Caramel Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

If you adore the classic chocolate and caramel combination of a Twix bar, then prepare to fall in love with these homemade Twix cookies! This recipe brilliantly captures that iconic flavor profile, reimagining it into a charming and incredibly easy-to-make thumbprint cookie. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, a luscious and perfectly chewy caramel center, all crowned with a delicate drizzle of rich chocolate. Crafted with straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these Twix shortbread cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a baking triumph you can easily whip up anytime you crave that familiar, irresistible taste.

Homemade Twix Cookies Recipe

If the classic Twix candy bar holds a special place in your heart, you absolutely must try these homemade Twix cookies! These shortbread thumbprints offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly mimics the iconic candy.

Prep:
25 minutes

Cook:
12 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 22 minutes

Chill Time:
45 minutes

Servings:
12 cookies

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 1 stick)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Additional Ingredients

• 10 soft caramels
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

US Customary – Metric

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• 2 Baking Sheet(s)
• 2-Tablespoon Cookie Portion Scoop (optional)

Instructions

For the Shortbread Cookies

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until thoroughly creamed, about 1 minute. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
   ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar
   
2. Incorporate the pure vanilla extract, the large room temperature egg yolk, and kosher salt into the creamed mixture. Mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 large egg yolk
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed only until the dough comes together and forms a cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the shortbread tough.
   1 cup all-purpose flour
4. Transfer the prepared cookie dough to the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes. This chilling period is crucial for the cookies to maintain their shape during baking. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
5. Once the dough has chilled slightly, prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6. Using a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop or your hands, portion out pieces of dough. Gently roll each piece into a smooth ball. The dough should have a consistency similar to playdough. If it’s too firm to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
7. Lightly flatten each dough ball. Then, use your thumb (or the back of a rounded spoon) to create a distinct well in the center of each cookie, which will hold the caramel.
   
8. Continue this process with the remaining cookie dough, ensuring that you place the shaped cookies at least two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for proper spreading.
9. Bake the thumbprint cookies in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until their edges turn a delicate golden brown. The centers should still be soft.
10. Upon removing the cookies from the oven, immediately use a round cookie cutter (slightly larger than the thumbprint) to gently swirl around each cookie. This action helps to perfect their circular shape and re-establish a clear well for the caramel, as they may slightly lose their form during baking. If a cookie cutter isn’t available, the rim of a small drinking glass works just as well.
    
11. Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet while you move on to prepare the luscious caramel filling.
    

Assembly

11. In a small saucepan, combine the 10 soft caramel candies and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently until the caramels are completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the caramel brittle. Alternatively, you can melt these in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
    10 soft caramels, 1 tablespoon heavy cream
    
12. Carefully spoon the warm, melted caramel into the center well of each cooled shortbread cookie. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the caramel has set and hardened, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
13. Once the caramel is firm, prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the ¼ cup of chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
    ¼ cup chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
14. Microwave the chocolate mixture, stirring diligently every 30 seconds, until it becomes completely smooth and melted. Use a spoon or a piping bag with a small tip to artfully drizzle the melted chocolate over each caramel-filled cookie. For an extra touch of gourmet flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the wet chocolate.
    
15. Allow the chocolate drizzle to set on the cookies at room temperature, or for a quicker set, place them back into the refrigerator for another 15 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your homemade Twix cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
    flaky sea salt

Notes

*I used dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor, but you can certainly use milk chocolate for a taste closer to a traditional Twix bar, or semisweet chocolate if that’s your preference!

