If your favorite candy bar is a Twix then you are going to love these shortbread TWIX Cookies!
About me, I pretty much love any candy bar that has caramel in it. I would have to say that my all-time favorite is a Milky Way but a Twix candy bar runs a close second. There is a cookie shop near me that sells them occasionally and my son checks their site religiously to see when they will be available again. Since everyone in my family likes them, I decided I should start making them at home.
So if you and your grandkids like caramel too, you are going to love these cookies.
If you would probably want a crowd-treating experience, try them too because you will be amazed!
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Mouth-Watering Twix Cookies
The cookies start off with a buttery, flaky shortbread base. Then, topped with caramel, and finished with chocolate. I need to warn you that they are very rich cookies. In addition, the caramel base gives them the perfect chewy center. So make sure you have some nice, cold milk on hand!
Each layer is easy to make. The only time-consuming part is spreading the chocolate and caramel on each cookie. But it is absolutely worth it when you end up with a batch of delicious Twix cookies. Perfection!
Delicious Cookie Experience For The Whole Family
Do you make a recipe and end become impatient before it is finished because you can’t wait to eat it? That is how these Twix cookies were for me. The kids and husband ended up loving them just like me! A chocolaty cookie that you will love over and over again.
I have been a Twix cookie fan for many, many years. In fact, if I had to pick my favorite cookie, it would be a Twix cookie. I like Twix cookies so much that sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and sneak to the kitchen just to grab a few!
Although these cookies look super decadent, they are easier to make than you think. You can easily use the Kraft wrapped caramels but my favorite caramel of all time is Peter’s Caramel. I get mine at a local cooking store called Gygi’s. It is a large block of caramel but then you will have plenty left over to make these super yummy Apple Pie Caramel Apples!
So treat your caramel-loving self and your family to some of these TWIX Cookies. You will love them!
What You Need For A Crazy Tasty Twix Cookie Recipe
Twix cookies are the perfect combination of caramel, milk chocolate, and a buttery, crunchy cookie center. And now, you can actually make a cookie that tastes exactly like the bar. That’s right. Next time your grandkids get a craving for Twix, you won’t have to rush out to the gas station in the middle of the night. Just reach for those homemade cookies. They’ll satisfy their craving for that caramel, chocolate cookie crunch.
They are the perfect treat to satisfy your caramel dessert cravings. These homemade Twix bars are easy to make, the ingredient mix gives cookies with perfect balance, they’re not too sweet and the caramel base gives them the perfect chewy center. The chocolate layer is a nice addition to them and is what gives them the richness and boldness you love in chocolate.
This is such an easy snack to prepare for your grandkids. Don’t you think?
Twix Cookies
Ingredients
- 1½ cups softened butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 15 oz caramel **See notes
- 2 cups milk choc chips
- 2 tsp shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cream butter and sugar together. Add your vanilla, flour and salt. Mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ½ inch thick.
- To cut cookies you can use a biscuit cutter or I just used a small glass that was 2 inches wide.
- Place round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes.
- Let cookies cool.
- Melt caramel and spread the caramel over the cooled cookies.
- Let caramel cool completely.
- Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt in the microwave. Use a microwave safe bowl and watch so that the chocolate does not burn.
- Spread melted chocolate over cooled caramel.
- Let chocolate set before serving.
- Do not put in the refrigerator as it will discolor the chocolate.
Notes
You will need these items for this recipe!
Items You Will Need For A Yummy Twix Cookie Recipe
Cookie:
- 1 1⁄2cups softened butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 1⁄2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon shortening
Caramel Layer:
- 15 Oz caramel
Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups milk choc chips
How To Prepare Tasty Twix Cookies
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, has a short preparation time, and makes delicious golden brown cookies that you can serve on any occasion. You can mix the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, but be sure to put the splash guard on to avoid getting messy.
Follow these simple but doable steps for a mouth-watering Twix cookie dessert!
- Turn on your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick silicone baking sheets. I really prefer using the silicone ones because cookies pop off easily, and you can wash and reuse them over and over again.
- Cream butter and sugar together. Then, add your vanilla, flour, and salt and mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1⁄2 inch thick. The dough will be a bit sticky, so put it between two sheets of parchment paper to keep it smooth without getting it all over the counter.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a small glass (2 inches wide) to cut cookies. Roll the dough as needed. Be sure to get a set of good circular cutters.
- Place the round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Do not overbake these cookies or they will end up dry. It is important to note that larger cookies will take more time, and smaller ones will take less.
-
Let cookies cool.
- Melt caramel for 10-15 seconds, then stir. Repeat until you get the right consistency. Then, spread the caramel over the cooled cookies. When you scoop and pour the caramel, it should create a ribbon.
- Let caramel cool completely.
- Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt them in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and watch it, so that the chocolate doesn’t burn. If you desire a shiny chocolate result, use chopped chocolate.
- Spread melted chocolate ( make sure it has no lumps) over the cooled caramel. I like using a clean butter knife to do it. Make sure it is not too close to the edge of the cookie.
