Twix Cookie Bars

Published:

by Sabrina

These Twix Cookie Bars are an irresistible twist on a classic candy favorite. With a buttery shortbread base, luscious caramel layer, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing treats to the office, or simply indulging at home, these cookie bars will impress every time. Their delightful combination of textures and flavors makes them a must-try treat for cookie lovers.

Twix Cookie Bars

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
  • Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers; they fit every occasion.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These cookie bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
  • Make Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and store for later enjoyment; they taste even better after setting!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the right tools. Having the essential equipment ready will streamline the process of creating these delectable Twix Cookie Bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

  • 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for evenly baking your cookie bars without burning the edges.
  • Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for that perfect texture.
  • Saucepan: Necessary for melting the caramel mixture to achieve that gooey consistency.
  • Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping down the sides of bowls efficiently.

Ingredients

These Twix Cookie Bars feature a blend of simple yet effective ingredients that create their signature taste.

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 the Shortbread Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of room temperature salted butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Gradually mix in 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Once combined, press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Base

  1. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  3. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 tablespoons salted butter, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ½ cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Stir continuously until melted.
  2. Slowly add in 1 cup heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly until it reaches a soft boil.
  3. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

  1. Pour the caramel mixture over your baked shortbread base, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  2. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator if needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

  1. In another saucepan, heat remaining 1¼ cups chocolate with ⅓ to ½ cup heavy whipping cream. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
  2. Pour this chocolate mixture over cooled caramel layer, spreading it evenly using a spatula.

Step 6: Final Set Up

  1. Refrigerate your assembled bars for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results before cutting into squares.
  2. Once set, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

With these easy steps, you’ll have deliciously rich Twix Cookie Bars that everyone will love!

Twix cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Share with Friends

  • You can cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve them on a platter for easy sharing during gatherings or parties.

Pair with Ice Cream

  • Serve warm Twix cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert combo that enhances the flavors.

Add Whipped Cream

  • Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and texture, making them even more indulgent.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

  • A light drizzle of caramel sauce over each bar adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the chocolate and cookie base beautifully.

Coffee Companion

  • These cookie bars pair wonderfully with your favorite coffee or espresso, making them an excellent choice for afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner.
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To ensure your Twix cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

  • Use room temperature butter – This helps achieve a creamy consistency when mixing, resulting in a tender shortbread base.
  • Chill the caramel – After pouring the caramel layer, allow it to cool before adding chocolate. This prevents melting and maintains layers.
  • Melt chocolate properly – Use a double boiler or microwave at low power to melt chocolate smoothly without burning it.
  • Cut with care – Use a sharp knife to slice the bars cleanly. If you find the knife sticking, run it under hot water first.
  • Store correctly – Keep your Twix cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Twix cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be enhanced by serving them alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

  1. Fresh Fruit Salad
    A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.

  2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
    These add an extra touch of elegance and chocolatey goodness that pairs well with your treats.

  3. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
    This creamy dessert offers a smooth contrast to the chewy texture of Twix cookie bars.

  4. Nutty Granola Parfait
    Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit for a crunchy and creamy side that complements the bars nicely.

  5. Cheese Board
    A selection of cheeses provides savory elements to balance out the sweetness of the cookie bars.

  6. Coffee Cake
    The light sweetness of coffee cake makes it an ideal companion for serving alongside Twix cookie bars during brunch or tea time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Twix cookie bars, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delicious outcome.

  • Overmixing the Dough – This can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
  • Skipping the Chilling Step – Not chilling the dough can result in spreading during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  • Using Cold Ingredients – Cold butter and eggs can make the dough difficult to mix. Ensure your butter is at room temperature and eggs are slightly warm.
  • Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately – Inaccurate measurements can ruin the balance of flavors. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
  • Ignoring the Cooling Time – Cutting into warm cookie bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.
  • Place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months.
  • Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
  • Microwave – Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
  • Stovetop – Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Twix cookie bars.

Yes, dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and pairs well with the sweet caramel.

Properly stored, they last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Absolutely! Try adding nuts, flavored extracts, or using different types of chocolate for variety.

Twix cookie bars have a unique layered structure with shortbread, caramel, and chocolate, mimicking the beloved candy bar.

Final Thoughts

These Twix cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring joy and satisfaction to any occasion!

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Twix Cookie Bars

Twix Cookie Bars

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Twix Cookie Bars are an indulgent homemade treat that combines the beloved flavors of a classic candy bar into easy-to-make dessert bars. With a buttery shortbread base, luscious gooey caramel filling, and rich chocolate topping, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet snack at home, each bite delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that cookie lovers crave. Not only are they delicious, but they can also be made ahead of time for added convenience. Treat yourself to this irresistible recipe that’s destined to become a favorite!

  • Author: Sabrina
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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)
  • 1 ¼ cups milk or dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and vanilla extract until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden brown. Allow cooling slightly.
  4. For the caramel layer, combine salted butter, salt, corn syrup, and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted. Slowly add heavy whipping cream while stirring continuously until it reaches a soft boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
  5. Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread base and let cool completely.
  6. For the chocolate topping, melt chocolate with remaining heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Pour over cooled caramel layer and spread evenly.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
  • Calories: 198
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 106mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg

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