Imagine everything you love about the classic candy bar but baked into a soft, buttery treat with a shortbread base, gooey caramel layer, and a glossy chocolate topping—that’s the absolute magic of Twix Cookies. With every bite, you get the familiar, irresistible combination of crumbly cookie, stretchy caramel, and creamy chocolate. These are not just cookies; they’re show-stopping conversation starters that disappear from the plate faster than you can say “homemade batch.” Whether you’re making these for a party, packing them as a sweet lunchbox surprise, or treating yourself after a long day, Twix Cookies bring pure delight and a touch of nostalgia to any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can work culinary miracles, especially when each one is chosen to enhance the flavor, texture, and overall look of Twix Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every item matters!
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, tender base and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar: Keeps the cookie crumb light and perfectly delicate—never gritty or overly sweet.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a cozy, fragrant note you’ll notice in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the shortbread, giving structure without making the cookies dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Soft caramels: The hero of the signature gooey layer, ensuring your Twix Cookies stay satisfyingly chewy.
- Heavy cream: Makes the caramel spreadable and silky-smooth—don’t skip it!
- Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that signature glossy top, choose your favorite for a sweeter or deeper cocoa punch.
How to Make Twix Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Shortbread Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar until pale, fluffy, and cloud-like—this step sets the stage for a supremely tender cookie. Next, mix in the vanilla extract for that classic home-baked aroma. Gently add the flour and salt, stirring only until the dough comes together. Over-mixing can toughen the dough, so keep it relaxed and just combined for the best results.
Step 2: Portion and Shape the Cookies
Scoop out rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough, then roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. Arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them room to spread a bit. Press each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand—just enough to flatten and form that classic Twix Cookies base, but not so much that the edges crack.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn the faintest golden hue. You want the centers to stay pale and soft—remember, shortbread stays tender after cooling. Let the cookies sit on the pan for about five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here means the final texture will be just right!
Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer
While the cookies are cooling, grab your soft caramels and toss them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Zap in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is totally smooth and luscious. Carefully spoon about a teaspoon of caramel onto the center of each cooled cookie, letting it settle naturally for chewy, picture-perfect pockets of caramel. Let the caramel layer set for at least 10 minutes before moving on.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate
It’s time for the grand finale: melt your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until glossy and fully smooth. Use a spoon or a piping bag to generously top each caramel puddle with chocolate, swirling or smoothing as you like. If you’re in a hurry to dig in, pop the pan in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help the chocolate set up. Once they’re firm, your Twix Cookies are ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Twix Cookies
Garnishes
For a simple, stunning finish, sprinkle the set chocolate with a pinch of flaky sea salt—hello, sweet-salty magic! You can also add a dusting of edible gold, chopped toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. Guests will marvel at the details, and every bite will feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Twix Cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of ice-cold milk or a robust cup of coffee. Serve them alongside a fruit platter for a contrast of flavors, or add them to a dessert board with strawberries, marshmallows, and candied nuts for a festive celebration. Their layered sweetness is wonderfully versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Twix Cookies on colorful platters or stack them in clear gift bags for irresistible edible gifts. Try sandwiching two cookies together with ice cream for a decadent twist, or crumble them over a sundae. They look gorgeous as party favors—a true upgrade from the usual cookie tray!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store fully set Twix Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You’ll find that the flavors meld even more by the next day!
Freezing
Twix Cookies freeze surprisingly well. Arrange them in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste fresh-baked again.
Reheating
If you love a soft caramel bite, microwave a chilled or room-temp cookie for about five seconds. The caramel goes gooey, the chocolate softens, and the whole experience feels extra luxurious—like a gourmet bakery treat at home.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, feel free to swap it in. Just make sure the caramel is thick but spreadable, so it sits neatly on each cookie and sets up nicely under the chocolate.
What’s the best way to ensure the chocolate topping sets quickly?
The refrigerator is your best friend! Place the finished Twix Cookies on a tray and chill for 15 to 20 minutes. The chocolate will become firm and glossy, making the cookies easy to handle and stack.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet?
Of course—dark chocolate lends a richer, more sophisticated flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel. Try mixing dark and milk chocolate chips for an even more complex chocolate layer.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Bake times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cookies and test for doneness at the minimum time indicated.
How can I get perfectly even cookies every time?
For the most uniform size and shape, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough. Flatten gently so they all have consistent thickness, which guarantees even baking and makes your Twix Cookies look extra professional.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that truly wows, Twix Cookies should be at the top of your baking list. The combination of crumbly shortbread, velvety caramel, and smooth chocolate is simply unmatched—one taste and you’ll understand why these disappear so quickly! Give them a try and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to that irresistible homemade magic.
Print
Twix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and setting)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Twix Cookies with a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate coating. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the cookie base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the caramel and chocolate layers:
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare cookie base: Cream butter and powdered sugar, add vanilla, then mix in flour and salt. Form dough into balls, flatten, and bake.
- Add caramel: Melt caramels with cream, spoon onto cooled cookies, and let set.
- Coat with chocolate: Melt chocolate chips, spread over caramel, and let set completely.
Notes
- You can speed up the setting process by refrigerating the cookies for 15–20 minutes.
- For a richer cookie base, substitute half the butter with cream cheese.
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