These Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies bring together all the fun flavors and textures of your favorite Twix candy bar into one delicious treat. Imagine a crunchy shortbread cookie base topped with a layer of smooth caramel and finished with a generous drizzle or coating of rich chocolate. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of buttery cookie, chewy caramel, and sweet chocolate that feels just right.
I love making these cookies whenever I want something a little special but still super easy to share with friends or family. The caramel can be a bit sticky to work with, but it’s totally worth it because it adds that chewy sweetness that makes these cookies so addictive. If you want a little extra crunch, I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets—it’s a small touch that really brings out the flavors.
These cookies are great for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee or tea. I find that they keep well in an airtight container, so I like making a big batch ahead of time. It’s always fun to see how quickly they disappear once people get a taste—they really do bring a little joy with every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shortbread Cookies: Unsalted butter is best here for controlling salt levels, but you can use salted butter by reducing added salt slightly. All-purpose flour gives a classic texture; for a twist, try a mix with almond flour for a nuttier bite.
Caramel: Soft caramel candies make this step easy and foolproof. If you prefer homemade, use a simple sugar, butter, and cream caramel recipe. Heavy cream can be swapped for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate works well for balance, but milk chocolate makes it sweeter while dark chocolate adds richness. Coconut oil or butter helps smooth the melt, but you can skip it if you want firmer chocolate layers.
Garnishes: Crushed shortbread crumbs add texture and echo the cookie base. Toffee bits bring extra crunch. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for a lovely contrast to sweet layers.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Base for Twix Layers?
Shortbread cookies form the foundation here, so their texture and shape matter. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use softened but not melted butter—this helps achieve a tender yet firm dough.
- Mix just until flour is incorporated; overmixing makes cookies tough.
- After baking, gently press cookies flat while warm using the bottom of a glass. This creates a level surface to hold caramel and chocolate more evenly.
- Let cookies cool completely before adding caramel to avoid melting it too much.
This care with the cookie base ensures each layer stays intact and delicious without sogginess or cracking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – to combine your dry and wet ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps form evenly-sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting caramel candies and chocolate smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – for spreading caramel and stirring melted chocolate.
- Cooling racks – to let cookies cool evenly without trapping steam.
- Optional: piping bag or squeeze bottle – for precise drizzling of melted chocolate for decoration.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use caramel spread or softened caramel chunks instead of candies for a different texture or flavor.
- Try milk or dark chocolate instead of semisweet for a sweeter or richer taste.
- Add chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, on top of the caramel before the chocolate sets for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the chocolate for a mocha twist.
Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup (about 8 oz) soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
For the Topping and Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter (optional, for smoother melting)
- Crushed shortbread cookies or toffee bits for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping and mixing, 12-14 minutes baking, and another 30-45 minutes assembling and chilling the cookies for everything to set perfectly. Total time: roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Shortbread Cookies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low just until it comes together into a slightly crumbly dough. Scoop dough with a cookie scoop or spoon and roll into balls; place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden and tops are set. Remove and gently flatten each cookie while warm using the bottom of a glass or your hand. Cool completely on wire racks before continuing.
2. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
Place caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Spread about a tablespoon of caramel over half of the cooled cookies. Let the caramel set for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or chill briefly to firm up.
3. Melt Chocolate and Assemble Cookies:
Melt chocolate chips with the coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. On the remaining plain cookies, drizzle or spread melted chocolate. Sandwich the chocolate-topped cookies onto the caramel-covered cookies, pressing lightly to combine. Drizzle more melted chocolate on top and, if you like, sprinkle crushed shortbread crumbs or toffee bits. Chill the assembled cookies in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let everything set perfectly.
4. Store and Enjoy:
Keep your Twix-style cookies in an airtight container, separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can store them at room temperature or in the fridge. They stay fresh and delicious for several days!
Enjoy your homemade Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies – perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself to that dreamy combination of buttery cookie, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate!
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce Instead of Caramel Candies?
Yes! You can substitute with store-bought caramel sauce. Just spread a thick layer over the cookies and chill until set before adding the chocolate layer. It might be a bit softer, so chilling well helps.
How Should I Store Leftover Twix-Style Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just check your other ingredients like baking powder and caramel to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
What’s the Best Way to Soften Butter for This Recipe?
For perfect softened butter, leave it out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes—until it’s soft enough to press a finger in without resistance but not melted or oily.
