No-Bake Cookie Cacao Tartlets with Sea Salt Drizzle

Published: March 1, 2026
Emily WatsonEmily Watson
Categories: Cookies, Parties & Events
Tags: Chocolate, Dessert, easy, Party, No-Bake

Cacao Tartlets

These little tartlets are one of my favorite quick-show desserts to bring to a gathering or to make when chocolate cravings strike. A crunchy cookie crust meets a silky ganache made richer with raw cacao powder for a deep, complex chocolate flavor — finished with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make every bite sing.

They’re completely no-bake, easy to assemble, and feel fancy without fuss. I love the contrast of textures and the way raw cacao adds earthy brightness; they’re perfect chilled, and you can dress them up with berries or a dollop of whipped cream when guests arrive.

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces cookies
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup Cacao Powder (Raw)
  • 6 oz dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
  • 2 tbsp cocoa nibs (optional)
  • 8 pieces fresh raspberries (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly oil 8 muffin wells for larger tartlets.

  2. Place cookies in a food processor and pulse to fine crumbs, or put in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have about 1 1/2 cups crumbs.

  3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave and stir into the cookie crumbs until evenly moistened. Press about 2 tbsp of the crumb mixture into each prepared well to form an even crust. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.

  4. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat and whisk in the dark chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

  5. Whisk the raw cacao powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla into the chocolate-cream mixture until fully incorporated and glossy. Let the ganache cool 3–5 minutes so it thickens slightly.

  6. Spoon the cacao ganache over the chilled crusts, filling each tartlet nearly to the top. Tap the tin gently to level the filling and smooth the tops.

  7. Refrigerate the tartlets for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours) until the ganache is set. Before serving, sprinkle with crushed cookie crumbs, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and cocoa nibs; top with a raspberry if you like.

Tips & Notes

  • For a crunchy texture contrast, reserve 2 tbsp of cookie crumbs and toast them briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling on top.
  • If you prefer a sweeter ganache, increase powdered sugar to 1/3 cup; for a more intense chocolate note, use higher-percentage dark chocolate.
  • Make them a day ahead and keep refrigerated; remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
  • To unmold easily, run a thin knife around each tartlet and invert onto a serving plate if you didn’t use liners.