Twix Cookie Bars

Published:

by Emilia

These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings the beloved candy bar to your kitchen. With a buttery shortbread base, a gooey caramel middle, and rich chocolate topping, they’re perfect for any occasion. These bars are guaranteed to impress at parties or satisfy your sweet tooth during a cozy night in.

Twix Cookie Bars

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!
PIN THIS!
PIN THIS!
Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: These bars come together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them accessible for bakers of all levels.
  • Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
  • Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a rainy day snack, these cookie bars fit right in at any event.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: With their familiar flavors inspired by Twix candy bars, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them, making them an ideal option for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious Twix cookie bars, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

  • 9×13 inch baking pan: This is the perfect size for creating thick, chewy cookie bars that hold their shape well.
  • Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures that ingredients are mixed evenly, especially when creaming butter and sugar.

Ingredients

These Twix cookie bars feature a delectable blend of flavors and textures.

For the Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (4.5 ounces) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup (7.5 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 1 ¼ cups (8 ounces) milk or dark chocolate (see note)
  • ⅓ to ½ cup (3.5 ounces) heavy whipping cream (see note)

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract until just combined.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the caramel.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the salted butter, salt, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half of the heavy whipping cream.
  2. Stir constantly until everything is dissolved; then allow it to boil without stirring for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour this caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread base. Spread evenly.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt your choice of milk or dark chocolate along with the additional heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler.
  2. Stir until completely smooth; then pour over the caramel layer.
  3. Allow your Twix cookie bars to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Twix cookie bars! They make for an excellent dessert or sweet treat anytime you need something special.

Serving Twix cookie bars is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookie bars can be presented in various fun and appealing ways.

Individual Portions

  • Cut into Squares: Slice the bars into small squares for easy serving. This allows guests to enjoy just the right amount.
  • Mini Cups: Place squares in mini cupcake liners for a festive look. This adds a touch of elegance to your dessert table.

With Ice Cream

  • Ala Mode: Serve warm Twix cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of warm and cold will delight your taste buds.
  • Sundae Style: Create a sundae by layering cookie bar pieces with ice cream and drizzling chocolate syrup.

For Special Occasions

  • Gift Boxes: Package the bars in decorative boxes as homemade gifts. It’s a sweet gesture for friends and family.
  • Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a large platter alongside other desserts. This makes an impressive centerpiece at parties.

Perfecting your Twix cookie bars will ensure they turn out delicious every time. Follow these helpful tips to achieve the best results.

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
  • Chill the Caramel Layer: Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the shortbread base to prevent it from melting through.
  • Melt Chocolate Gently: Use a double boiler or microwave at low power to melt the chocolate smoothly without burning it.
  • Cut Bars When Chilled: Allow the bars to chill completely before cutting them. This helps achieve clean edges and prevents crumbling.

Pairing side dishes with your Twix cookie bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

  1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the richness of the cookie bars and adds freshness.
  2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These treats complement the chocolatey flavors while adding elegance to your dessert spread.
  3. Coffee or Tea: Serving warm beverages enhances the flavors of the cookie bars, making for a comforting pairing.
  4. Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with rich desserts.
  5. Cheese Platter: Offering a selection of cheeses can provide an interesting contrast to sweet flavors, making for an enjoyable tasting experience.
  6. Nut Mixes: A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and saltiness, creating a nice balance with the sweetness of the cookie bars.
  7. Ice Cream Flavors: Provide a variety of ice cream flavors as options, allowing guests to customize their dessert experience further.
  8. Mini Pastries: Offer an assortment of mini pastries or tarts for those who love trying different sweets alongside their cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Twix cookie bars, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can lead to a dense shortbread base. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.

  • Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure perfect results every time.

  • Overcooking the caramel: If you cook the caramel too long, it can become hard and chewy instead of soft. Keep an eye on it while cooking.

  • Cooling the bars too quickly: Rapid cooling can cause the chocolate top to crack. Allow your Twix cookie bars to cool slowly at room temperature.

  • Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate layer is crucial for flavor. Choose good quality chocolate for coating your bars to enhance taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container: This helps maintain freshness.
  • Duration: Twix cookie bars will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap well: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag.
  • Duration: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
  • Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
  • Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Twix cookie bars are homemade treats inspired by the popular candy bar, featuring a shortbread base, caramel filling, and chocolate topping.

You can add toppings like sea salt or crushed nuts on top of the chocolate layer to enhance flavor and texture.

Yes! Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the caramel and shortbread base.

The total time from prep to enjoying these delicious bars is about 300 minutes, so plan accordingly!

Absolutely! You can customize these bars by adding different flavors of chocolate or incorporating nuts into the caramel layer.

Final Thoughts

These Twix cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or flavors to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Twix Cookie Bars

Twix Cookie Bars


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Emilia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

Description

Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful homemade treat that perfectly captures the essence of the beloved candy bar. With a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are sure to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet cravings on a cozy night in. Whether served at parties or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, their irresistible flavor combination will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter (for caramel)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
  • 1¼ cups milk or dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, cream together room temperature butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in flour and vanilla until combined.
  3. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
  4. For the caramel layer, combine butter, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half of the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved; boil for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in remaining cream and vanilla; pour over cooled shortbread base.
  6. Melt chocolate and remaining cream together until smooth; pour over caramel layer.
  7. Allow to set before cutting into squares.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Share to...