On cool autumn afternoons the kitchen would hum with the clink of spoons and the soft pop of chocolate as my mother and I rolled out dough at the old oak table. A radio in the corner played hymns while we sampled caramel, and that cozy rhythm still lives in the little rituals I use when I bake today. Those tiny moments taught me that a simple cookie can carry a whole afternoon of comfort.
I’m a home cook who grew up learning recipes from church cookbooks and my mother’s handwritten notes. I cook the kind of food that feels like a warm blanket easy casseroles, skillet dinners, and nostalgic sweets tested for real weeknights. These Twix Cookies bring together shortbread, caramel, and chocolate in a way that feels both familiar and special, the kind of treat you share with neighbors or tuck into a lunchbox.
In my kitchen, I keep things straightforward: pantry staples, straightforward steps, and a focus on flavors that make everyone smile. My recipes are family-friendly and pork-free, and I always write steps like I’m standing beside you, guiding each turn of the spatula. If you love cookies that balance crunch and gooey caramel, these Twix Cookies are designed to hit that sweet spot without fuss. For another cookie to pair with your afternoon coffee, try this Delightful Pistachio Cranberry Cookies recipe it’s a bright, nutty contrast to rich chocolate and caramel.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this dish
These Twix Cookies combine three textures in one bite: a tender shortbread base, a velvety caramel center, and a glossy chocolate cap. Each component is simple on its own, but together they form something irresistible. The shortbread bakes up light and slightly crumbly, giving just enough structure to hold the caramel without overpowering it. The caramel melts smooth and sets soft, giving a familiar chewy bite, and the chocolate adds that final snap and shine. I like to think of these as an elevated cookie that still manages to deliver the same comfort you’d expect from a homemade tray pulled from the oven.
I test recipes in a busy weeknight kitchen, where time and cleanup matter. That’s why this recipe uses store-bought caramel bits and chocolate chips you get great flavor without extra fuss. The dough is easy to roll and cut, so you can make a big batch and freeze extras for later. When neighbors come by, I almost always have a tin of these Twix Cookies tucked away, ready to offer one or two with coffee.
They travel well for potlucks and tuck nicely into gift boxes, too. If you want a nutty counterpoint for a cookie swap, I love the crunch of these Almond Crescent Cookies alongside something caramel-rich. Each bite of Twix Cookies feels like a small, nostalgic celebration familiar, dependable, and utterly satisfying.
How to prepare Twix Cookies
Start by gathering everything and softening your butter. Room-temperature butter blends smoothly with powdered sugar, and that initial creaming step sets the tone for a tender shortbread. Be gentle when you add the flour mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking shortbread dough can lead to tougher cookies, and we want that delicate crumb that melts on the tongue. Rolling the dough between sheets of parchment makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the thickness even so the cookies bake uniformly.
Cut the dough into rounds and watch the first batch in the oven the edges should only just begin to show a hint of golden color. Let the cookies cool completely before topping with the caramel; if you add warm caramel to warm cookies, it will slide right off. Use caramels melted with a splash of cream for a silky finish, and spread the caramel while it’s still fluid so it bonds to the shortbread.
Once the caramel sets, melt chocolate with a bit of coconut oil or shortening for a shiny, smooth top. If you want another cookie to serve on the same platter, consider making Amazing Italian Pistachio Cookies for a colorful variety. These Twix Cookies are approachable no special tools required and they come together with predictable, homey results that make weeknights feel a little more festive.
Ingredients :
1 1/2 cups butter, softened to room temperature, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 11-oz caramel bits, 1 TBSP heavy cream, 2 cups milk chocolate chips, 2 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Directions :
Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat., In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter and powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined., Add vanilla extract, mixing to combine., With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated and a soft dough forms., Roll dough out between two sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper, rolling to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch., Use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter (mine was 2.5 inches in diameter) to cut out rounds of dough. Place dough rounds on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.,
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, until cookies can be transferred to a cooling rack to cool completely., Once cookies are cool, combine caramels and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir. Microwave for additional increments of 15 seconds, if needed, until smooth.,
Spoon melted caramel over the cooled cookies, spreading the caramel over the surface of each cookie., Allow the caramel to cool completely, then combine chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl., Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds until completely melted and smooth., Spoon melted chocolate over the cooled caramel, spreading it out over the surface., Allow chocolate to cool and set completely before serving (you can transfer to the refrigerator to speed up this process, if needed).

Serving ideas
When you think about serving Twix Cookies, imagine simplicity and warmth. Lay them out on a wooden board with a few other favorites so guests can nibble and compare textures: a crisp butter cookie, a nutty biscotti, and a stack of these caramelly rounds makes a lovely spread. For a kid-friendly dessert plate, pair Twix Cookies with sliced apples and a small bowl of marshmallow dip; the mix of textures makes snack time feel special. If you’re offering coffee after a meal, put a single cookie on each saucer for a pretty, welcoming touch.
