Twix Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Twix Cookie Bars are a deliciously rich treat that combine a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel layer, and a thick chocolate topping. This easy recipe lets you enjoy all the flavors of the classic candy bar in a homemade dessert perfect for sharing.

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
• ⅓ to ½ cup (3.5 ounces) heavy whipping cream (for ganache)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, creating the cookie base.
2. Step 2: Bake the cookie base for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool while preparing the caramel layer.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 tablespoons butter, salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half of the heavy cream (½ cup). Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled cookie base and let it set at room temperature.
4. Step 4: Prepare the chocolate topping by heating ⅓ to ½ cup heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy to create ganache.
5. Step 5: Pour the chocolate ganache over the set caramel layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
6. Step 6: Once set, cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Use dark chocolate for a richer taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
• For easier cutting, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing the bars.
• Substitute corn syrup with golden syrup if preferred for a slightly different flavor.
• Adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer enhances the caramel flavor.

Storage

Store the Twix Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, you can let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly or gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for a gooier texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but be sure to add a pinch extra salt to the dough and caramel to balance the flavors.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Make sure to remove the caramel from heat as soon as it reaches a boil and pour it immediately over the cookie base. Adding the cream helps keep it creamy and softer when set.

Twix Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

Delight in these indulgent Twix Cookie Bars combining buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate layers for a homemade treat reminiscent of your favorite candy bar.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Caramel Layer

• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup (7.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

• 1 ¼ cups (8 ounces) milk or dark chocolate
• ⅓ to ½ cup (3.5 ounces) heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup softened salted butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth dough. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the base layer.
2. Bake Shortbread: Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely to ensure a firm base for the caramel layer.
3. Make Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan, combine the salted butter, salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half the heavy whipping cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a smooth, bubbling caramel consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base, spreading carefully with a spatula. Let sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the caramel is set, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
5. Prepare Chocolate Topping: Chop the chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy whipping cream gently until steaming but not boiling, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes to soften, then stir until smooth and glossy.
6. Apply Chocolate Topping: Pour the ganache over the set caramel layer, spreading evenly using a spatula. Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
7. Serve: Once fully set, cut the Twix Cookie Bars into squares or rectangles to resemble candy bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

• Use milk or dark chocolate as per your preference for the topping; semi-sweet chocolate can also be used for a balanced flavor.
• If you want a creamier caramel, slightly increase the heavy cream by 1-2 tablespoons.
• Ensure the shortbread base is completely cooled before adding the caramel to prevent melting.
• For easier cutting, chill the finished bars well before slicing.

Keywords: Twix Cookie Bars, caramel bars, chocolate bars, homemade candy bars, dessert bars, caramel cookie bars