Expert Tips for Success:

• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature for the cookie dough. This helps them cream together smoothly and evenly, resulting in a perfectly textured shortbread.
• **Chill the Dough:** Don’t skip chilling the cookie dough! This essential step helps the shortbread cookies hold their shape beautifully in the oven, preventing them from spreading too much and losing their defined thumbprint well.
• **Store-Bought Caramels:** Using pre-made soft caramels is a fantastic shortcut. They typically harden to the ideal chewy consistency, mirroring the Twix experience. However, homemade caramel can also be used if it’s thick enough to hold its shape once cooled.
• **Prevent Sticking:** To prevent the warm, melted caramel from sticking to your spoon, give the spoon a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray before scooping.
• **Re-warm Caramel:** If your caramel begins to thicken and harden before you’ve filled all the cookies, simply return it to the stovetop and gently rewarm it over low heat, stirring until it’s spoonable again.
• **Quick Set:** To quickly set both the caramel and the chocolate drizzle, place the filled and drizzled cookies in the refrigerator or freezer for just a few minutes until firm.
• **Salt is Key:** The flaky sea salt is optional but highly recommended! It really enhances the caramel and chocolate flavors, adding a gourmet touch that elevates these cookies.

Storage: To keep your delicious Twix cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy from the freezer, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving them cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Twix Cookies Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)

Calories 182
Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 0.3g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 39mg13%

Sodium 121mg5%

Potassium 34mg1%

Carbohydrates 21g7%

Fiber 0.3g1%

Sugar 12g13%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 280IU6%

Vitamin C 0.04mg0%

Calcium 18mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

Did You Make This?
We love seeing what you’ve made! Tag us on social media at @easydessertrecipes for a chance to be featured.

How to Make Homemade Twix Cookies Step-by-Step

Crafting these delectable Twix cookies is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of buttery, chewy, and chocolatey goodness.

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Prep: Begin by gathering all your necessary ingredients and equipment. It’s crucial for baking shortbread that your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before you start mixing. This ensures they cream together smoothly with the sugar, resulting in a cohesive and easy-to-work-with dough.

2. Create the Buttery Shortbread Dough

Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine ½ cup of soft, room-temperature unsalted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-creamed. Next, add ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 large, room-temperature egg yolk, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are just incorporated. Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed only until the dough comes together into a single, soft ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and make your shortbread tough. Once the dough is ready, transfer it to the fridge to chill for 15 minutes. This chilling period is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Shape Your Thumbprint Cookies

Shape the Dough: After the dough has chilled and is slightly firmer, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Scoop out generous 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough. I find using a cookie portion scoop helps create uniformly sized cookies, leading to even baking. Gently roll each portion into a smooth ball. The dough should feel similar to playdough; if it’s too stiff, allow it to warm up for a few minutes at room temperature. Lightly flatten each dough ball. Then, using your thumb or the back of a small, rounded spoon, create a distinct indentation in the center of each cookie. This “well” is where the delicious caramel filling will go. Repeat this process with the remaining cookie dough, making sure to arrange the cookies at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to give them space to expand.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the Cookies: Place your shaped thumbprint cookies in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown, while the centers remain soft. Once baked, promptly remove the cookies from the oven. While they are still warm and pliable, use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a drinking glass) to gently swirl around each cookie. This technique helps to reshape any cookies that might have spread slightly during baking, ensuring they are perfectly round and that the central well for the caramel is well-defined.

5. Cool and Prepare for Filling

Cool the Cookies: Once shaped, transfer the cookies to a wire rack (or leave them on the baking sheet) and set them aside to cool completely. This cooling period is important before adding the caramel, as it prevents the caramel from melting or becoming too thin. While your cookies are cooling, you can begin preparing the rich, chewy caramel filling.

6. Melt the Golden Caramel

Melt the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine 10 soft caramel candies with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the caramels are entirely melted and the mixture is smooth and luxurious. Be vigilant not to overheat the caramel, as prolonged heat can cause it to become brittle instead of chewy. If you prefer a microwave method, you can achieve the same result by heating the caramels and cream in a small microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval until perfectly smooth.

7. Fill, Drizzle, and Garnish

Fill and Finish the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool and the caramel is ready, carefully spoon some of the warm, melted caramel into the center well of each shortbread cookie. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the caramel sets and becomes firm and chewy. To speed this up, you can place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Once the caramel is set, it’s time for the chocolate drizzle. In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup of chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Heat this mixture in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Using a spoon or a small piping bag, artistically drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-filled cookies. For an irresistible flavor contrast and visual appeal, immediately sprinkle a tiny amount of flaky sea salt over the wet chocolate. Let the chocolate drizzle set at room temperature, or return the cookies to the fridge for another 15 minutes to firm up the chocolate. Your homemade Twix cookies are now complete and ready to be devoured!

