Homemade Twix Cookies: Indulge in Shortbread, Caramel & Chocolate Bliss

Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible charm of these homemade Twix Cookies. Imagine rich, buttery shortbread rounds, perfectly crisp and golden, topped with a luscious layer of chewy caramel, generously enrobed in melted chocolate, and finished with a delicate sprinkling of flaky sea salt. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that captures the magic of your favorite candy bar in a delightful, bite-sized treat. And the best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to mean complicated baking. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness!

There’s a special kind of joy that fills my kitchen when I’m baking cookies. It’s more than just the end result; it’s the entire journey from gathering ingredients to the comforting aroma that wafts through the house. Sometimes, I meticulously plan out a new recipe, while other times, a sudden craving strikes, and I find myself whipping up a batch of deliciousness at 8 o’clock on a Tuesday night. With millions of cookie recipes out there, there’s always a new adventure waiting to be baked!

I’ve always been a tremendous admirer of the classic Twix candy bar. That harmonious blend of a crunchy shortbread biscuit, a gooey layer of rich caramel, and a generous coating of smooth milk chocolate is, in my humble opinion, an unbeatable combination. It was this enduring love for the iconic candy bar that sparked the idea: why not transform this beloved flavor profile into a homemade cookie? The result? These glorious Twix Cookies that deliver all the nostalgic taste and textural delight, but with the added satisfaction of being made right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Twix Cookie Recipe

These Twix-inspired cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire:

Irresistible Flavor & Texture Combination: The foundation of these cookies is a crisp, crunchy, and incredibly buttery shortbread, baked to golden perfection. This provides the ideal counterpoint to the soft, rich, and delightfully chewy caramel layer. And as if that wasn’t enough, everything is then crowned with a smooth, luxurious melted chocolate coating. The delicate sprinkle of sea salt flakes adds a sophisticated touch, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing every single flavor.
Effortless Preparation: Don’t let the gourmet appearance fool you; these Twix Cookies are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. We’ve streamlined the process to ensure maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Minimal Chilling Time: Unlike many shortbread recipes that demand hours of chilling, this dough requires only a brief stint in the refrigerator. This means you can go from craving to indulging in less time!
Microwave Magic: Both the decadent caramel and the velvety chocolate toppings come together in mere minutes, thanks to the convenience of your microwave. No need for double boilers or constant stirring on the stovetop – just simple, quick melting for perfectly smooth results.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these Twix Cookies are guaranteed to impress. They’re a fantastic conversation starter and a memorable dessert that everyone will adore.

Essential Ingredients for Your Twix Cookie Creation

Crafting these delectable Twix Cookies requires a selection of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the iconic flavor and texture profile you crave.

Unsalted Butter: The star of our shortbread, ensuring a rich, pure flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Make sure it’s softened to cream properly.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this fine sugar blends seamlessly into the shortbread dough, contributing to its delicate texture and sweetness. Sifting is recommended for a lump-free result.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding warmth and depth to the shortbread.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our shortbread. Sifting it helps ensure a light texture.
Sea Salt (for shortbread): A small amount in the dough balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery notes.
Kraft Caramels: These classic, individually wrapped caramels are perfect for creating a smooth, rich, and chewy topping. They melt beautifully.
Whole Milk: Added to the caramels to help them melt smoothly and achieve the ideal pourable consistency.
Semisweet Chocolate: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and bitter notes for the chocolate coating. Using a good quality baking bar will yield superior results.
Vegetable Oil: A small amount is added to the melted chocolate to create a smoother, glossier finish that’s easier to spread and sets nicely.
Sea Salt Flakes (for sprinkling): This is the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies! A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.

Step-By-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Twix Cookies

Creating these delightful Twix Cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every cookie is a masterpiece.

Making the Buttery Shortbread Rounds

Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning an oven rack in the middle. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, contributing to the shortbread’s tender texture.
Add Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract until it’s fully combined with the butter mixture.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and sea salt to the butter mixture. Mix only until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cookie.
Initial Chill: Gently gather the dough and form it into a flat disk. Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This brief chill makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Roll and Cut: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter (a fluted one adds a lovely edge!) to cut out your cookies. Carefully transfer the cut-outs to your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Second Chill and Bake: Place the baking sheets with the cut-out cookies back into the refrigerator for another 15 minutes. This second chill is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape. After chilling, bake one sheet at a time for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool Completely: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper. Let them cool completely before moving on to the toppings. This ensures they firm up and don’t break. Repeat with any remaining dough.

Creating the Luscious Caramel Topping

While your delicious shortbread cookies are cooling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the rich and gooey caramel topping.

Melt Caramels: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped Kraft caramels and whole milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Be patient and stir well to avoid scorching.
Top Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spoon approximately one teaspoon of the melted caramel onto the center of each shortbread round. Gently spread it out to cover most of the cookie, leaving a small border. Allow the caramel to set slightly before applying the chocolate.

Finishing with Decadent Chocolate and Sea Salt

The final layer brings the iconic chocolatey goodness, perfectly complemented by a hint of sea salt.

Melt Chocolate: In another medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate baking bar and vegetable oil. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is entirely melted and smooth. The vegetable oil helps create a glossy, easily spreadable chocolate that sets beautifully.
Apply Chocolate and Salt: Once the caramel has mostly set, spoon about one teaspoon of the melted chocolate over the caramel on each cookie. Gently spread it to cover the caramel layer. Immediately sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over the wet chocolate. This ensures the salt adheres.
Set Before Serving: Place the finished Twix Cookies in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. This will make them much easier to handle and prevent messy fingers. (If you can resist eating them right away, that is!)

