These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic candy bar that everyone loves. With a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel center, and a smooth chocolate layer, these cookie bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing treats for a bake sale, or just craving something sweet at home, these bars will impress. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dessert that is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip up these delicious cookie bars.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings; they disappear quickly!
Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate creates an irresistible treat.
Versatile Options: Feel free to substitute chocolate types or add toppings to customize your bars.
Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Twix Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

Baking pan: Ensures even baking and helps create the perfect shape for your cookie bars.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a fluffy texture.
Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients together without damaging the delicate batter.

Ingredients

These Twix Cookie Bars are made with simple yet flavorful ingredients that contribute to their deliciousness.

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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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 just combined.
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Bake the Shortbread Base

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter.
Stir in salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half of the heavy whipping cream.
Bring to a boil while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and add in vanilla extract; stir well.
Pour this caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

In another saucepan, heat remaining heavy whipping cream until just simmering.
Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate; let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
Pour this chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Cut

Allow everything to cool at room temperature before transferring to the fridge.
Chill for at least 3 hours or until set completely.
Once chilled, lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Twix Cookie Bars! They’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars

Twix cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or simply savoring at home with a cup of coffee. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Ice Cream

Serve warm Twix cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

Add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling caramel sauce over the top of your Twix cookie bars before serving.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

Fresh strawberries or bananas complement the richness of the bars, providing a refreshing balance to the dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Cut the bars into smaller pieces and arrange them on a dessert platter alongside brownies, cookies, and other treats for a variety of flavors.

With Coffee or Tea

Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage. The rich chocolate and buttery shortbread pair perfectly with coffee or tea.

As Party Favors

Wrap individual Twix cookie bars in decorative paper for guests to take home after your gathering, adding a personal touch to your event.

How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars

To ensure your Twix cookie bars turn out just right, keep these helpful tips in mind while baking.

Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth dough that holds together well when baked.
Chill Between Layers: Let each layer cool before adding the next; this prevents melting and ensures distinct layers.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for the best texture and flavor.
Opt for Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for coating; it makes a noticeable difference in taste.
Cut When Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to maintain clean edges and prevent crumbling.
Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars

While Twix cookie bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the cookie bar.
Chocolate Mousse – Rich and creamy, it offers a luxurious addition to your dessert spread.
Fresh Berries – Strawberries or raspberries add brightness and acidity that balances sweetness.
Caramel Pudding – This creamy dish adds another layer of indulgence alongside the chewy caramel in the bars.
Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a nice contrast to the dense texture of Twix cookie bars.
Pecan Pie Bars – For those who love nutty flavors, these add crunch and richness to your dessert table.
Espresso Brownies – The coffee notes in brownies complement chocolate beautifully while enhancing overall flavor depth.
Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing touch that lightens up the richness of the cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Twix cookie bars even better. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe is a success:

Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can lead to a dense texture in your shortbread base. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for best results.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined for a tender outcome.
Not chilling the caramel layer: If you don’t let the caramel cool, it may ooze out when cut. Allow it to set properly for neat squares.
Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate topping is crucial for flavor; use high-quality chocolate for a richer taste. Invest in good chocolate for melting.
Neglecting to line the pan: Forgetting to line your baking pan can make it difficult to remove the bars. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Twix Cookie Bars

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe container; they will last for up to three months.

Reheating Twix Cookie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 10-15 second intervals until warm but not melted.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until slightly softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Twix cookie bars:

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for Twix Cookie Bars?

Yes, using dark chocolate will give your Twix cookie bars a richer flavor. Adjust sweetness as needed.

How do I make Twix Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I add to customize my Twix Cookie Bars?

Consider adding nuts, sea salt on top, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for added texture and flavor.

How long do Twix Cookie Bars last?

When stored properly, they remain fresh in the refrigerator for about one week and can be frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

These Twix cookie bars offer a delightful twist on a beloved treat. They are perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, making them truly your own!

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Twix Cookie Bars

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Twix Cookie Bars combine the beloved flavors of a classic candy bar into a delightful dessert you can make at home. Featuring a buttery shortbread base, a gooey caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Their irresistible combination of textures and flavors makes them an instant crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, you can create these decadent treats to suit your taste.

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan.
Cream together room temperature butter and powdered sugar. Mix in flour until combined, then press into the pan.
Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden; let cool.
Prepare caramel by melting butter in a saucepan, adding salt, corn syrup, sugar, and half the cream. Boil until thickened, then stir in vanilla.
Pour caramel over cooled shortbread and let set.
For the chocolate topping, heat remaining cream, mix in chopped chocolate until smooth, then pour over caramel layer.
Chill until set, then slice into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American