Have you ever wished you could capture the magic of a Twix candy bar in a homemade cookie? That perfect combination of a crunchy cookie base, a chewy caramel center, and a smooth milk chocolate topping is truly irresistible. Fortunately, you can now bring that iconic flavor into your own kitchen with this incredible recipe for Twix Cookies. These treats are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. In fact, they transform a beloved candy bar into a shareable, bake-sale-worthy masterpiece. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your cookies are absolutely perfect. Furthermore, if you love creating delightful desserts from scratch, you’ll find these are just as rewarding to make as our Christmas gooey butter cookies.
Ultimately, this recipe is designed for everyone, from beginner bakers to seasoned pros. We break down the process into simple, manageable steps. As a result, you can confidently create layers of deliciousness that taste even better than the original. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a batch of the most amazing Twix Cookies they have ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love Twix Cookies
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these homemade Twix Cookies. First and foremost, they capture the authentic flavor and texture profile of the classic candy bar. The base is a buttery, crisp shortbread that provides the perfect foundation. Subsequently, a layer of soft, chewy caramel adds a rich sweetness that melts in your mouth. Finally, a generous coating of smooth milk chocolate brings it all together for a truly decadent finish.
In addition to their amazing taste, these cookies are incredibly satisfying to make. Creating each layer from scratch gives you full control over the quality of the ingredients. For this reason, you can be sure you are using real butter, pure vanilla, and high-quality chocolate. Unlike store-bought treats, these homemade versions have a freshness that simply can’t be beaten. Moreover, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a school bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these Twix Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Twix Cookies: The 12 Ultimate Steps for the Best Candy Bar Treat
Crunchy shortbread cookies layered with gooey caramel and smooth milk chocolate — these Twix Cookies are a homemade version of the beloved candy bar treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Cookie Base:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
11 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
For the Chocolate Topping:
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using your hands or the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream.
7. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
8. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread layer and spread it out with a spatula.
9. Let the caramel layer set at room temperature for 30 minutes or chill briefly in the refrigerator.
10. In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil.
11. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
12. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
13. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares or bars.
Notes
Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
Don’t skip the chilling steps — each layer must set before adding the next.
An offset spatula makes spreading the caramel and chocolate layers much easier.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty twist.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Twix Cookies
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it is crucial to use the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the three distinct layers of these delightful cookies. Consequently, we have broken down the ingredient list by layer to make your preparation simple and organized.
For the Shortbread Cookie Base
The foundation of any great Twix cookie is its shortbread base. It needs to be firm and buttery, with a satisfying snap. For this layer, you will need simple, high-quality ingredients.
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for the cookie base.
- Unsalted Butter: Be sure the butter is softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a tender crumb.
- Powdered Sugar: Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar results in a finer, more delicate shortbread texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the butter.
- Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Chewy Caramel Layer
The caramel layer is arguably the star of the show. It should be soft and chewy without being overly sticky. Making a simple caramel from scratch ensures the best results.
- Soft Caramels: A bag of unwrapped soft caramels from the store makes this step incredibly easy.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adding heavy cream to the melted caramels creates a smooth, pourable consistency and a richer flavor.
For the Rich Chocolate Topping
The final layer is a luscious chocolate topping that hardens into a perfect shell. The type of chocolate you use can change the overall flavor of your Twix Cookies.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: For the most authentic taste, milk chocolate is the way to go. It provides a sweet, creamy finish.
- Shortening or Coconut Oil: Adding a small amount to the melting chocolate helps it become smoother and makes it easier to spread. It also gives the final topping a nice sheen. If you prefer dark chocolate, you could certainly use it; in fact, according to Healthline, dark chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Twix Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it is time to start baking. Following these steps carefully will ensure your Twix Cookies turn out perfectly every single time. Therefore, take your time with each stage and enjoy the process.
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender shortbread.
Step 3: After that, beat in the vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 4: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a flat, even layer.
Step 5: Bake the shortbread for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: While the shortbread cools, you can prepare the caramel layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped soft caramels and the heavy whipping cream.
Step 7: Microwave the caramel mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to spread it out into a smooth layer, covering the entire surface.
Step 9: Let the caramel layer set. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Step 10: Next, prepare the chocolate topping. In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and the shortening or coconut oil.
Step 11: Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can become grainy.
Step 12: Finally, pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer. Spread it into an even layer with a spatula. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before cutting your Twix Cookies into bars or squares.
Tips and Tricks for Twix Cookies
A few extra tips can elevate your Twix Cookies from good to absolutely unforgettable. For instance, patience is key. Allowing each layer to cool and set properly is essential for clean cuts and a perfect final product. Rushing this process can lead to a messy, gooey result. Another great tip is to use an offset spatula for spreading the caramel and chocolate layers; as a result, you will get a much more even and professional-looking finish.
For storage, these cookies keep best in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you store them in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow the caramel to soften slightly.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations. For example, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer can beautifully balance the sweetness. Alternatively, you could use dark or white chocolate for the topping. If you enjoy candy-inspired treats, you might also love our recipe for irresistible Christmas crack cookies, which offers a similarly satisfying crunch and sweetness.
Understanding Homemade Treats and Nutrition
Baking at home provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious treats while having full control over what goes into them. When you make these Twix Cookies, you are using simple, whole ingredients without the preservatives found in many packaged snacks. However, it is still important to enjoy sweets in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Understanding the nutritional aspects of your food can empower you to make healthier choices overall.
For those interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, resources like the Mayo Clinic offer excellent guidance on incorporating treats into a nutritious eating plan. One of the main benefits of homemade baking is the ability to make small adjustments. For example, you could slightly reduce the sugar in the shortbread or use a darker chocolate with less sugar for the topping. Ultimately, enjoying a homemade cookie is a joyful experience, and being mindful of the ingredients makes it even better.
Conclusion About Twix Cookies
In conclusion, creating your own homemade Twix Cookies is a rewarding and delicious baking adventure. By following this detailed guide, you can successfully replicate the beloved candy bar’s iconic layers of crunchy shortbread, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate. This recipe proves that some of the best treats are the ones made with care in your own kitchen. These cookies are perfect for sharing and are sure to become a new favorite for any occasion. We hope you enjoy every moment of baking and, of course, every bite of your incredible Twix Cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twix Cookies
Can I make these Twix Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make a gluten-free version. To do so, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the shortbread base with a high-quality, 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your caramel and chocolate chip packaging to be certain.
How long do these Twix cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these Twix Cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The caramel will be firmer when cold, so let them sit out for a few minutes before serving.
Can I freeze these Twix Cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze very well. After they are fully set and cut, you can place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for an hour or two.
