If you have a soft spot for that perfect blend of buttery cookie, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate, you are going to adore this Twix Cookies Recipe. It captures all the magic of your favorite candy bar in a homemade cookie that’s delightfully crisp on the edges and chewy in the center. Each bite combines that sweet, buttery dough with gooey caramel and a glossy chocolate topping, making these cookies absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe brings joy with every single cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Twix Cookies Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with essential ingredients that work together to create that iconic taste and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the smooth butter that enriches the dough to the caramel bits that deliver gooey sweetness, and the milk chocolate chips that add that finishing glossy touch.
- Salted butter (½ cup, softened): Brings a rich, creamy base to the cookie dough for tender texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Helps the cookies stay soft and gives a delicate sweetness that’s never grainy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to every bite.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Provides just enough lift for the perfect cookie structure.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup plus extra): The foundation for the cookie, ensuring the dough holds together beautifully.
- Kraft caramel bits (11 ounces): Melt smoothly into luscious caramel that’s the heart of the cookie’s flavor.
- Whole milk (1 tablespoon): Softens the caramel for a silky finish.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Milk chocolate chips (1½ cups): Creates that iconic glossy chocolate topping that everyone loves.
- Vegetable oil (1 teaspoon): Ensures the chocolate topping melts smoothly and sets with a beautiful shine.
How to Make Twix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a tender cookie. Then, add vanilla extract, baking powder, and flour, mixing until everything combines into a soft dough. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour to make rolling easier and improve texture.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness—thin enough for a delicate, crisp bite but still sturdy to hold all the delicious toppings. Use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, dusted with flour to avoid sticking, and cut out cookie shapes. This size is perfect to balance cookie, caramel, and chocolate in every bite.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on the lined baking sheet and bake them for 7 to 10 minutes. You want them set and slightly matte on top—not browned. This ensures a tender yet firm cookie base to support the caramel and chocolate layers without collapsing.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare the Caramel Layer
Once out of the oven, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely; warm cookies would melt the toppings. In the meantime, microwave the caramel bits with milk in short bursts, stirring between intervals until smooth and glossy. Stir in a pinch of salt to brighten the flavors. Spoon roughly 1 teaspoon of this luscious caramel onto each cookie, swirling it while leaving a border around the edge. Chill briefly to let the caramel set before moving on.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Finish
Stir the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a microwave-safe bowl and gently melt in 30-second bursts, stirring until silky smooth. Spoon a teaspoon of melted chocolate over each caramel layer and swirl gently to cover most of the caramel, but keep a neat border around the edges. Optional but highly recommended—sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top to beautifully contrast the sweet layers. Refrigerate to set the chocolate quickly, and soon you’ll have cookies that look stunning and taste heavenly.
How to Serve Twix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the salted chocolate topping already looks beautiful, adding a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a few crushed pretzels on top can elevate the flavor and add a delightful crunch contrast. For a festive touch, try tiny sprinkles or edible gold dust to wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a frothy cup of coffee or a classic cold glass of milk to balance their sweetness. For a special touch, serve alongside a warm caramel latte or a silky hot chocolate for those cozy dessert moments that make you sigh with contentment.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Stack your Twix Cookies Recipe on a beautiful cake stand tied with a ribbon for gifting. For parties, arrange them in mason jars or cute tins layered with parchment paper. You can even sandwich a bit of extra caramel or peanut butter between two cookies for an indulgent twist that’s all your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Twix cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed preserves the crisp edges while letting the caramel and chocolate layers stay perfectly set but soft. Just make sure to keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. They will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours—this preserves their texture beautifully.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Twix Cookies Recipe warm, pop them in the microwave in 10-second increments until just soft and melty. This brings out the gooeyness of the caramel and softens the chocolate topping without making the cookie too hot or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet caramel and buttery cookie, offering a richer, slightly bitter contrast. Just melt it the same way with the vegetable oil for a smooth finish.
What can I substitute for Kraft caramel bits?
If you can’t find caramel bits, regular individually wrapped caramels work just as well. Simply unwrap and melt them in the microwave with milk, stirring carefully to get a smooth consistency.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture right.
How long does it take for the caramel and chocolate layers to set?
Typically, letting the cookies rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes will give the caramel enough time to firm up. The chocolate toppings set faster if chilled in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. This not only makes it more manageable but also allows the flavors to develop better.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming about homemade treats that remind us of childhood favorites, and this Twix Cookies Recipe does just that with flair. It’s easy to make, wonderfully rewarding, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll be a beloved staple in your recipe collection, popping up at every holiday and celebration. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready for cookie bliss!
Print
Twix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Twix Cookies that combine buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth milk chocolate in every bite. Perfectly crisp on the outside with a luscious caramel center topped with silky chocolate, these cookies capture the essence of the classic candy bar in a delicious baked treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Creamy Caramel Topping
- 11 ounces Kraft caramel bits (or 1 package of wrapped caramels)
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add vanilla extract, baking powder, and all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined to form a soft cookie dough.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a large disc, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. This chilling helps firm the dough for easier rolling and better texture.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Dust a clean counter and rolling pin with flour, then roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter (floured to prevent sticking) to cut out your cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 7 to 10 minutes. Bake until the cookies are set and no longer glossy but avoid browning to keep their delicate texture.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the toppings.
- Melt Caramel Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits and milk. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and continue heating in 20-second intervals until completely smooth. Stir in the salt to balance sweetness.
- Apply Caramel Layer: Spoon 1 teaspoon of the warm caramel mixture onto the center of each cooled cookie. Use the back of the spoon to swirl the caramel gently into a circle, leaving a border at the edges. Let the caramel firm for up to 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: Combine milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
- Add Chocolate Layer: Spoon 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate over the set caramel on each cookie. Swirl the chocolate into a circle mostly covering the caramel but leaving a neat border around the cookie edge. Optionally, sprinkle flaky salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Set Chocolate and Serve: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster firming. Once set, your Twix Cookies are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugar.
- You can speed up caramel and chocolate setting by refrigerating the cookies between layers.
- If desired, add flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate for enhanced flavor contrast.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Using quality caramel bits and chocolate chips will improve the flavor and texture of the cookies.
