Twix Cookies

This homemade Twix cookie recipe transforms the iconic candy bar into a delightful homemade treat that's even better than the original. With a buttery shortbread-like base, gooey caramel center, and smooth chocolate topping, these cookies capture all the magic of Twix bars but with a fresher, more satisfying taste.

I first made these cookies for my daughter's birthday party, and they disappeared faster than any store-bought treat. Now they're our go-to dessert whenever we want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• White cake mix: provides the perfect tender yet crisp cookie base with minimal measuring
• All purpose flour: adds structure to ensure the cookies hold their shape when baked
• Salted butter: creates rich flavor and perfect texture in both cookie base and toppings
• Caramel bits: melt beautifully and create that signature Twix gooey center
• Heavy cream: helps smooth out the caramel for perfect spreading consistency
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: balance the sweetness with just enough richness
• Additional butter: for the chocolate topping ensures a glossy smooth finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Materials:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This temperature gives the cookies the perfect golden exterior while keeping the centers tender. Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Create The Cookie Base:

Whisk together cake mix and flour until completely incorporated. Then beat in the softened butter gradually until a cohesive dough forms. This might take 3 to 5 minutes depending on how soft your butter is. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly tacky.

Form The Cookies:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll to a half inch thickness. Use a 2 inch round cookie cutter to create uniform circles. The thickness is crucial here. Too thin and they will crisp too much, too thick and they will be cakey instead of shortbread like.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the cookies on prepared sheets with at least an inch between them. Bake for 6 to 10 minutes, watching carefully for the edges to just begin turning golden. Do not overbake or you will lose the tender texture that makes these cookies special.

Prepare The Caramel Layer:

Once cookies are completely cooled, melt the caramel bits with heavy cream using short microwave intervals. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. The caramel should be warm enough to spread but not so hot it will melt into the cookie base.

Add The Caramel Centers:

Place about a teaspoon of warm caramel on each cookie and gently spread it leaving a border around the edge. This border is essential for clean handling later. Allow the caramel to set completely before moving to the next step.

Top With Chocolate:

Melt chocolate chips with remaining butter until smooth and glossy. As with the caramel, use short bursts in the microwave and stir frequently. Spoon the chocolate over the set caramel and spread to the edges of the caramel layer.

Allow To Set:

Let the cookies rest undisturbed until the chocolate has completely set. This creates that satisfying snap when you bite into them, just like a real Twix bar.

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The caramel is truly the heart of these cookies. I find that taking the extra minute to carefully spread it creates that perfect Twix experience. My husband claims these are better than the original candy bars because the freshness of homemade cookies outshines anything that comes in a wrapper.

Making Ahead And Storage Options

These Twix cookies are perfect for making ahead since they actually improve after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. For best results when making ahead, store the completely cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers if you need to stack them.

At room temperature, they maintain their perfect texture for about a week. In the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to two weeks, though the cookie layer may become slightly firmer. For longer storage, freeze completely set cookies for up to three months in an airtight container with parchment between layers.

Troubleshooting Tips

One common issue when making these cookies is caramel that runs off the edges. If your caramel seems too thin after melting, allow it to cool for a minute or two before spreading on cookies. If your cookies spread too much during baking, try chilling the cut dough for 15 minutes before baking.

For chocolate that sets with a beautiful shine, make sure not to overheat it when melting. Stop microwaving when most but not all chips are melted, then stir until smooth letting the residual heat finish the job. For a decorative touch, you can drizzle additional chocolate across the tops in a zigzag pattern once the main layer has set.

Variations To Try

Transform these cookies into different candy bar flavors with simple substitutions. For a Snickers variation, sprinkle chopped salted peanuts onto the caramel before it sets. For a Milky Way version, use milk chocolate chips instead of semi sweet. You can even create a mint chocolate version by adding a drop of mint extract to the chocolate layer.

For holiday versions, try adding seasonal sprinkles to the chocolate while still wet, or use colored candy melts instead of chocolate chips. White chocolate drizzled over the top creates an elegant presentation for special occasions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate for topping?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate to customize the flavor of your cookies.

→ How do I ensure my caramel stays smooth and spreadable?

Heat the caramel bits gradually in the microwave, stirring every 10 seconds, and add a bit of heavy cream to keep it smooth.

→ Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making it?

Absolutely! Store-bought cookie dough works as a great shortcut, making these cookies even easier to prepare.

→ How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they last up to a week, and in the fridge, they stay fresh for two weeks. Freeze for up to three months.

→ Can I add a sprinkle of sea salt to these cookies?

Yes, a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a nice contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.

→ What thickness should the cookies be before baking?

Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness for the perfect texture and bake time.

→ Can I prepare these cookies in advance for an event?

Yes, you can make these cookies a day or two before your event and store them properly in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.