Why Make This Recipe
If you are a fan of chocolate, caramel, and cookies, Twix Cookie Bars are sure to become one of your favorite treats. They combine the delightful crunch of a cookie crust with a gooey caramel layer, all topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in. They are rich yet satisfying, and they cater to both adults and children alike. Making these bars at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also gives you a fun baking project.
How to Make Twix Cookie Bars
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
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with some butter or non-stick spray. This step will ensure that your cookie bars come out easily after baking.
Crust Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, take the room-temperature salted butter and powdered sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Once fluffy, add in the pure vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the cookie dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it reaches all corners. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely.
Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining salted butter, salt, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half of the heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble for a minute, stirring continuously.
- Add in the remaining heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, which should take about 8-10 minutes. To check, drop a small amount of caramel into a bowl of cold water; it should form a soft ball.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract once the desired stage is reached.
- Carefully pour the hot caramel over the cooled cookie crust, spreading it evenly. Allow it to set for about 30 minutes.
Chocolate Layer:
- While waiting for the caramel to set, prepare the chocolate layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk or dark chocolate with the heavy whipping cream (approximately ⅓ to ½ cup).
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Once smooth, pour the chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread it evenly across the top.
- Refrigerate the entire dish for 1-2 hours or until the chocolate has fully set.
Serve:
- Once set, take the dish out of the fridge. Cut the Twix Cookie Bars into squares or rectangles, whichever size you prefer.
- These bars can be enjoyed as they are, but for an extra touch, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee or milk.
How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars
Twix Cookie Bars can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can serve them plain, as a sweet treat after dinner, or offer them at a gathering or party. For a delightful dessert, pair the bars with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. You could even sprinkle some crushed nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish. Don’t forget that coffee or a glass of milk makes for a perfect companion to the sweet richness of these bars.
How to Store Twix Cookie Bars
To keep your Twix Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you keep them at room temperature, they will stay good for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated, where they will last up to a week. If you’ve made a large batch and want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Tips to Make Twix Cookie Bars
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar and will give your crust a nice texture.
Watch the Caramel: When making the caramel, keep an eye on it, as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Allow Layers to Set: Patience is key! Letting each layer set properly ensures that your cookie bars hold together when you cut them.
Use Good Quality Chocolate: The taste of these bars heavily relies on the quality of chocolate you use. Choose a brand that you enjoy eating on its own for the best results.
Cut Cleanly: To get nice clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, then dry it off before slicing the bars. This will prevent the chocolate from cracking.
Variation
While the classic Twix Cookie Bars recipe is fantastic on its own, you can experiment with different flavors. Consider adding some crushed cookies or candies into the caramel layer for added texture. Peanut butter lovers might enjoy replacing some of the butter with peanut butter in the chocolate layer. You can also try using different chocolate types, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Twix Cookie Bars can be made ahead of time. You can prepare them several days in advance and store them properly in an airtight container, as mentioned earlier.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! You can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the caramel layer or sprinkle them on top before the chocolate layer sets. This will add a wonderful crunch and additional flavor.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is ready when it reaches the soft ball stage, between 235-240°F (112-116°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can drop a bit into cold water, and if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
How can I make these bars prettier for serving?
You can drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the bars after they’ve set. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts on top can also enhance their appearance and flavor.
With these steps, tips, and variations, you are ready to create your own delicious Twix Cookie Bars at home. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Print
Twix Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Twix Cookie Bars with a crunchy cookie crust, gooey caramel layer, and smooth chocolate glaze.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Let the crust cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining butter with salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half the heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once it boils, bubble for a minute, then add the remaining cream and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage (about 8-10 minutes).
- Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and let it set for 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and ⅓ to ½ cup cream. Microwave until melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate the dish for 1-2 hours until the chocolate sets.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, serve warm with ice cream or alongside coffee. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Twix, Cookie Bars, Dessert, Chocolate, Caramel