These Twix Cookie Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the classic flavors of the beloved candy bar with a homemade twist. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with rich caramel and smooth chocolate. With their unique flavor profile and delightful textures, these Twix cookie bars are sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering treat.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookie bars.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in, these bars fit right in.
Great for Sharing: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or as office treats.
Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or toppings!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Twix cookie bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Electric mixer
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.
Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even baking of your cookie bars.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– 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, combine 1 cup salted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 tablespoons salted butter, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ½ cup light corn syrup, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup heavy whipping cream.
Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to boil.
Allow it to boil without stirring for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread layer and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Topping

In another saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy whipping cream.
Remove from heat once it’s warm but not boiling; add 1 ¼ cups milk or dark chocolate.
Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour this chocolate mixture over the cooled caramel layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least three hours or until set firmly.
Once set, cut into squares or bars before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Twix Cookie Bars as a delightful dessert that everyone will love!

How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars

Twix cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to indulge, here are some fun ideas to serve these delicious bars.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic choice that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the Twix cookie bars.
Chocolate Ice Cream – For chocolate lovers, this combination enhances the ultimate dessert experience.
Caramel Swirl Ice Cream – Adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the caramel in the bars.

As Party Favors

Individual Wrapping – Cut the bars into smaller pieces and wrap them in festive paper for guests to take home.
Decorative Boxes – Place several bars in decorative boxes as sweet gifts for your friends and family.

On a Dessert Platter

Mixed Desserts – Serve your Twix cookie bars alongside other desserts like brownies and cookies for a variety of flavors.
Drizzled Sauces – Add chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an elegant touch on your dessert platter.

With Fresh Fruit

Ripe Berries – Strawberries or raspberries provide a fresh contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Bananas – Sliced bananas can create a delightful combination when served together with Twix bars.

How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars

Creating perfect Twix cookie bars is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dessert turns out amazing every time.

Use Room Temperature Butter – This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture for both the shortbread base and caramel layers.
Chill Between Layers – After adding each layer, chill the bars to help them set properly and maintain their shape when sliced.
Choose Quality Chocolate – Opt for high-quality chocolate for melting, as it significantly affects the final taste of your cookie bars.
Measure Ingredients Accurately – Precise measurements lead to consistent results, especially with baking recipes like this one.

Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars

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

Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the cookie bars.
Chocolate Fondue – Provide an interactive element where guests can dip fruit or pretzels into warm chocolate alongside their bars.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet treats.
Coffee or Espresso – A hot cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the cookie bars and makes for a delightful pairing.
Milkshakes – Creamy milkshakes add a fun twist, especially if you use chocolate or caramel flavors.
Mini Cupcakes – Offer mini cupcakes in different flavors as a delightful addition to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Twix cookie bars, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can lead to a crumbly shortbread base. Make sure your butter is softened for the best results.
Overbaking the shortbread: Baking the base too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s lightly golden.
Not cooling layers properly: Skipping the cooling time between layers can cause them to mix together. Allow each layer to set before adding the next.
Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate layer is crucial for flavor. Invest in good quality chocolate for a rich and satisfying finish.
Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of sweets. Don’t skip it; it balances out the sweetness in your Twix cookie bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Twix cookie bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Twix Cookie Bars

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to three months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Twix Cookie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Twix Cookie Bars?

Twix cookie bars are homemade desserts inspired by the classic candy bar, featuring a buttery shortbread base, creamy caramel filling, and chocolate topping.

How can I customize my Twix Cookie Bars?

You can add nuts, use different types of chocolate, or experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist on this recipe.

Can I make Twix Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

What should I serve with my Twix Cookie Bars?

Pair these bars with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

These Twix cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at parties or enjoying them at home, they offer comfort and joy in every bite. Feel free to customize them further to suit your taste!

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Twix Cookie Bars

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

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Description

Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful homemade treat that brings the classic flavors of the beloved candy bar right into your kitchen. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with gooey caramel and a rich chocolate layer, making them perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply indulging at home. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these cookie bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Their unique combination of textures and flavors creates a crowd-pleasing dessert that is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy them as they are or serve them alongside ice cream for an extra special treat!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 tablespoons salted butter (for caramel)
½ cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy whipping cream (for caramel)
1¼ cups milk or dark chocolate
⅓ to ½ cup heavy whipping cream (for chocolate topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Spread mixture evenly in a greased baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes until golden.
For the caramel layer, heat butter, salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until smooth and boiling. Let boil for about 5 minutes until thickened before pouring over the baked shortbread.
For the chocolate topping, heat heavy cream until warm; remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Pour over cooled caramel layer.
Refrigerate for at least three hours until set; cut into bars before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American