Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of all things chocolatey and crave that perfect crunch combined with creamy goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe. This recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — I mean, imagine your favorite Kit Kat bar turned into a homemade cookie that’s not only vegan but also gluten-free! It’s one of those recipes that I love whipping up for guests or just savoring on a quiet evening. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to nail this delicious treat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you can find in most grocery stores or your kitchen already.
- Perfect Texture: That classic Kit Kat crunch comes from rolling the dough thin and layering fudge just right.
- Versatile and Allergy-Friendly: It’s both vegan and gluten-free, accommodating many dietary preferences without skimping on flavor.
- Foolproof Assembly: Clear steps help you layer and coat the cookies like a pro, even if you’re new to baking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe plays a role in achieving that iconic crunch and creamy filling. I like to opt for almond flour because it gives the cookies a tender texture and nutty sweetness, and coconut sugar adds just the right mellow caramel notes without overpowering.
- Blanched almond flour: Provides a delicate nutty flavor and a gluten-free base that’s perfect for a tender, crumbly cookie.
- Coconut sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle caramel undertone and keeps it low glycemic.
- Ground flax: Acts as a vegan egg substitute, binding the dough while adding fiber and omega-3s.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, essential even in sweet treats.
- Coconut oil: Brings moisture and a hint of tropical richness while keeping the recipe vegan.
- Water: Just a splash for the dough to come together without being sticky.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the cookie base.
- Dark chocolate: For the fudge filling and coating, choose a high-quality vegan dark chocolate for intense flavor.
- Peanut butter: Gives the fudge layer a creamy, nutty touch that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe is. It’s a great starting point, but one of the best parts is making it your own. Whether you swap peanut butter for another nut or seed butter, or sprinkle a little sea salt on top for extra flavor, it’s all about fun and making the recipe work for you.
- Nut-Free Version: I usually make this with tigernut flour instead of almond flour when I’m baking for friends with nut allergies, and it works wonderfully.
- Flavor Boost: Sometimes, I add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to the cookie dough to deepen the chocolate notes in the fudge layer.
- Crunch Factor: If you like extra crunch, try adding chopped vegan-friendly wafer pieces inside the fudge layer — it’s like a supercharged Kit Kat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cookie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — this sets you up to bake as soon as your dough is ready. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, ground flaxseed, and salt. Give it a good mix to make sure everything’s well distributed. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly without any surprises in texture or sweetness.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Knead Dough
Next, pour in the melted coconut oil, water, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spatula to combine, then switch to using your hands to gently knead the dough. It should hold together nicely and feel slightly soft but not sticky. If it’s too crumbly, add a tiny splash more water. This hands-on step helps you get a feel for the dough’s perfect consistency.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Your Cookies
Place one sheet of parchment on your work surface and put the dough on top. Cover it with another parchment sheet, then roll out to about ⅛-inch thickness. This is key to getting that signature Kit Kat snap. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into rectangles roughly 3.5 by 0.75 inches — the classic Kit Kat shape! Don’t toss the leftover dough; just gather it, re-roll, and cut more cookies.
Step 4: Bake and Separate Immediately
Transfer the parchment with the cut cookies onto a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, but keep an eye on them — you want them lightly golden but still tender. Right out of the oven, use your knife or cutter to separate the cookies so they don’t stick together as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Fudge Filling
Melt the dark chocolate gently — I do it over a double boiler or low heat in a small saucepan — then stir in the peanut butter. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes until it thickens to a frosting-like consistency. This filling is the secret to that creamy layer between cookies, so don’t rush!
Step 6: Assemble Your Kit Kat Layers
Each Kit Kat bar features three cookies and two layers of fudge. Start by placing one cookie, then spread a layer of fudge on top before adding the second cookie, another fudge layer, and finally the third cookie. I arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and pop them into the freezer for about 15 minutes to set them firmly.
Step 7: Dip in Chocolate Coating
Melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil slowly, stirring often until smooth. Retrieve your frozen cookie bars and dip each one into the chocolate, coating all sides. Place back on the lined baking sheet to set. Once done, drizzle any leftover chocolate over the cookies for that extra professional touch. Then, keep them chilled until ready to enjoy!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Rolling Thin: Rolling the dough very thin really gives you that authentic Kit Kat snap—don’t skip this!
