If you have ever craved the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, sweet and gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, then you are in for a treat with this Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture everything we love about the classic Twix bar, elevated to a whole new level with a tender cookie base, decadent homemade caramel, and a luscious chocolate topping. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering, these cookies offer a wonderful texture combination and nostalgic flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe relies on simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly spectacular. Each component has a specific role—providing the foundation of the cookie, the gooey caramel middle, and the smooth chocolate finish.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookie base its rich flavor and tender crumb without overwhelming saltiness.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Adds delicate sweetness and contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy yet tender structure of the shortbread cookie base.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out flavor nuances.
- Soft caramels (1 bag, about 40 caramels): The heart of the candy bar, providing that luscious, chewy caramel layer.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Keeps the caramel silky and easy to spread over the cookies.
- Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips (1½ cups): For that rich and smooth chocolate topping that seals the deal.
- Coconut oil or butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Helps melt the chocolate more smoothly and adds shine.
How to Make Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that perfect cookie texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the flour and salt until it forms a soft dough. The dough should feel just right—not too dry or sticky.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into one-inch balls, then gently flatten them slightly, or roll out the dough with a rolling pin and cut into two-inch rounds—whichever you prefer. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This cooling stage is key to prevent the caramel from melting when you add it.
Step 3: Create the Caramel Layer
While the cookies cool, melt the soft caramels with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and creamy. Spoon a small amount of this luscious caramel onto the center of each cookie and spread it gently, leaving a little border around the edges. Let the caramel set for about 10 to 15 minutes to firm up beautifully before continuing.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
Finally, melt the chocolate chips along with coconut oil or butter (if using) in the microwave using 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, covering it fully or artistically drizzling it for a fun touch. Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or speed things up by refrigerating them. Once set, your Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate can transform these cookies into a gourmet treat, offering a lovely contrast to the sweetness. You could also add some crushed nuts or candy bits on the chocolate layer before it hardens to add extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe alongside a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee to perfectly balance the indulgent flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully, turning your treat into a delightful dessert ensemble that feels like a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with parchment paper accents and some fresh berries or mint leaves for color. You could also individually wrap them in cellophane tied with a ribbon, making charming handmade gifts or party favors that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time or enjoying over the course of a week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious cookies for even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, they can last up to three months, allowing you to indulge whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring out that freshly-baked warmth, reheat the cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about five minutes. This revives the soft texture without melting the chocolate, making each bite feel freshly made and utterly satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for the cookie base?
While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness precisely, you can use salted butter by omitting or reducing the added salt in the recipe. This helps ensure the cookies don’t turn out too salty.
Is there a substitute for soft caramels in this recipe?
If you can’t find soft caramels, you can make your own caramel sauce from scratch or use store-bought caramel sauce, though the texture may be a bit thinner. The key is to have a rich, chewy caramel layer that complements the cookie and chocolate.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate offers a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet caramel. Just choose a quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for best results.
How do I make these cookies vegan-friendly?
To adapt this Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe for a vegan diet, substitute butter with vegan butter alternatives, use a plant-based cream or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The caramel layer may require a special vegan caramel recipe or a suitable store-bought option.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! This recipe scales well, so double or triple the ingredients as needed. Just be sure to bake the cookies in batches, maintaining the same baking temperature and time, and keep an eye on them as oven performance can vary.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to recreate a beloved candy bar in cookie form, with each step bringing you closer to a delicious, indulgent treat you’ll want to make again and again. I guarantee these cookies will become a staple in your baking lineup, perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring yourself. Give them a try and delight in that wonderful mix of caramel, cookie, and chocolate all in one bite!
Print
Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Twix Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a buttery shortbread cookie base topped with a luscious caramel layer and finished with a rich chocolate coating. This easy-to-make recipe replicates the classic candy bar flavors into a delicious, crunchy cookie that’s perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels (about 40 caramels)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 ½ cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoothness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and slightly flatten them, or roll the dough out and cut into 2-inch rounds using a cookie cutter. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: While the cookies cool, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the caramel melts completely and becomes smooth. Spoon a small amount of the caramel mixture onto each cooled cookie and spread it slightly. Allow the caramel to set for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate chips along with the optional coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer on each cookie.
- Set the Cookies: Let the chocolate set at room temperature. For quicker setting, you may refrigerate the cookies until the chocolate hardens. Once set, your Homemade Twix Cookies are ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
- You can substitute the chocolate chips with dark chocolate if preferred for a richer flavor.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before adding caramel to prevent melting or sliding.
