Ultimate Twix Cookies

There are cookies… and then there are cookies. The kind that make you stop mid-bite and go, “Wait, what is this magic?” These Ultimate Twix Cookies fall firmly into that second category. If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking a Twix bar from the candy stash (no judgment—we’ve all been there), then you’re going to fall head over heels for this homemade twist on the classic treat.

I first made these cookies on a rainy Saturday afternoon when I was craving something indulgent but didn’t want to leave the house. I had all the basics—flour, butter, chocolate chips, and a forgotten bag of caramel candies in the pantry. That was the beginning of what’s now a regular go-to recipe in our kitchen. Every layer brings something special to the table: the buttery shortbread base, the gooey caramel center, and that rich, glossy chocolate topping that ties it all together.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting a cookie exchange, or just need a sweet fix, these Twix-inspired cookies are here to impress. They’re easy to make, they look like they came straight from a fancy bakery, and they taste even better.

So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 ½ cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

STEP 1: MAKE THE COOKIE BASE

We’re starting with a simple shortbread-style cookie that’s buttery, soft, and just the right amount of sweet. If you’ve never made shortbread before, don’t worry—it’s surprisingly easy and forgiving.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer if you have one—it’ll make the texture super smooth and fluffy.

3. Add the vanilla extract, then mix in the flour and salt gradually. The dough will be soft and slightly crumbly, but it should hold together when you press it.

4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—I like to use a cookie scoop for even sizes—and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.

5. Use the bottom of a glass or your palm to gently flatten each ball into a disk. You’re aiming for a cookie that can hold a little caramel and chocolate without spilling over the edges.

STEP 2: BAKE AND COOL

6. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to overdone quickly.

7. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This part is important because if the cookies are warm, the caramel will slide right off later.

Now that your buttery shortbread cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to take them to the next level. This is where the magic happens — the gooey caramel center and rich chocolate topping come into play, transforming a simple cookie into something truly unforgettable.

Honestly, this part is my favorite. There’s something so satisfying about spooning silky caramel onto a perfect little cookie round, then watching the chocolate melt into a glossy layer on top. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy candy-making tools or skills to pull it off.

Let’s dive into how to get that signature Twix flavor in every bite.

STEP 3: MAKE THE CARAMEL LAYER

The caramel layer is key to nailing that classic Twix flavor. It adds a chewy, sweet contrast to the crisp cookie base and ties everything together beautifully.

1. In a small saucepan (or a microwave-safe bowl), add 1 cup of unwrapped soft caramel candies and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.

2. If you’re using the stovetop, heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

3. If you prefer the microwave, heat in 15 to 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and creamy.

4. Once melted, spoon a small amount of caramel onto the center of each cooled cookie. Don’t spread it all the way to the edges — it will naturally settle and spread just a bit on its own.

5. Let the caramel set for about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray in the fridge to speed things up.

Tip: Be sure the cookies are completely cool before adding the caramel, or it might melt and slide off the top. If your caramel firms up too quickly while you’re working, just reheat it slightly.

STEP 4: ADD THE CHOCOLATE TOPPING

This chocolate layer is what gives these cookies their sleek, candy-bar finish. Smooth, shiny, and just the right amount of sweet.

1. In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, combine 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet, your choice) with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.

2. Heat the chocolate in short bursts (about 20 seconds) in the microwave, stirring between each round until completely melted and glossy.

3. Once smooth, spoon the chocolate over the caramel layer on each cookie. You can spread it gently with the back of the spoon or a small offset spatula for a more polished look.

4. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place the cookies in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if you’re feeling impatient.

Optional but delicious: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top. It gives the cookies a sweet-salty balance that’s just chef’s kiss perfect.

Storage Tips & Serving Ideas

Now that your Ultimate Twix Cookies are complete, you’ve got a couple of options for how to enjoy and store them:

• Room Temp: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just keep them in a cool spot so the chocolate doesn’t get too soft.

• Chilled: Want a firmer texture (or live somewhere warm)? Pop them in the fridge. The caramel firms up a bit more and the cookie gets that satisfying snap when you bite in.

• Freezer Friendly: Yep, these freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Just let them thaw a bit before eating.

Serving tip: These cookies are rich, so they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. And don’t be surprised if people ask you what bakery you got them from — they really do look that good.