Twix Cookie Bars
These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic candy bar that so many of us adore. With a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them an irresistible dessert option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can whip these up in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and chocolate creates a delicious treat.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers—these bars fit every occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 32 servings per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with toppings or chocolate types to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Twix Cookie Bars successfully, having the right tools is essential. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
- Baking pan: Provides the perfect size for even cooking and easy cutting into bars.
- Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of bowls and ensures every bit of goodness is used.
Ingredients
These Twix Cookie Bars contain the following 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, cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing until combined.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining butter, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until melted.
- Add in half of the heavy whipping cream, mixing well.
- Continue stirring until it reaches a gentle boil. Let it boil for about five minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the second teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour over the baked shortbread base evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- In another saucepan, heat the remaining heavy whipping cream until just simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in your choice of melted chocolate. Mix until smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the caramel layer in your baking pan.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Allow your bars to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.
- Chill for at least two hours or until firm enough to cut into squares.
- Slice into bars and enjoy your homemade Twix Cookie Bars!
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 simply indulging yourself, these bars can be served creatively to enhance the experience.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- The sweetness of the bars complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.
As a Party Platter
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings.
- Arrange them on a colorful platter to add visual appeal.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm Twix Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- The contrast of warm and cold creates an indulgent dessert experience.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
- This makes for an elegant presentation, perfect for special occasions.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Lightly drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- This enhances the caramel flavor and adds a decorative touch.
How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars
To make your Twix Cookie Bars even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your bars are as delicious as possible.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture in your dough.
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the shortbread base for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and keeps the shape intact.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the shortbread while baking to avoid over-baking. It should be lightly golden at the edges.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. This helps them hold their shape better when sliced.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
- Experiment with Chocolate: Try different types of chocolate (milk, dark, or even white) for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars
Twix Cookie Bars are versatile and can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some ideas to serve alongside them:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair well with sweet desserts.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of Twix Cookie Bars into melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix offers a great textural contrast and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats complement the flavors in Twix Cookie Bars beautifully.
- Vanilla Pudding Cups: Light vanilla pudding provides a creamy side that pairs wonderfully with cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Twix cookie bars can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid.
-
Skipping the chilling time: If you don’t chill the shortbread base before baking, it may spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
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Using cold butter: Cold butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure to use room temperature butter for a smooth and creamy mixture.
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Overbaking: It’s easy to overbake the cookie bars. Keep an eye on them in the oven and take them out when they are just golden brown.
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy. This ensures your Twix cookie bars turn out perfectly every time.
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Ignoring quality of chocolate: The chocolate topping greatly influences flavor. Use high-quality chocolate for a rich and satisfying taste.
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 individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Twix Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per bar until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Twix cookie bars.
Can I use dark chocolate for Twix Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the caramel.
How do I make Twix Cookie Bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How long do Twix Cookie Bars last?
When stored properly, they last about one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
What can I add to customize my Twix Cookie Bars?
You can add nuts, sea salt, or even drizzle extra caramel on top for added flavor and texture. Get creative with your toppings!
Final Thoughts
Twix cookie bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether for a cozy gathering or just a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!
Twix Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Twix Cookie Bars, a perfect fusion of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. These bars are not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to elevate any gathering or serve as a sweet treat at home. With their unique layers and textures, they’re bound to become a favorite among friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookie bars deliver decadence in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (for caramel)
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
- 1 ¼ cups milk or dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually add flour; mix until combined. Press into a greased baking pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- For caramel, combine remaining butter, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted, then add half the heavy cream and boil for five minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract, pour over the baked shortbread base.
- Heat remaining heavy cream until simmering; stir in melted chocolate until smooth and pour over caramel layer.
- Chill for at least two hours before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (44g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