- Let the chocolate set before serving.
- Do not put it in the refrigerator, as cold will discolor the chocolate. Store the Twix cookies in an airtight container. Make sure the container has no moist in it, or else the chocolate will seize, and you will have to start over. I’d also recommend you keeping the cookies in a single layer to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Why Twix Cookies, You Ask?
These cookies are amazing and should be savored for an afternoon snack or evening treat. You can serve them with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. I am sure they will taste like a Twix Bar but in cookie form. Pure caramel chocolate heaven.
You might be wondering what’s so fantastic about these Twix Cookies. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love them.
- The Twix flavor is front and center.
- They are perfect hostess gifts and plenty to go around.
- A great project to make with your grandkids. Spreading the chocolate and caramel is a great job for the little ones.
- Rich in chocolate and full of caramel. The contrasting textures and tastes of the gooey caramel and soft chocolate are the perfect combination and the only way to describe them is, “Scrumptious”
- Foolproof, easy-to-follow recipe.
- Perfect for the holiday season, birthdays, or just a fun weekend treat as well.
- The flavors are amazing.
- They are worth it, even if you hate baking cookies.
Some Expert Tips For You
- Dark and White chocolate can also be used in place of the Milk chocolate chips and are just as delicious. A marbled mixture of both white and dark chocolate will definitely give the cookies a special and extra appearance altogether.
- If you choose to use plain flour, the shortbread bases will not rise and so they will be as thin or thick as you roll the dough out to be.
The cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about four to five days and you can certainly freeze them. Just cool the cookies completely and tightly wrap them in plastic wrap. Then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two to three months. Defrost before serving and use your favorite chocolate topping.
I close my case and the jury is unanimous – these are incredible! And yes, the hardest part is not sneaking bites of the cookie dough before it is completely set.
Oh! Do you know you can also have homemade caramel?
There are few ways to make caramel at home. One is by boiling sweetened condensed milk for three hours or simmering brown sugar, corn syrup, and evaporated milk until it gets thicker and forms a caramel. Also, ensure it holds its shape and does not runoff.
More Flavors Just For You!
You may consider trying out these Twix cookie flavors:
- Fudge
- Coffee
- Mint
- Orange
- Dark chocolate
- White Chocolate
Gluten-free and Vegan Twix cookies
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to these Twix Cookies, here’s a recipe to help with that.
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 tablespoon dairy-free milk
- 1⁄8 cup Maple syrup
- 1⁄2 cup vegan butter
- 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips vegan
- 1 1⁄8 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 dash salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1⁄2 teaspoon refined coconut oil
- 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar.
There’s no need to feel guilty about putting all these are ingredients in your body. I love that you can serve them to just about anyone. Just make sure to save some for yourself!
Are You Craving More Goodies? Check These Out, Thank Me Later!
- Mini Apple Pie Cookies
- Rockin’ Raspberry Bread Pudding
- Two-Two Easy Peach Cobbler
- Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
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how many does this recipe make??
I would say 2-3 dozen depending on the size of your circle.
These are fabulous! Gorgeous photos! Can’t wait to try them. Thanks for sharing!
They are rich but oh so yummy. Thanks for your kind words Aimee!
Hi Debbie,
I’m going to try and make these cookies for a cookie exchange and was wondering if you have ever doubled the recipe and if it still turned out ok? Thanks, Paula
Paula, I haven’t ever doubled it but my best guess is that it would be fine!
did you use actual shortening or butter?
Hi Melissa, I just used real butter!
Was the butter salted or unsalted? I’m assuming unsalted, but just wanted to be sure.
My butter was salted!
Do you think I could use butter rather that the shortening?
Dawne, I have always used butter when I have made this recipe.
Hi Debbie! Just wanted to make sure I’m doing the chocolate melt right. I don’t have shortening, just coconut oil or butter. Butter is ok to use to thin the chocolate? Thanks! 🙂
Ooohhh I think I would use the coconut oil over butter if you don’t have shortening. Crossing my fingers that works!
The shortening is used in the melting of the chocolate, not in the making of the cookies. I wouldn’t use shortening in the cookies as it would change the consistency of the cookie.
Hi Debbie,
Good news! I doubled it and it was totally fine!
However, I used the small little caramels (that are separately wrapped) and had a heck of time getting the caramel on the cookies (it wouldn’t stick) and once they all hardened…the caramel is so hard that it makes it hard to eat the cookie. The cookie itself is velvety smooth and yummy…but you can barely bite through the caramel!!
My guess is that the caramel you used didn’t do that. I live in Canada and wasn’t able to find the kind you mentioned.
If I make them again, I will definitely have to try and do something different for the caramel.
Thanks for getting back to me though!
Paula
I just followed the recipe for caramel apples on the caramels package, it does not get hard. It said to add water.
Maria! You just made my day! After a couple of other people made it and it didn’t turn out for them I am SO glad to hear that it worked for you!
