You're craving something sweet, and suddenly you remember that perfect combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate that makes Twix cookies absolutely irresistible. These homemade Twix cookies bring all those beloved flavors right to your kitchen, creating a treat that's even better than the candy bar itself. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Twix cookies recipe delivers that perfect balance of textures and flavors everyone loves.
What makes these Twix cookies so special is how they capture every element of the iconic candy bar in cookie form. The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect foundation, while layers of homemade caramel and melted chocolate create that signature taste. Best of all, you can make these incredible Twix cookies with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Background & Why This Recipe Creates Cookie Magic
The inspiration for Twix cookies comes from the beloved caramel chocolate bar that's been a favorite since 1967. What started as a simple biscuit covered in caramel and chocolate has evolved into countless variations, but nothing beats the homemade version. These Twix cookies take everything we love about the original candy and transform it into a soft, chewy cookie that's perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
What sets this Twix cookies recipe apart is the three-layer approach that mimics the actual candy bar structure. The shortbread cookie base stays tender and buttery, while the caramel layer adds that signature chewiness, and the chocolate topping provides the perfect finishing touch. Unlike store-bought versions, you control the quality of ingredients and can customize the sweetness level to your preference, making these homemade Twix cookies truly exceptional.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
- Cold butter, cubed
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer:
- Sugar
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Coconut oil or butter
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Caramel Layer
- While the base cools, make your caramel by heating sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until sugar melts and turns amber colored, about 8-10 minutes.
- Quickly whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking continuously.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
- Let caramel cool for 5 minutes, then pour over the cookie base.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Finish
- Allow the caramel layer to set for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely set.
- Cut into squares using a sharp knife and serve your perfect Twix cookies.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating perfect homemade Twix cookies requires attention to detail and these proven techniques:
Temperature Control: Keep your butter cold when making the shortbread base. This ensures a tender, crumbly texture that won't become tough. Room temperature butter will create a different texture that won't hold up as well under the caramel and chocolate layers.
Caramel Safety: When making caramel, never leave the pan unattended. Sugar can go from perfect amber to burnt in seconds. If your caramel seizes, don't panic; just add a tablespoon of hot water and whisk vigorously to smooth it out.
Clean Cuts: For the cleanest cuts, warm your knife under hot water and dry it between cuts. This prevents the chocolate from cracking and gives you those perfect, bakery-style squares that make your Twix cookies look professional.
Patience Pays Off: Don't rush the setting process. Each layer needs proper time to set; otherwise, they'll blend together instead of maintaining distinct layers. The waiting time is crucial for achieving that authentic candy bar experience.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Transform your basic Twix cookies into exciting new flavors with these creative variations:
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious, making these Twix cookies accessible to everyone.
Salted Caramel Twist: Double the sea salt in your caramel layer and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate for an elevated gourmet taste that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Different Chocolate Options:
- Use dark chocolate for a more sophisticated flavor
- Try white chocolate for a sweeter variation
- Mix milk and dark chocolate for complexity
- Add chopped nuts to the chocolate layer for extra crunch
Flavor Additions: Stir a teaspoon of espresso powder into the chocolate layer for mocha Twix cookies, or add orange zest to the caramel for a citrus twist that brightens the rich flavors.
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes creating perfect Twix cookies much easier and more enjoyable:
Essential Equipment:
- 9x13 inch baking pan with straight sides
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan for caramel making
- Pastry cutter for incorporating butter
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Sharp chef's knife for clean cutting
Helpful Additions: A candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of caramel making, while an offset spatula helps spread layers evenly. Parchment paper is crucial for easy removal, and having extra bowls on hand makes the process smoother when working with multiple components.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage keeps your Twix cookies fresh and delicious for days:
- Short-Term Storage: Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and keep them away from heat sources that could melt the chocolate.
- Long-Term Options: These freeze beautifully for up to three months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the cookie base up to two days ahead and store covered at room temperature. The caramel can also be made in advance and gently reheated before using. This makes these Twix cookies perfect for entertaining when you want to spread out the work.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that elevates these Twix cookies from good to absolutely incredible: brown your butter before making the shortbread base. This simple technique adds a nutty, complex flavor that makes people wonder what makes your cookies taste so much better than everyone else's. Just cook the butter in a small pan until it turns golden and smells nutty, then let it cool completely before using.
The second secret involves the caramel timing. Instead of letting it cool completely before pouring, use it while it's still slightly warm but not hot. This creates better adhesion between layers and prevents that frustrating separation that sometimes happens. These two simple adjustments transform ordinary homemade Twix cookies into extraordinary treats that'll have everyone begging for the recipe.
FAQ
What is the cookie inside a Twix?
The cookie inside a Twix bar is a buttery shortbread biscuit made with flour, butter, and sugar. In our homemade Twix cookies recipe, we recreate this same tender, crumbly texture using traditional shortbread techniques that provide the perfect base for the caramel and chocolate layers.
What is the new Twix flavor 2025?
While Twix has introduced various limited editions over the years, you can create your own new flavors at home using this versatile Twix cookies base. Popular variations include salted caramel, cookies and cream, and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice.
How many flavors of Twix are there?
Traditional Twix comes in several varieties including original, left and right, peanut butter, and seasonal editions. With our homemade Twix cookies recipe, you can create unlimited flavor combinations by adjusting the caramel, chocolate, or cookie base ingredients.
Why does Twix taste so good?
Twix tastes amazing because of the perfect balance between the buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate. Our homemade Twix cookies recipe captures this same magical combination, but with fresher ingredients and customizable sweetness levels that make them even more irresistible.
Sweet Endings and More Cookie Adventures
These incredible Twix cookies prove that homemade treats always beat store-bought versions when you put love and quality ingredients into every batch. The combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate creates a perfect harmony that satisfies every craving. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve something wonderful, these Twix cookies deliver that perfect candy bar experience in every bite.
Ready to explore more amazing cookie creations? Try our heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cookies that bring all the flavors of your favorite breakfast pastry into portable cookie form, or indulge in our show-stopping Churro Cheesecake Cookies that combine two beloved desserts into one incredible treat. Both recipes use similar techniques to these Twix cookies, so you'll already have the skills to create more bakery-quality desserts at home.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Twix cookies recipe:
Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Pastry cutter
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter cubed
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoon butter
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking pan with parchment.
- Whisk flour, powdered sugar, salt.
- Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form.
- Add cream and vanilla, press dough in pan.
- Bake 18–20 minutes until edges lightly golden.
- Melt sugar in saucepan until amber.
- Whisk in butter, then slowly add cream.
- Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Pour caramel over cooled cookie base, let set 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
- Spread evenly over caramel layer.
- Chill 2 hours in fridge until set.
- Cut into squares with sharp knife and serve.
Leave a Reply