These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of the famous candy bar with a homemade twist. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these bars feature a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel layers, and a rich chocolate topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them an irresistible dessert choice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: With their delicious blend of flavors, these Twix Cookie Bars are sure to impress family and friends at any event.
Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
Versatile Treat: These bars can be served at various occasions, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings.
Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead: Twix Cookie Bars can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment, perfect for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Twix Cookie Bars, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking your cookie bars without burning or undercooking.
Electric mixer: It helps achieve the perfect creamy texture for your caramel and dough without too much effort.
Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Ingredients

These Twix Cookie Bars require simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

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)

For the Chocolate Topping

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: Create the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually add flour and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter.
Stir in salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and heavy whipping cream.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and pour evenly over baked shortbread base.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Topping

In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream until just boiling.
Pour over chopped milk or dark chocolate in a mixing bowl; let sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract and pour this chocolate mixture over the caramel layer.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge.
Chill for at least 3 hours or until set before cutting into squares.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for delightful enjoyment!

How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars

Twix cookie bars are not only a delectable treat but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways.

For Parties

Platter Display: Arrange the Twix cookie bars on a decorative platter for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Individual Wrapping: Wrap each bar in colorful foil or parchment paper for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Dessert Table Addition: Incorporate the bars into a larger dessert table alongside other sweet treats for variety.

With Beverages

Coffee Pairing: Serve with freshly brewed coffee; the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel complement each other perfectly.
Milk Dipping: Offer a glass of cold milk for dipping, enhancing the experience with every bite.
Tea Time Treat: Pair with herbal or black tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

For Special Occasions

Birthday Celebrations: Use Twix cookie bars instead of cake for a fun twist at birthday parties.
Movie Night Snack: Cut into smaller pieces for a delicious movie night treat everyone will love.
Holiday Gifts: Package them beautifully as homemade gifts during festive seasons.

How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars

Perfecting your Twix cookie bars can elevate your baking game. Here are some essential tips to ensure delicious results every time.

Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps achieve a creamy texture for the shortbread base, making it easier to mix.
Chill the Caramel Layer: Allow the caramel layer to cool completely before adding the chocolate, ensuring clean layers.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning while melting the chocolate.
Cut Bars When Cold: Refrigerate the assembled bars before cutting; this ensures neat and clean edges when slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars

While Twix cookie bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cookie bars.
Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess that pairs well with chocolate.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over each serving for extra indulgence.
Nuts: Offer mixed nuts as a crunchy side, balancing out the soft texture of the cookie bars.
Fruit Salad: A fruity salad offers brightness and freshness, making it an excellent palate cleanser between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Twix cookie bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can lead to a dense shortbread base. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the recipe. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
Overcooking the caramel: If you cook the caramel too long, it may harden excessively. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from heat once it’s smooth and just bubbling.
Neglecting to let layers cool: Skipping cooling time between layers can cause them to mix. Allow each layer to set before adding the next for clean, distinct layers.
Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate topping is crucial for flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Twix Cookie Bars

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil 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 warm for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming bars for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about more details regarding Twix cookie bars, here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I use dark chocolate for Twix Cookie Bars?

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

How long do Twix Cookie Bars last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, they last up to one week, while freezing extends their shelf life to three months.

Can I customize my Twix Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or different types of chocolate according to your taste preferences.

Are these Twix Cookie Bars suitable for parties?

Yes! They are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and make excellent treats for gatherings or celebrations.

Final Thoughts

These Twix cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making them for a party or just treating yourself, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

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Twix Cookie Bars

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful layers of homemade Twix Cookie Bars, where the classic flavors of a beloved candy bar come to life in your own kitchen. This recipe blends a buttery shortbread base with a gooey caramel layer and a rich chocolate topping, creating an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion—from parties to cozy nights in. Easy to make, these bars will impress your family and friends, ensuring everyone asks for seconds. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by creamy sweetness that is simply unforgettable.

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
1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
8 ounces milk or dark chocolate

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add flour and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Press dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
For the caramel layer, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half the heavy whipping cream. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring for about 5 minutes; then pour over baked shortbread.
In another saucepan, heat remaining heavy whipping cream until just boiling; pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl, let sit for a minute, stir until smooth, then add vanilla extract and pour over caramel.
Chill bars in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American