If you have a sweet tooth and love a delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty, then you must try this Twix Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are a heavenly blend of buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate that come together in an easy-to-make layered treat. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special dessert, or just because you deserve something indulgent, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of textures and flavors that will soon become a favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential to create the magic of these Twix cookie bars. Each component plays a critical role — from the buttery shortbread base to the rich caramel center and the glossy chocolate topping, every ingredient ensures that your bars end up with the perfect taste, texture, and look.
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature): This is the foundation for a tender and flavorful shortbread crust.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps create a smooth, crumbly base.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookie crust.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (for caramel): Essential for that smooth, rich caramel flavor and creamy texture.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: Ensures the caramel stays soft and chewy instead of hardening.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the classic caramel sweetness and color.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided): Half is for the caramel making it silky, the rest enriches the chocolate topping.
- 1¼ cups milk or dark chocolate: Your luscious finishing touch — melting into a glossy, rich chocolate layer.
How to Make Twix Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan so nothing sticks. Next, cream together the room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Slowly add the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine everything evenly. Press this dough into the pan, smoothing it out to form an even layer before baking it for 15 to 20 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden color — this warm crust is the perfect base to build on.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
While your shortbread is baking, turn your attention to the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter, corn syrup, and granulated sugar together, stirring until everything dissolves and combines smoothly. Once this mixture is ready, add half of the heavy whipping cream and keep stirring until the caramel thickens slightly and becomes luscious. Taking the caramel off the heat then stir in the vanilla extract to boost its flavor. This smooth, golden caramel is what will make your bars irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Caramel Layer
After removing the shortbread from the oven, let it cool slightly before pouring the warm caramel layer over the top, spreading it evenly to cover every inch. Allow the caramel to rest at room temperature first so it firms up just a bit, then pop the pan into the fridge for around an hour to set completely. This chilling time helps create that distinctive chewy caramel layer that you love in Twix bars.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
Once the caramel is fully set, it’s time for the crowning glory: the chocolate. Gently melt your milk or dark chocolate together with the remaining heavy whipping cream until the mixture is silky smooth, perfect for pouring. Spread this rich chocolate layer on top of the chilled caramel, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the pan back in the fridge until the chocolate sets completely and you have that glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once everything is set and firm, remove the pan from the fridge and slice your Twix cookie bars into squares. The layers should hold together nicely, revealing the beautiful contrast between the buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and shiny chocolate. Now they’re ready to enjoy — one bite and you’ll understand why this Twix Cookie Bars Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are amazing on their own, adding a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate can enhance the sweetness with a little salty crunch that makes every bite pop. You could also dust a bit of powdered sugar around the serving plate for a pretty, bakery-style presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these Twix cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or tea can also be the ideal companion as it cuts through the richness and balances the sweetness, making your serving time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these bars on small decorative plates and stacking mini bars on skewers for a party snack format. Alternatively, you can cut them into smaller bite-sized squares or rectangles and arrange them in a gift box or tin as delightful homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the chocolate firm and the caramel chewy, preserving that perfect texture for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply move them to the fridge overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for a short while before enjoying.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed cool, reheating is not generally needed, but if you prefer a softer caramel texture, briefly warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can give you that freshly made feel without melting the chocolate too much.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter but be mindful to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste, especially for the shortbread and caramel layers.
Is it possible to substitute the corn syrup in the caramel?
Corn syrup helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing, but you can substitute it with honey or golden syrup if you prefer. Just keep in mind it might slightly change the texture and flavor.
What type of chocolate works best for the topping?
Milk chocolate is closest to classic Twix flavor, but dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly less sweet finish. Choose based on your taste preference — both work beautifully for these bars.
Can I make these Twix cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend designed to be a 1:1 substitute. The texture will remain delicious and the flavor unchanged.
How thick should I cut the bars?
Around 2-inch squares or rectangles work best — thick enough to hold all three layers without falling apart, making every bite satisfyingly rich and balanced.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite like the homemade charm of this Twix Cookie Bars Recipe. From the buttery crust to that dreamy caramel and smooth chocolate on top, each step is a joy that leads to pure deliciousness. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, these bars are a true taste of happiness — give them a try and watch everyone fall in love with every bite.
Print
Twix Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Twix Cookie Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. These bars combine classic Twix candy flavors into an easy-to-make, shareable dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Caramel Filling
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1¼ cups milk or dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and pure vanilla extract while mixing to form the shortbread dough.
- Bake Shortbread: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons salted butter together with the light corn syrup and granulated sugar, stirring constantly. Once melted and combined, slowly stir in ½ cup heavy whipping cream and continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Let it come to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set.
- Make Chocolate Topping: Melt the milk or dark chocolate with ¾ cup heavy whipping cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the chilled caramel layer. Refrigerate again until the chocolate topping is fully set, about 1 hour.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully set, remove the bars from the pan and slice into 12 squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use salted butter for the shortbread and caramel to balance sweetness and add flavor.
- Ensure the shortbread base cools completely before adding the caramel to prevent melting.
- For a firmer caramel, allow extra chilling time in the refrigerator.
- Milk chocolate provides a sweeter finish; dark chocolate offers deeper, richer flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