Why You’ll Adore These Homemade Twix Cookies

These isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s an experience that brings the magic of a beloved candy bar right into your kitchen. Here’s why these homemade Twix cookies will quickly become a favorite:

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The timeless pairing of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, perfectly balanced by a tender shortbread crust, is truly irresistible. Each ingredient complements the other, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to candy bar heaven.
• Easier Than Traditional Twix Bars: While we love the challenge of making homemade Twix bars, this cookie version offers a significantly simpler process without sacrificing any of the iconic taste. No intricate layering or full chocolate dipping required, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect Texture Harmony: Experience the satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the shortbread base, followed by the delightful chewiness of the caramel, all finished with the satisfying snap of chocolate. It’s a textural masterpiece!
• A Unique Twist on a Classic: By transforming the Twix bar into a thumbprint cookie, we’ve created a charming and portion-controlled dessert that’s ideal for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself.
• Made with Love (and Simple Ingredients): Using common pantry staples, you can create a high-quality, homemade treat free from artificial preservatives. There’s a special satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into your delicious cookies.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a casual get-together, a school bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.

Variations & Customizations for Your Twix Cookies

While the classic Twix cookie is perfect as is, there are many ways to personalize this recipe to suit your taste or occasion:

• Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the drizzle. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, more authentic candy bar flavor, or opt for white chocolate for a pretty contrast and milder taste. You could even use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a more complex profile.
• Nutty Additions: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, finely chop some toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds and sprinkle them over the warm caramel before it sets, or mix them into the chocolate drizzle.
• Salted Caramel Bliss: If you’re a fan of salted caramel, increase the amount of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the chocolate drizzle, or even mix a tiny pinch of salt directly into your melted caramel for an intensified flavor.
• Mini Twix Cookies: For smaller, bite-sized treats, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Adjust baking time accordingly (likely 8-10 minutes).
• Different Drizzles: Instead of chocolate, you could drizzle with melted white chocolate, or even a different flavored candy melt for a colorful touch for holidays.
• Spiced Shortbread: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your shortbread dough for a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the caramel and chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have some questions about making the perfect batch of homemade Twix cookies? Here are answers to some common inquiries:

• Can I use homemade caramel for these cookies?
  Absolutely! While store-bought caramels are convenient, you can certainly use your favorite homemade caramel recipe. The key is to ensure your homemade caramel is thick enough to hold its shape once cooled and set in the cookie well. If it’s too runny, it might seep into the shortbread or flow off the edges.
• Why did my shortbread cookies spread too much?
  Cookies spreading too much can be due to a few reasons: the butter was too warm, the dough wasn’t chilled long enough (or at all), or too much flour was added (leading to a weak structure) or too little. Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, and always chill the dough for at least 15 minutes as directed.
• How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too quickly while I’m filling the cookies?
  If you’re working with a large batch, keep the saucepan with the melted caramel over very low heat, or set it over a double boiler to keep it warm and pliable. If it starts to firm up, simply rewarm it gently for a few seconds. Using a spoon coated with nonstick spray can also help.
• Can I freeze Twix cookie dough?
  Yes, you can! Prepare the dough balls and create the thumbprint wells as instructed. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• What’s the best way to drizzle the chocolate for an attractive finish?
  For neat drizzles, you can use a spoon and make back-and-forth motions over the cookies. For more control, transfer the melted chocolate to a small ziplock bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe thin lines over the cookies. Work quickly, as the chocolate sets fast.
• My cookies are too crumbly, what went wrong?
  Shortbread is meant to be crumbly, but if it’s falling apart, you might have added too much flour or not enough binder (egg yolk). Ensure you measure flour accurately, preferably by weight with a kitchen scale for best results.

Storing Your Homemade Twix Cookies

To maintain the freshness and delightful texture of your homemade Twix cookies, proper storage is key. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer enjoyment, these cookies also freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, and they will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to savor them again from the freezer, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw gently. They are delicious served cold or brought to room temperature before enjoying.