Twix Cookies

Twix Cookies are the perfect treat when you’re craving something rich, indulgent, and packed with texture. These delightful cookies combine all the flavors of a classic Twix candy bar—crunchy shortbread, gooey caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping—into one delicious homemade cookie. They’re the ultimate combination of buttery, sweet, and a little salty, and they hit all the right notes with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, treating yourself, or looking for a fun project in the kitchen, these Twix cookies are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

The first time I made Twix cookies, I was blown away by how much they tasted like the actual candy bar but with a homemade twist. The base is a buttery shortbread cookie that has just the right amount of crispness, while the caramel layer adds that perfect sticky sweetness. The final touch is a rich layer of chocolate that melts in your mouth and ties all the flavors together. What’s even better is that they’re not overly complicated to make—each component comes together easily, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to pull it off. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll want to make them again and again.

The magic of Twix cookies lies in their simplicity. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a cookie that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, but with the nostalgic flavors of one of your favorite candy bars. The key is to start with a buttery, tender shortbread base, which acts as the perfect foundation for the rich caramel and chocolate layers. Then, using either homemade or store-bought caramel (depending on how much time you have), you add that gooey, chewy middle layer. Finally, a smooth layer of melted chocolate goes on top to recreate that iconic Twix bar finish. Once everything sets, you’ve got a tray of cookies that are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Candy Bar Vibes in Cookie Form: These cookies capture all the elements of a Twix bar but in a delicious, homemade cookie form. The combination of crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey will take you back to your favorite childhood treat.

Easier Than You Think: While they look and taste impressive, Twix cookies are surprisingly easy to make. Each layer is simple to prepare, and most of the time is spent waiting for the cookies to cool and set, so you can easily tackle these on a weekend afternoon.

Customizable: Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! You can switch up the type of chocolate you use (dark, milk, or even white) or play around with the flavor of the shortbread by adding a little vanilla or almond extract. You can even make a salted caramel version if you want to add a little extra flair.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Twix cookies are versatile enough for any event—serve them at parties, bring them to potlucks, or make them for holiday gatherings. They’re elegant enough to impress, but familiar enough that they’ll be a hit with everyone.

Great for Gifting: If you’re looking for a homemade treat to give to friends or family, Twix cookies are a great option. They package beautifully and stay fresh for several days, making them ideal for gifting during the holidays or as a special surprise.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 160 calories per cookie

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup caramel squares or soft caramel candies
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt (optional, for salted caramel)

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (to help the chocolate set smoothly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also use a silicone baking mat if you have one. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.

2. Make the Shortbread Base

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment. The butter should be smooth and well-incorporated with the sugar. Add the vanilla extract (if using) and mix to combine.

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water or milk to help bring it together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting until all the dough is used. Place the shortbread rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

3. Bake the Shortbread Cookies

Bake the shortbread cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them—you want them to stay soft and buttery. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Caramel Layer

While the shortbread cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the caramel layer. If you’re using caramel squares or soft caramels, unwrap them and place them in a microwave-safe bowl along with the heavy cream. Microwave the caramel in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes total. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the caramel in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.

Once the caramel is smooth and melted, add a pinch of salt if you’re making salted caramel. Stir to combine.

5. Add the Caramel to the Cookies

Using a small spoon, carefully spoon a generous amount of caramel onto the center of each shortbread cookie. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the caramel over the top, leaving a small border around the edge of the cookie. You want enough caramel to get a good chewy bite, but not so much that it runs off the sides. Let the caramel set for about 10-15 minutes, or until it begins to firm up. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the cookies in the fridge to speed up this process.

6. Prepare the Chocolate Layer

While the caramel is setting, melt the chocolate chips along with the coconut oil or butter. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, or you can melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

7. Top the Cookies with Chocolate

Once the caramel has set, spoon the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie, covering the caramel completely. Use the back of the spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the chocolate into an even layer. If you want to add a decorative touch, you can use a fork to create a swirled pattern in the chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra pop of flavor.

8. Let the Cookies Set

Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the cookies in the fridge to speed up the setting process. Once the chocolate is firm, the cookies are ready to serve!

How to Serve

Twix cookies are best served at room temperature, where the caramel is chewy, and the chocolate has that perfect snap. Arrange them on a platter for guests to grab or package them up in a cute tin or box for gifting. They’re ideal for dessert tables, holiday cookie exchanges, or even just a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee or tea.

Additional Tips

1. Use a High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a major component of these cookies, using a good-quality chocolate can really elevate the flavor. You can choose between milk, dark, or even semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference.

2. Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive or baking for someone who is, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour in the shortbread base with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement, and you’ll get the same delicious results.

3. Don’t Overbake the Shortbread: The key to getting that perfect Twix cookie texture is to bake the shortbread just until it’s set but not overly browned. You want it to be crisp but still tender enough to melt in your mouth.

4. Customize the Toppings: While traditional Twix bars stick with plain chocolate, you can get creative with these cookies. Try adding crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for added flair.

5. Make Ahead and Store: These cookies are great for making ahead of time. You can bake the short

bread base up to 2 days in advance, then add the caramel and chocolate layers when you’re ready to serve. Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for parties or meal prep.

Recipe Variations

1. Dark Chocolate Twix Cookies: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in the topping. The bittersweet notes of the dark chocolate contrast beautifully with the sweet caramel and buttery shortbread.

2. Salted Caramel Twix Cookies: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the top of each cookie before the chocolate sets to create a salted caramel version. This extra bit of salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, making each bite even more indulgent.

3. Peanut Butter Twix Cookies: For a fun twist, replace the caramel layer with peanut butter or a peanut butter-caramel blend. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and shortbread creates a delicious, Reese’s-like variation on the classic Twix flavor.

4. Vegan Twix Cookies: Make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter in the shortbread, dairy-free caramel, and plant-based chocolate. There are plenty of vegan caramel and chocolate options available, so you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: These cookies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks—just allow them to come to room temperature before serving to ensure the caramel stays chewy.

Freezing: Twix cookies also freeze beautifully! Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be ready to enjoy.

Special Equipment

1. Cookie Cutter: A round cookie cutter (2-3 inches) is ideal for cutting out the shortbread cookies. You can also use a glass if you don’t have a cutter.

2. Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

3. Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is useful for spreading the chocolate evenly over the cookies, but you can also use the back of a spoon.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes! Store-bought caramel squares or soft caramel candies work perfectly for this recipe. If you’re short on time, using pre-made caramel will save you a step, and they melt easily for spreading.

Can I make the shortbread dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the shortbread dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

What if my caramel is too thick to spread?
If your caramel seems too thick, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream and microwave it for another 10-20 seconds to thin it out. This will make it easier to spoon and spread over the cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for 1:1 substitution in baking recipes.

Conclusion

Twix Cookies are an absolute treat that combines all the best elements of the beloved candy bar—crisp shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate—into one delicious homemade dessert. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party, giving them as gifts, or just treating yourself to something sweet. The combination of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate creates a cookie that’s both nostalgic and elevated, making it impossible to resist. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or put your own twist on it with flavor variations, Twix cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Twix cookies!

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