If you’re searching for a treat that delivers the buttery crunch of shortbread, the gooey hug of caramel, and a glorious chocolate finish all in one bite, these Twix Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Inspired by the iconic candy bar but with a homemade twist, each cookie layers simple, real ingredients into a truly irresistible dessert. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange or just to satisfy a sweet craving, you’ll find that this recipe strikes the perfect balance between decadent and delightfully easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about Twix Cookies is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each component—whether it’s the rich butter, silky caramel, or creamy chocolate—contributes a key element to the taste and texture that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, so use real butter for the best flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Gives the shortbread a delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth, making the cookie base taste bakery-quality.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and classic shortbread crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Soft caramels (30, unwrapped): These become the irresistibly gooey middle layer that’s iconic in Twix Cookies.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Helps melt the caramels into a perfectly spreadable, silky caramel sauce.
- Milk chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): For that luscious, glossy chocolate topping—feel free to swap in dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil (1 teaspoon): This little dash ensures your melted chocolate is shiny and smooth, perfect for drizzling or piping.
How to Make Twix Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for that signature tender crumb. Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is beautifully combined. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing slowly until a soft, cohesive dough forms. If it looks a bit crumbly at first, keep mixing; it will come together!
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
With clean hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers so you have a sturdy base for all those decadent layers. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—patience is a virtue here, as adding caramel too soon can make things messy!
Step 3: Make and Spread the Caramel
While your cookies cool, add the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is silky smooth. Spoon about a teaspoon of this dreamy caramel onto each cookie, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Give them 10 to 15 minutes to set; this little pause lets the caramel firm up just enough for the next layer.
Step 4: Melt and Add the Chocolate
In a fresh microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips with the coconut (or vegetable) oil in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until glossy and lump-free. Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate over the caramel layer of each cookie, letting it flow just to the edges. Now, let the chocolate set—either at room temperature or with a quick chill in the fridge if you’re feeling impatient. Once set, your Twix Cookies are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Twix Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, finish your Twix Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. This not only looks gorgeous but brings out both the caramel and chocolate flavors. You can also drizzle a bit of extra melted chocolate in a zigzag for added flair, or dust with a touch of edible gold for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies are rich, so they’re wonderful alongside a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at a gathering, pair with other classic cookies or light fruit for a balanced dessert spread that keeps everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Twix Cookies look beautiful stacked in a clear jar or arranged on a pretty platter for parties. Try packing them in decorative boxes for homemade gifts, or serve them as a dramatic cookie sandwich with a little whipped cream in between for something unexpected and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Twix Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The layers stay deliciously intact, and the cookies remain soft yet sturdy.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, Twix Cookies freeze wonderfully. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you like your chocolate a little melty, give them 5–10 seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, or the caramel might ooze right off!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a thick, good-quality caramel sauce works as a shortcut. Just make sure it’s not too runny or it might slide off the cookie.
Do Twix Cookies need to be refrigerated?
They don’t require refrigeration, but if your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge helps the chocolate set quickly and keeps the caramel from getting too soft.
Can I make Twix Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying!
Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Definitely! Dark chocolate offers a more intense, slightly less sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and shortbread base. Choose your favorite to customize the cookies to your taste.
How thick should each cookie be before baking?
Aim for about 1/2 inch thick after flattening the dough balls. This thickness provides the perfect base for holding all those luscious layers without becoming too crumbly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the homemade magic of Twix Cookies—each bite is a little celebration of buttery, chocolatey, caramel bliss. Whether you bake these for loved ones or as a treat for yourself, I hope this recipe brings a big smile to your kitchen. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!
Print
Twix Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade Twix cookies featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with gooey caramel and rich milk chocolate. These easy-to-make cookies combine the classic flavors of the popular candy bar into a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Topping
- 30 soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms without any flour pockets.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your fingers to form cookie shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before adding toppings to prevent melting.
- Prepare Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Caramel onto Cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel onto each cooled cookie and spread gently to cover the surface. Allow the caramel to set for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
- Melt Chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips together with the coconut or vegetable oil in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth and glossy.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate over the caramel layer on each cookie, covering it evenly.
- Set Chocolate: Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate the cookies until the chocolate is firm, completing the layered Twix cookie look.
Notes
- Shortbread cookies can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk chocolate with dark chocolate chips.
- Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets enhances the sweet-salty flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