Imagine sheets upon sheets of these warm Twix Cookies baking in your oven. The aroma alone is enough to warm your home and, quite frankly, your soul. The exquisite combination of rich, buttery shortbread, magnificent on its own, elevated with that irresistible caramel, smooth melted chocolate, and a delicate kiss of sea salt flakes… truly, my friends, that’s what culinary dreams are made of!

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Twix Cookies

Bake in Batches: To ensure even baking, I highly recommend baking your cookies one sheet at a time. While one tray bakes, keep the other prepared sheet of dough in the refrigerator. This keeps the butter firm and helps maintain the cookies’ shape.
Chocolate Choice: While the recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate, feel free to experiment with your preference. Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter, creamier topping, closer to the original candy bar. Dark chocolate can add a lovely bitter contrast if you prefer less sweetness.
Cookie Cutter Size: I used a fluted 2-inch round cookie cutter for a classic look and perfect portion size. You can use any shape or size, but adjust baking times accordingly – smaller cookies bake faster, larger ones take longer.
Don’t Skip the Sifting: Sifting the confectioners’ sugar and flour is a small step that makes a big difference. It prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, uniform dough for tender shortbread.
Quality Ingredients: As with any recipe, using high-quality butter and chocolate will significantly impact the final taste. It’s worth the small investment!
Prevent Spreading: The two chilling periods (20 minutes for the dough disk, 15 minutes for the cut-outs) are essential. They help the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensuring crisp edges.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It guarantees easy removal of your cookies and makes cleanup a breeze.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your Twix Cookies!

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the caramel before adding the chocolate for an added crunch.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a full chocolate coating, drizzle melted white chocolate over the caramel for a different look and flavor.
Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a subtle coffee flavor that pairs wonderfully.
Different Caramel: If you’re short on time, you can use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce, though you might need to thicken it slightly or chill it before spreading.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Once the chocolate has fully set, store Twix Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is warm, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for the best texture before serving.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place the completely cooled and set cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about these delicious Twix Cookies? We’ve got answers!

Q: Can I use regular granulated sugar for the shortbread?
A: While you can, confectioners’ sugar is highly recommended. Its fine texture contributes to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality of traditional shortbread, which granulated sugar cannot fully replicate.
Q: Why do my shortbread cookies spread too much?
A: This is usually due to butter being too warm or not chilling the dough sufficiently. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and strictly adhere to the chilling times outlined in the recipe. Baking one tray at a time and keeping the other chilled also helps.
Q: My caramel topping is too thick/too thin. What can I do?
A: If it’s too thick, add another half tablespoon of milk and microwave for 10-15 seconds, stirring well. If it’s too thin, you might have added too much milk or microwaved it too long. Try letting it cool slightly, it will thicken as it cools.
Q: Can I use chocolate chips instead of a baking bar?
A: Yes, you can. However, chocolate chips contain stabilizers that can make them less smooth when melted. For the best, glossiest results, a high-quality chocolate baking bar is preferred.
Q: Is the sea salt truly necessary?
A: While not strictly “necessary,” the sea salt flakes are highly recommended! They provide a crucial balance to the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, elevating the overall flavor profile and adding a delightful textural contrast.

I genuinely hope you give this incredible Twix Cookies recipe a try! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating these beloved treats from scratch. If you do bake a batch, or if you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Enjoy every single delicious bite!

More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Enjoy

If you’ve loved making these Twix Cookies, why not explore more delightful cookie creations? Here are a few more recipes to add to your baking list:

Brownie Cookies
Apple Pie Spice Drop Cookies
Lemon Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies

Twix Cookies

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 48 cookies

These Twix Cookies are rich, buttery shortbread rounds topped with caramel, melted chocolate and a sprinkling of sea salt flakes. They’re SUPER simple and totally delish!

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

Shortbread Cut Outs

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour, sifted
1/4 tsp. sea salt

Caramel Topping

1 11-oz. bag Kraft caramels
2 Tbsp. whole milk

Chocolate Topping

4 oz. semi-sweet Chocolate Baking Bar, chopped (I use Ghirardelli)
1 tsp. vegetable oil
sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Instructions

Shortbread Cut Outs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rack in middle of oven. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and beat until combined.
Add the flour and salt and beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
Form the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Remove from fridge and place on lightly floured surface. Roll dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch round cookie cutter. Transfer to prepared sheets placing 1 inch apart. Place sheets in refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Remove from refrigerator and bake, one sheet at a time, for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to wire rack over a piece of parchment to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough until you’ve used it all.

Caramel Topping

While all the cookies cool, make the caramel topping. In a medium bowl, combine unwrapped caramels and milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Top cooled cookies with 1 teaspoon of caramel. Let cool.

Chocolate Topping

In a medium bowl, combine chopped chocolate and vegetable oil. Microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until totally melted and smooth. Top cooled caramel with about 1 teaspoon melted chocolate. Then sprinkle with some sea salt flakes. Let the chocolate set before serving. (if possible!)

Notes

I like to bake my cookies one sheet at a time. You can keep the other sheet in the refrigerator while the other tray is baking.

I used semisweet chocolate, but you could also use milk chocolate.

I used a fluted 2-inch round cookie cutter.

Nutrition

Keyword: caramel, chocolate, cookies, shortbread, Twix Bars

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

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