For holiday trays, arrange rows of Twix Cookies with alternating colors of ribbon or edible decorations. They also work beautifully in homemade cookie tins stack them with parchment squares and tie with twine. If you want to turn them into an after-dinner treat, break a cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the chocolate soften into the cream. The balance in these Twix Cookies shortbread, caramel, chocolate means they pair well with both robust coffee and milder teas. Presenting them simply often highlights their charm best, and they make great gifts when wrapped in clear bags with a handwritten note.
How to store it properly
Storing Twix Cookies is straightforward. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, layered with parchment to prevent sticking. The shortbread base stays pleasantly tender while the caramel remains soft and chewy. If your kitchen runs warm and the chocolate starts to soften, pop the container into a cool spot or the refrigerator for a short period but be aware that refrigeration can slightly change the texture of the shortbread, making it firmer.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen Twix Cookies can keep for up to two months; thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you plan to make a large batch ahead, freeze the plain shortbread rounds after cutting; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time, then top with caramel and chocolate once cooled. That way, you get freshly baked Twix Cookies with much less day-of effort.
Helpful tips
A few small habits make Twix Cookies turn out reliably every time. First, let the butter soften fully to room temperature so it creams smoothly with the powdered sugar; cold butter won’t incorporate well and warm butter will make the dough greasy. Second, measure your flour correctly spoon it into the cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies. Use a light touch when mixing in flour to keep the texture tender. Third, cool the cookies completely before adding caramel; warm cookies will let the caramel slide off or seep into the shortbread.
When melting caramel bits, add a tablespoon of heavy cream for a silkier, easier-to-spread consistency. If your chocolate seems too thick, a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps smooth it while also giving that professional shine. For a visual touch, you can drizzle a tiny bit of melted white chocolate across the tops after the milk chocolate has set. If you like, try pairing these with a buttery almond cookie or a nutty Italian cookie for variety this Best Easy Italian Almond Cookies Amaretti recipe is a lovely companion. With these little tricks, your Twix Cookies will look as good as they taste and hold up beautifully for sharing.
Recipe variations
You can adapt Twix Cookies to suit simple tweaks in flavor and texture. For a saltier contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets; the salt lifts the caramel and chocolate flavors. Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet finish, or try a bit of semisweet with a touch of espresso powder folded in to deepen the chocolate notes. For a nutty twist, press a few toasted hazelnut halves into the caramel before the chocolate sets.
If you want to make the cookies gluten-free, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and watch the dough sometimes it needs a touch less flour for the same feel. For a citrusy accent, grate a little orange zest into the shortbread dough; the bright oil in the zest cuts through the caramel’s sweetness. You can also experiment with flavored caramels sea-salted caramel or a caramel with a touch of bourbon flavor both work well. These small changes let you make Twix Cookies that honor the original idea while matching your personal pantry and guest preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes Twix Cookies freeze nicely. For convenience, you can freeze plain, cut shortbread rounds and bake them from frozen, then top with caramel and chocolate once cool. Fully assembled cookies also freeze well; layer them with parchment in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving so the chocolate softens slightly.
Q: My caramel is too stiff how can I make it spreadable?
A: Add a splash of heavy cream when melting caramel bits to create a smoother, more spreadable texture. Heat in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each burst, to avoid scorching. If the caramel still seems too thick, a little more cream will help; add gradually until it reaches the right consistency.
Q: Will refrigeration ruin the texture?
A: Refrigeration can firm the chocolate and caramel quickly, which helps if your kitchen is warm. However, it can make the shortbread a touch firmer. If you refrigerate, allow the cookies to come back to room temperature for best flavor and tenderness before serving. For short-term storage in a warm kitchen, refrigeration is fine; for taste and texture, room-temperature storage usually works best.
Q: Can I use other chocolates or fillings?
A: Absolutely swap milk chocolate for dark or semi-sweet, or try white chocolate for a sweeter top. You can flavor the caramel with a bit of espresso or citrus, or press nuts into the caramel before the chocolate sets for added crunch. These variations let you tailor Twix Cookies to your favorite flavors.
Conclusion
If you want another take on this nostalgic caramel-chocolate combo, check out this straightforward and reliable version of Twix Cookies at Cooking With Karli: Twix Cookies – Cooking With Karli. It’s a great companion to the tips and variations we covered here, and an easy way to see another home cook’s approach to the same classic treat.
Print
Twix Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies combining shortbread, caramel, and chocolate for a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 11 oz caramel bits
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter and powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add vanilla extract, mixing to combine.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated and a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out rounds of dough. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Allow to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, combine caramels and cream in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in increments of 15 seconds until smooth.
- Spoon melted caramel over the cooled cookies, spreading it evenly.
- Allow caramel to cool completely, then melt chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening in a separate bowl, microwaving for 30 seconds at a time until fully melted.
- Spoon melted chocolate over the caramel, spreading it out evenly.
- Let chocolate set completely before serving.
Notes
For added fun, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets for a salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
