful crispiness and creamy fudge layers. They’re incredibly versatile—perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a little afternoon indulgence. For a party, I like arranging them on a pretty platter with some fresh berries to add a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness.
If you're looking for a boozy pairing, they go surprisingly well with a glass of fruity red wine or a creamy vegan-friendly espresso martini. Non-alcoholic options like almond milk or a rich hot chocolate also bring out the nutty flavors beautifully. For holidays and family dinners, these cookies are a fun, bite-sized dessert that everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary needs.
When plating, I usually serve one cookie portion per person because they’re quite rich, but if you’re feeding a sweet-tooth crowd, feel free to double up. Adding a light dusting of powdered coconut sugar or a few cacao nibs on top makes for a gorgeous presentation and adds texture.
Variations
I always enjoy experimenting, and this Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe is fantastic for customizing. For instance, if you have a nut allergy, swapping almond flour for tigernut flour works brilliantly without sacrificing texture. Likewise, sunflower seed butter is an excellent alternative to peanut butter, lending a mild, earthy flavor.
If you want to switch up the chocolate, try using dairy-free white chocolate for the coating to create a striking contrast with the dark fudge filling. I’ve even tried adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract to the fudge filling for seasonal twists. Baking-wise, if you prefer a softer cookie, bake for a slightly shorter time; for extra crispness, add a minute or two.
For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle crushed vegan-friendly pretzels or sea salt flakes on the chocolate coating before it sets, giving a sweet and salty bite that’s irresistible. The recipe’s flexibility encourages you to tailor it to your taste and occasion!
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Kit Kat cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the fudge firm and the chocolate from melting. They stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead treat. Layering parchment paper between the cookies helps prevent sticking and keeps them looking pristine.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully if you want to stash some away for later. I wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor. When you're ready, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
Because of the chocolate coating, I recommend avoiding the microwave, which can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly and become greasy. Instead, let the cookies come to room temperature naturally or enjoy them chilled for the best texture and flavor. If you want a warm treat, a quick 2-3 minute bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a parchment-lined tray lightly softens the fudge without melting the chocolate too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for the cookie dough?
Absolutely! While I recommend blanched almond or tigernut flour for their lightness and flavor, you could experiment with oat flour or a gluten-free baking blend. Just be mindful that the texture might change slightly, so start with small batches to perfect your substitution.
Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, with some modifications. Using tigernut flour and substituting peanut butter with seed butters like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter makes this recipe nut-free and still delicious. Always check your ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination.
How do I make sure the fudge filling is the right consistency?
After melting the chocolate and mixing in the peanut butter, let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. It should thicken to a spreadable, frosting-like consistency. If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes, but keep an eye so it doesn’t harden completely.
Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cookie layers and make the fudge filling separately, assembling them a day before your event. Just keep the finished cookies chilled until serving to maintain their structure and delicious chew.
What’s the best way to get clean cuts on the cookie dough?
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter works best. Make sure your dough is rolled evenly and chilled slightly if it feels too sticky. Cutting through parchment paper helps prevent sticking and keeps your cuts clean and precise.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both indulgent and mindful of dietary needs, I cannot recommend this Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe enough. It’s truly a joy to make and share, capturing the classic Kit Kat experience with wholesome, plant-powered ingredients. I hope you enjoy baking and munching on these as much as I do—they might just become your new favorite!
Print
Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 11 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
This Healthy Kit Kat recipe offers a gluten-free and vegan twist on the beloved classic treat. Made with almond flour, coconut sugar, and layered with rich peanut butter fudge, these homemade Kit Kats are coated in smooth dark chocolate for a deliciously satisfying snack or dessert that's both nutritious and indulgent.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 ¼ cup blanched almond flour (or tigernut flour) (115g)
- 3 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fudge Filling
- 2 Tbsp dark chocolate
- 3 Tbsp peanut butter (or Sunbutter)
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate (5oz)
- ½ Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, ground flaxseed, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted coconut oil, water, and vanilla extract using a spatula until the dough begins to come together, then knead with your hands to form a smooth dough.
- Roll Dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ⅛ inch thickness using a rolling pin for even thickness.
- Cut Cookies: Cut the rolled dough into rectangles approximately 3.5 inches by 0.75 inches using a knife or pizza cutter. Collect and save the excess dough for re-rolling.
- Bake Cookies: Transfer the parchment paper with cut cookies onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and separate them carefully using the knife or pizza cutter. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Fudge Filling: Melt 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate gently and stir in 3 tablespoons of peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Cool Fudge: Allow the fudge mixture to cool for about 10 minutes until it thickens to a frosting-like consistency.
- Assemble Kit Kats: Spread fudge between three cookies to create two layers of fudge, assembling them into a bar shape. Place the assembled bars on a lined baking sheet and freeze to set the fudge.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Coat Cookies: Remove the frozen Kit Kat bars and dip each one into the melted chocolate to coat evenly.
- Set Coating: Place the chocolate-coated Kit Kats back on the lined baking sheet to allow the chocolate to firm up.
- Drizzle Excess Chocolate: Use any remaining melted chocolate to drizzle decoratively over the coated Kit Kats before allowing them to fully set.
Notes
- You can substitute tigernut flour for almond flour to keep the recipe nut-free.
- Ground flaxseed acts as a binder, making this recipe vegan and helping with texture.
- Roll out excess dough to maximize yields and minimize waste.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Keep the assembled bars in the freezer for a crisp texture before coating with chocolate.
- Store finished Kit Kats in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
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