- Keep Your Hands Cool: Coconut oil melts quickly, so wash your hands before kneading to avoid overly soft dough.
- Chill to Set: Don’t skip the freezer step before dipping in chocolate; it helps keep the bars sturdy and makes coating easier.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Good vegan dark chocolate makes all the difference in flavor and smoothness—invest here!
How to Serve Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle flaky sea salt on the chocolate coating just before it sets—it’s my little twist that balances sweetness with a mild salty crunch. Sometimes, finely chopped toasted nuts or shredded coconut add a lovely texture and look, especially if you’re gifting the cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a creamy oat milk latte or a cup of chai tea. For a party or afternoon treat, I like serving them alongside fresh berries or a small fruit salad to brighten the rich chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I stack the bars vertically in a decorative jar or tie them up with rustic twine for gifting. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces, arrange them on a beautiful platter, and drizzle extra chocolate on top for an eye-catching dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain the fudgy filling’s texture and chocolate coating’s snap. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect to bake ahead for the week.
Freezing
Freezing is a game-changer for these cookies. After assembling and coating, I place the bars in a freezer-friendly container with parchment layers between them. They freeze beautifully for up to a month without losing their shape or taste.
Reheating
When I’m ready for one, I thaw it in the fridge for a couple of hours or pop it at room temperature for 15 minutes. If you want a bit of that freshly dipped chocolate melt, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave works wonders without melting the whole bar.
FAQs
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Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour in this Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While blanched almond flour is recommended for its texture and flavor, tigernut flour works well as a nut-free alternative. If using another gluten-free flour, look for one that’s finely ground and light to maintain the right cookie texture.
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Is the peanut butter in the fudge filling necessary? Can I substitute it?
You can swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter if you prefer. It adds creaminess and a nutty contrast to the chocolate. Just choose a smooth, natural option to keep the fudge filling texture right.
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How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft when they come out of the oven. They firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking or they’ll become too dry.
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Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble, freeze, and coat these cookies ahead of time. Keep them chilled until right before serving, and they’ll taste fresh and impressive.
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Is this Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! The step-by-step instructions are straightforward. Just take your time rolling the dough thin and chilling the bars before coating. You’ll find it’s easier than it looks—and super rewarding!
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together a nostalgic treat with clean, allergy-friendly ingredients. Every time I make these, I’m reminded that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or fun to bake thoughtfully. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these cookies as much as I do—they’re a little slice of joy you can feel good about sharing with friends, family, or just yourself.
Print
Vegan Gluten-Free Kit Kat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 Kit Kat bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
A healthy, gluten-free, and vegan Kit Kat recipe featuring almond flour cookies layered with peanut butter fudge and coated in dark chocolate. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 ¼ cup blanched almond flour (or tigernut flour) (115g)
- 3 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground flax
- 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 the oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, ground flax, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the melted coconut oil, water, and vanilla extract first with a spatula then knead the dough with your hands until combined.
- Roll dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut cookies: Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangles approximately 3.5 inches by 0.75 inches. Remove excess dough for re-rolling.
- Bake cookies: Transfer dough on parchment to a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F.
- Cool cookies: Remove from oven, separate cut cookies with a knife or pizza cutter, cool on pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare fudge filling: Melt the dark chocolate, stir in peanut butter, and cool for about 10 minutes until thick like frosting.
- Assemble layers: Spread fudge filling between three cookies to form each Kit Kat bar, then place on lined baking sheet and freeze to set.
- Melt chocolate coating: Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Dip bars: Remove bars from freezer one at a time and dip into melted chocolate, then place back on lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle and set: Drizzle any remaining chocolate over bars and let them set before serving.
Notes
- Substitute tigernut flour for a nut-free alternative to almond flour.
- Use ground flax seeds made by grinding whole flax seeds in a coffee grinder for freshness.
- Ensure fudge filling is cooled sufficiently so it spreads thickly and holds between cookie layers.
- Freezing assembled bars before dipping helps the chocolate coating set quickly and keep shape.
- Store finished Kit Kats in the freezer or refrigerator to maintain texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg