Twix Cookie Bars

These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic candy bar. With a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel center, and smooth chocolate topping, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress friends and family. Their unique flavor combination and homemade touch create a treat that stands out from store-bought options.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shortbread Base
• For the Caramel Layer
• For the Chocolate Topping
• How to Make Twix Cookie Bars
• Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
• Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
• Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
• Step 4: Chill and Serve
• How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars
• For Parties
• With Ice Cream
• As Gifts
• At Special Occasions
• How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Twix Cookie Bars
• Reheating Twix Cookie Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use dark chocolate for Twix Cookie Bars?
• How do I prevent my caramel from getting too hard?
• Can I customize my Twix Cookie Bars?
• How long do Twix Cookie Bars last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are sure to be a hit at gatherings and parties.
• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!
• Decadent Flavor: Rich chocolate and caramel provide a luxurious taste experience.
• Make Ahead: These cookie bars can be prepared in advance for convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure with Twix cookie bars, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Ideal size for even cooking and creating perfectly shaped cookie bars.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Saucepan: Necessary for melting chocolate and making caramel sauce.

Ingredients

These Twix cookie bars are made using the following ingredients:

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)

How to Make Twix Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter.
2. Stir in salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and ½ cup of heavy whipping cream.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly; let it boil for about 5 minutes without stirring until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread base; spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

1. In another saucepan, gently heat the remaining heavy whipping cream until hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate; let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer; spread it evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Allow everything to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or until set.
2. Once chilled, cut into squares or bars before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Twix cookie bars as a sweet treat any time!

How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars

These Twix cookie bars are perfect for sharing and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions.

For Parties

• Plate them on a dessert table – Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter with other sweets for an eye-catching display.
• Individual wrappers – Wrap each cookie bar in colorful foil or parchment paper for a fun, grab-and-go option.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the Twix cookie bars beautifully.
• Create an ice cream sandwich – Use two Twix cookie bars with a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between for a delicious treat.

As Gifts

• Package them as gifts – Place the cookie bars in a festive box or tin. They make great homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Include a recipe card – Add a handwritten recipe card to share the joy of making these delightful treats.

At Special Occasions

• Birthday parties – These cookie bars can serve as a sweet alternative to traditional birthday cake.
• Holiday gatherings – Bring them to holiday events for a unique dessert option that everyone will love.

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How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars

To achieve the best results with your Twix cookie bars, pay attention to these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter – This ensures proper mixing and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
• Chill the caramel layer – Let the caramel set in the refrigerator before adding chocolate; this prevents it from mixing together.
• Melt chocolate carefully – Use a double boiler or microwave at low power to avoid burning the chocolate.
• Cut with care – Use a sharp knife to slice the bars neatly after they have cooled completely for clean edges.

Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars

Pairing side dishes with Twix cookie bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement their rich flavor.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of berries and melons adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These elegant treats echo the chocolate flavor of the bars and are always a hit at gatherings.
3. Whipped Cream Topping – Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each bar, adding creaminess.
4. Nutty Trail Mix – A crunchy mix of nuts and dried fruits provides texture contrast and makes for an easy snack alongside dessert.
5. Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can offer savory relief from sweetness, creating an interesting flavor balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Twix cookie bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can affect the texture of your shortbread base. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best results.
• Improper measuring of flour: Too much or too little flour can lead to a dry or overly sticky dough. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Not allowing the bars to cool completely: Cutting into warm cookie bars can result in messy squares. Let them cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
• Overcooking the caramel: Caramel should be soft but not too hard. Keep an eye on it while cooking and test its consistency before pouring it over the shortbread.
• Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate topping makes a big difference in flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate for a richer taste in your Twix cookie bars.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Twix Cookie Bars

• Wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Twix Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes for warm, gooey bars.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Twix cookie bars that might help you out!

Can I use dark chocolate for Twix Cookie Bars?

Yes, dark chocolate adds a rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.

How do I prevent my caramel from getting too hard?

To prevent hardening, avoid overcooking the caramel and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a soft, pourable consistency.

Can I customize my Twix Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts or different types of chocolate to personalize your bars.

How long do Twix Cookie Bars last?

When stored properly, they last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Twix cookie bars offer a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth. With their shortbread base and rich layers of caramel and chocolate, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins to make them truly your own!