Twix Cookie Bars
These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic candy bar, making them perfect for any occasion. With a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel filling, and smooth chocolate topping, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Whether for a party, bake sale, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars stand out for their incredible flavor and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and rich chocolate creates a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cookie bars are straightforward to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these treats fit right in and are sure to be a hit.
- Customizable Options: You can easily modify the recipe by using milk or dark chocolate based on your preference.
- Great for Sharing: With 32 servings per batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Twix Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and helps maintain the structure of your cookie bars.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for that perfect texture.
- Saucepan: Ideal for melting caramel ingredients smoothly without burning them.
Ingredients
These Twix Cookie Bars are a delicious spin off of my favorite candy bar – Twix. A shortbread base, chewy caramel middles, and soft chocolate tops these homemade Twix bars are a sure crowd-pleaser.
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 Filling
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine salted butter, salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and heavy whipping cream.
- Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil; then continue boiling for an additional 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the warm caramel over the baked shortbread crust; spread evenly.
- Allow it to cool at room temperature while you prepare the chocolate topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine milk or dark chocolate with heavy whipping cream until melted and smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the cooled caramel layer; spread evenly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least four hours or until set completely before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy your homemade Twix Cookie Bars!
How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars
These Twix Cookie Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
For a Sweet Treat
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm Twix Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
- Drizzled with Caramel: Add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for a delicious and visually appealing treat.
At Parties
- Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookie bars on a platter alongside other desserts for an inviting display.
- Individual Servings: Cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing at gatherings.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve these bars with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack option.
For Special Occasions
- Birthday Celebrations: Decorate the bars with sprinkles or candles to make them festive for birthdays.
- Holiday Treats: Use seasonal toppings like crushed peppermint or colored chocolate drizzles for holidays.
How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars
To ensure your Twix Cookie Bars turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth and creamy texture for your shortbread base.
- Chill Between Layers: Let each layer cool properly before adding the next to prevent melting and mixing of flavors.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate for the topping to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar amounts in the caramel layer if you prefer it less sweet.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Twix Cookie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookie bars.
- Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses to complement the sweet flavors of the bars.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit or marshmallows alongside the cookie bars.
- Nut Medley: A mix of roasted nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the bars.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes as an additional sweet option that pairs well with cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serving coffee enhances the chocolate flavors and makes dessert time more enjoyable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Twix cookie bars can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes that can affect your results.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not chilling the dough can lead to spreading during baking. Always chill your base for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cookie bars tough. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy bars.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are key to success. Use a kitchen scale for precision when possible.
- Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate topping makes a big difference. Choose good-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Twix Cookie Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Twix Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time in 10-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Twix cookie bars.
How long do Twix Cookie Bars take to prepare?
Twix cookie bars take about 20 minutes of prep time, followed by baking and cooling time, totaling around 5 hours including cooling.
Can I customize my Twix Cookie Bars?
Yes! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even caramel flavors to suit your taste preferences.
What type of chocolate is best for Twix Cookie Bars?
Milk chocolate is typical but dark chocolate adds a nice richness. Choose according to your personal preference!
How should I store leftover Twix Cookie Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These Twix cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with various toppings or flavors. Try making them for parties or as a sweet treat at home; they’re sure to impress everyone who takes a bite!
Twix Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 32 servings 1x
Description
Twix Cookie Bars are an indulgent dessert that brings the classic flavors of your favorite candy bar right to your kitchen. With a buttery shortbread base, luscious caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars deliver a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will delight both friends and family. Whether served at parties, during festive gatherings, or simply enjoyed as an everyday treat, these homemade confections are sure to impress. Plus, they are easy to make with simple ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
- 1 ¼ cups milk or dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour and vanilla extract; press into a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine salted butter, salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half the heavy cream. Stir until boiling; boil for another 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour warm caramel over the baked crust; let cool.
- Melt chocolate with remaining heavy cream over low heat; pour over cooled caramel and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least four hours until set before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