When I make cookies with caramel.. I use the Kraft individually wrapped caramels.. put 15 caramels in a bowl, add 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (I would start with 2 tablespoons & add more if needed) and microwave until melted.. put on cookies.. the caramel will stay soft and gooey! ☺
I agree with you Klaudia! When using the Kraft caramels you either need to add evaporated milk or heavy whipping cream to keep them soft!
I agree with the caramel comment, my cookies were as hard as rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow. So sorry that did not work for you Alexandra. I’ll take a look at the recipe again!
did you add a little heavy cream while melting your caramels? I have not made these yet but have read that adding the cream will help keep the caramels soft
I used Peter’s caramel but if you are using Kraft, then you should definitely add something like evaporated milk or heavy whipping cream!
Hi, is it possible to use the caramel sundae topping that comes in a jar?
Unfortunately I think that the sundae topping might be a little too runny. Great idea though….it would make it even easier!
For those that had issues with hard caramel, I used 30 Werther’s Originals soft caramels and added 4-5T of cream (or you can make cream substitute with margarine and milk). Microwave the caramels and cream until they are melted and mix together well. I let the caramel mix cool slightly so it was thick and wouldn’t roll off the cookie. Worked perfectly!
Wow! What a great idea! These look amazing!
How long can these be stored? Can they be frozen? Thanks for this amazing recipe.
Hi Marie! Ours don’t stay around long enough that I’ve stored them but I would guess around a week in an airtight container. I don’t think I would suggest freezing them however.
need to try this soon!
Sure hope you do! I’d love to hear how you like them.
These look delicious! I am wondering if you could make these as bar cookies? What size pan do you think would work?
Wow. I’m not sure. My best guess is that it would make a 9×13 pan just fine. You might have to adjust the caramel and chocolate but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure that out. Probably just whatever is to your liking. If you try it we’d love to hear how it turned out!
Just made these fabulous cookies for my family and grandkids! They love them! No trouble with the caramel or the chocolate! Just need to move quickly with putting the caramel on the cookies because it will harden if you procrastinate. The shortbread is divine and could easily stand on its own. This is a keeper!!
Heather you just made my day! I am so happy that this worked for you!
i like it, i was inspired to create a cookie with waffle creased cross design but hard to find in store, asking friends and store they dont have it, couldnt imagine i will find it shorisuperstore.com where they offer varieties for bake/cookware…more cheaper than amazon…
These were delicious. Big hit with everyone at the party I was at! I added a few tbs of heavy cream to the caramel, this kept it softt.
So glad to hear it was a hit! And great tip of adding cream to the caramel! Thanks Tamie!
I’m no baker – and unfortunately had a lot of trouble with these cookies 🙁 The dough was so soft and sticky even coated in flour that I couldn’t transfer to the grease cookie sheet after cutting them. I also doubled the recipe and only yielded about 30 (2in x .5in) cookies. I used Kraft carmel bits which worked well and were still soft after cooling, however the Hersey chocolate chips did not melt well and was very hard to spread even after adding milk. If I were to make again I would definitely cut smaller cookies (1 inch) and maybe chill the dough so it’s firmer and easier to work with?
I melted the kraft carmels with evaporated milk instead of water ( it was left over from making fudge). I put the melted Carmel in a disposable piping bag with a tube tip, worked very slick. I am going to try to freeze.
I’d love to hear how that turns out!
Hi Debbie,
Can you make the dough ahead and store in the fridge overnight? I want to make them for my son’s Christmas cookie exchange and would like to make the dough ahead of time. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Desiree! I have not frozen the dough but my best guess is that it would work. And some people have mentioned that the caramel can be hard. If that’s a problem, add a teaspoon or two of evaporated milk and hopefully that will help. With the caramel I had, I didn’t have a problem, but just in case!
Just made these today as part of my holiday baking. Unfortunately they are now in the compost 🙁 I too used Kraft caramels and had a heck of time getting them to melt. I added about 2 tsp of shortening to them and they melted perfectly. However, like a few have mentioned, the caramel turned so hard after cooling you can’t even bite thru them.
Made these for a Christmas party “cookie-off”. Added water to the caramel as others have, and they turned out perfectly! I won the contests too! Thanks for the recipe!
Congratulations Gabby! That’s awesome!
Just made these cookies and everything turned out great except the caramels! It’s hard to bite down on these since the caramel is hard as a rock. There were two recipe on the bag of caramels and the one I looked at didn’t mention adding anything, so I didn’t. Other than that, this was an easy and delicious recipe.
Thanks for stopping by Rosanna! Depending on what kind of caramel you use, sometimes you can add a couple of teaspoons of either evaporated milk or heavy whipping cream and that will keep the caramel soft!
Is there really no eggs or baking powder or sofa in these????
I don’t have shortening and tried butter but the chocolate came out super thick. How much butter 2 tsp? or is it more?
They came out perfect so far just issue with the chocolate part!