If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for classic candy bars, you’re going to be over the moon for this Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe. Picture golden shortbread cookies topped with a luxurious layer of gooey caramel and finished with a silky smooth chocolate coating. These cookies offer all the buttery, caramel-chocolate goodness you love about a Twix bar, but in cookie form—perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking bites when no one’s looking. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite treats in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these irresistible Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe comes down to simple and high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—the butter and powdered sugar create a tender shortbread base, the caramel brings that melt-in-your-mouth richness, and the Ghirardelli chocolate adds the perfect finishing touch of decadence.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened: Using unsalted butter allows you full control over the saltiness in your shortbread, plus it gives a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar blends smoothly into the dough, ensuring a tender crumb without any graininess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Vanilla extract elevates the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma that perfectly complements the caramel and chocolate.
- 3 cups flour: This forms the sturdy yet delicate structure for the shortbread cookies to hold all the layers.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to balance the sweetness and boost the other flavors.
- 15 ounce bag of Kraft caramel: Ready-made caramel melts smoothly and brings that luscious chewiness you want in your cookie center.
- 2 Tablespoons evaporated milk: Helps create a creamy, pourable caramel layer that spreads easily over the cookies.
- 2 cups Ghirardelli melting chocolate: High-quality chocolate melts effortlessly and gives a glossy, firm finish that snaps beautifully when you bite.
How to Make Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is critical because having the oven fully heated ensures your shortbread cookies bake evenly and develop that perfectly golden edge that adds a subtle crispness.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the vanilla, flour, and salt and mix just until everything is combined. This dough forms the essential buttery base for your shortbread cookies—rich but tender with the perfect crumb.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Lightly flour your countertop or cutting board before rolling out the dough to about half an inch thickness. Using a small circle cookie cutter, cut the dough into uniform circles. This ensures each cookie bakes evenly, so every bite has the ideal texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your cookies spaced evenly apart. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until you notice the edges turning a light golden color. Then let them cool completely on a rack—the shortbread will firm up beautifully as it cools.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel
Pour the caramel pieces and evaporated milk into a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the caramel is smooth and melted into a creamy sauce. This mixture is what gives your cookies that luscious, gooey layer that makes Twix so addictive.
Step 6: Add the Caramel Layer
Use a spoon to generously spread the melted caramel over each cooled cookie, covering the entire surface edge to edge. Let the caramel set for a little while so it thickens just enough to hold that perfect chewy texture when you bite in.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate
Place the Ghirardelli melting chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth. This gentle melting method prevents scorching and ensures a glossy finish.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Layer
Spread the melted chocolate over the set caramel on each cookie in an even layer. Allow the chocolate to cool and harden completely before serving. This final chocolate layer seals in the caramel and shortbread, delivering that satisfyingly snappy bite you crave.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets adds a sophisticated contrast to that sweet caramel-chocolate duo, enhancing the flavors beautifully. You can also add chopped nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate for visual flair and texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of rich hot coffee or creamy milk—the bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness while milk offers a soothing balance. For a fancier touch, serve alongside fresh berries to add a burst of freshness and color to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe as gifts by stacking them in small mason jars or pretty tins tied with a ribbon. You can also sandwich them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps preserve the crispness of the shortbread and keeps the caramel and chocolate layers from melting or becoming sticky.
Freezing
Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe freezes well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature without losing that signature chew.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, gently reheat for about 10 seconds in the microwave or for 3-5 minutes at 300 degrees in the oven. This softens the caramel and chocolate layers just enough, while keeping the shortbread crisp.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter is preferred because it lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk in the caramel?
Evaporated milk helps create a smooth, creamy caramel that’s easy to spread. You could substitute with heavy cream if needed, but the texture may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have a microwave for melting chocolate?
No worries! You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove. Just stir frequently until smooth and melted without any water splashing in the chocolate.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Just roll and cut when you’re ready to bake.
How thick should I roll out the cookie dough?
About half an inch thick is ideal. Thinner cookies may be too fragile for the layered toppings, while thicker ones might bake unevenly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe is like recreating a beloved candy bar but with an irresistible homemade touch that takes it to a whole new level. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon treat, or a gift, these cookies bring joy in every buttery, caramel-dripped, chocolate-covered bite. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and make this sweet staple your new favorite recipe!
Print
Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Twix Cookies combine a buttery shortbread base with a rich, gooey caramel layer and a smooth chocolate topping, recreating the beloved candy’s classic flavor and texture in cookie form. These delightful treats are perfect for caramel and chocolate lovers wanting a fun twist on a classic cookie.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer
- 15 ounce bag Kraft caramel candies
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
For the Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups Ghirardelli melting chocolate wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough is well combined and smooth.
- Shape the cookies: Lightly flour a clean surface like a cutting board or countertop. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut uniform cookie shapes for even baking.
- Bake the cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies spaced apart on the sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the caramel: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the Kraft caramel candies and evaporated milk. Stir continuously until the caramel melts completely into a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Add the caramel layer: Spoon the melted caramel onto each cooled cookie, spreading it evenly from edge to edge. Allow the caramel to set and firm up at room temperature before proceeding.
- Prepare the chocolate topping: Place the Ghirardelli melting chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat heating in 15-second intervals as needed until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the chocolate layer: Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel on each cookie. Let the chocolate cool and harden completely before serving to complete the Twix cookie experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before adding caramel to prevent melting and sliding.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking during baking.
- Stir the melting chocolate thoroughly between microwaving intervals to avoid burning.
- If you prefer a thinner caramel layer, adjust the amount of caramel accordingly.
- Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
