Hands down, this Twix Cookies Recipe is a showstopper for anyone who adores that perfect combo of buttery cookie, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Imagine biting into a cookie that wraps all the beloved flavors of a classic Twix bar into a homemade delight you can proudly share. Each bite gives you that tender cookie base with luscious caramel atop, lovingly covered in a smooth chocolate blanket. If you’re ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance, this recipe will become your new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but totally essential for nailing the perfect texture and flavor. Each one plays a critical role in bringing this Twix Cookies Recipe to life, from the tender cookie dough to the creamy caramel and silky chocolate finish.
- Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups, softened): The foundation of the dough, it gives a rich, tender crumb and crisp edges when baked perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): This creates a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness compared to granulated sugar in cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A simple but vital flavor booster that rounds out the cookie’s taste.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides the structure to hold everything together with the ideal cookie thickness.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the sweetness and balance all those rich flavors.
- Kraft caramel (15 ounce bag): The star of the show for that luscious caramel layer, the familiar chewy goodness packed with buttery flavor.
- Evaporated milk (2 tablespoons): Mixed with caramel to create a soft, spreadable topping that sets just right.
- Ghirardelli melting chocolate (2 cups): A high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly, giving you that shiny, irresistible finish.
How to Make Twix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge. Having your oven at the right temperature is half the baking battle won!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, toss in your softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until fluffy and smooth. This step is a game changer for light, tender cookies with just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Next, pour in the vanilla extract followed by your flour and salt. Mix everything until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps your cookies tender and crumbly—exactly how you want that Twix cookie base.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Sprinkle some flour onto your countertop to keep the dough from sticking. Roll the dough out to about half an inch thick for the perfect cookie density. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut out your cookies with neat circles that will hold the layers beautifully.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your cookie rounds onto it, giving them a little space to spread. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden. After baking, allow your cookies to cool completely — patience here will pay off when topping them.
Step 6: Melt and Spread the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel pieces with evaporated milk over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Using a spoon, generously top each cooled cookie with the warm caramel and spread it edge to edge. Let this layer set so it holds together wonderfully.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Topping
Microwave the Ghirardelli melting chocolate in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until glossy and melted. Spread this luxurious chocolate on top of each caramel-coated cookie and let it cool until firm. This chocolate layer seals the deal on these incredible Twix cookies.
How to Serve Twix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and texture, sprinkle some sea salt flakes or crushed toasted nuts over the chocolate while it’s still wet. This adds a savory crunch that beautifully offsets the sweet layers underneath.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a frothy cappuccino, rich hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk to balance their richness. They also work well as a sweet complement to fresh fruit or a light vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cookies in halves or thirds and stack them with parchment layers in a pretty tin or clear jar for gifting. You can also drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top in contrasting colors like white or milk for a dramatic presentation everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Twix cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay crisp on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, like fresh-baked treats.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the fully cooled and topped cookies by layering them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
Reheating
Warm frozen cookies slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes for that freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly and affect texture, but a gentle oven heat brings back their wonderful softness and gooey caramel.
FAQs
Can I use a different caramel than Kraft?
Absolutely! While Kraft caramel is convenient and delicious, you can substitute with any good-quality caramel candy or even homemade caramel if you prefer. Just make sure it melts smoothly with evaporated milk.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can cream the butter and sugar by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon or a whisk; it might just take a little more elbow grease to get it fluffy. Take your time to ensure the ingredients blend well for tender cookies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup like regular flour, this recipe can be adapted. Just be mindful that some blends absorb moisture differently, so you may need to tweak the amount slightly.
Why do the cookies need to cool completely before adding caramel?
If the cookies are warm when you spread the caramel, it can melt and run off the edges, making a sticky mess. Cooling them completely ensures the caramel sets nicely on top, creating that perfect layered effect.
Can I use a different chocolate instead of Ghirardelli melting chocolate?
Definitely! Any high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly will work. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips can be used depending on your preference, just make sure to melt it carefully without burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cookie that captures the magic of a Twix bar but with the warmth and love of homemade baking, this Twix Cookies Recipe is your answer. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough to wow friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles that come with every buttery, caramel-packed bite!
