Twix Cookie Bars
Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery cookie crust, smooth caramel, and luscious chocolate. With their perfect balance of sweet and salty, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you want a dessert for a special occasion or simply a tasty snack for the family, these bars are an unbeatable choice. Let’s dive deeper into how to make this delicious recipe!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 290
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Twix Cookie Bars
If you’re a fan of the classic Twix candy bar, you will absolutely love Twix Cookie Bars. They provide all the irresistible flavors you adore in a convenient, easy-to-eat form. The cookie crust is buttery and tender, the caramel layer is gooey and rich, and the chocolate topping adds a perfect finish. Ideal for parties, movie nights, or just because—these bars are sure to be a hit!
How to Make Twix Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your own Twix Cookie Bars from scratch. Your taste buds will thank you!
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)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mixing Crust Layer
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened salted butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Baking the Crust
Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.
Step 4: Making the Caramel Layer
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 tablespoons of salted butter, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, ½ cup of light corn syrup, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir continually until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Add ½ cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly for 5-7 minutes until the caramel thickens. Pour the caramel over the cooled cookie crust.
Step 5: Refrigerating the Caramel Layer
Allow the caramel layer to cool and set, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Preparing the Chocolate Layer
In another saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until it’s just about to boil. Remove from heat and add 1 ¼ cups of chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add in ⅓ to ½ cup of heavy cream to achieve a pourable consistency.
Step 7: Finishing with Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the entire dish for about 2 hours, or until completely set.
How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars
Slice your Twix Cookie Bars into squares or rectangles for serving. These treats are fantastic on their own or can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sumptuous dessert. They also make great additions to a dessert platter at parties!
How to Store Twix Cookie Bars
Store your Twix Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about a week, retaining their flavor and texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Twix Cookie Bars
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature to create a smooth cookie dough.
- For a more intense flavor, use dark chocolate for the topping.
- If you prefer a softer caramel, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easy removal and cleanup.
- This recipe can be halved for smaller batches if you’re not serving a crowd.
Delicious Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the caramel layer for a nutty flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate a layer of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, in between the caramel and chocolate layers.
- Mint Chocolate: Mix in a few drops of mint extract to the chocolate layer for a refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? Yes, you can use unsalted butter if preferred. Just add a pinch of salt to the dough for flavor.
- What chocolate works best for the topping? Both milk and dark chocolate work well; choose according to your personal preference.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance, making them perfect for events.
- Can I substitute the corn syrup? Light corn syrup can be substituted with honey or maple syrup, but it might change the flavor slightly.
- What should I do if my caramel isn’t thickening? Make sure to cook the caramel a little longer, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thicker consistency.
Conclusion
Creating your own Twix Cookie Bars at home is not only a fun baking project but results in an indulgent treat that everyone will love. With their layers of buttery cookie, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate, they are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Twix Cookie Bars! Happy baking!
Print
Twix Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Twix Cookie Bars feature a rich buttery cookie crust, gooey caramel, and luscious chocolate, perfect for any sweet tooth.
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) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cream together 1 cup of softened salted butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, mixing well.
- Press the dough evenly into the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool.
- Combine 6 tablespoons of butter, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, ½ cup of corn syrup, and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted. Add ½ cup of heavy cream and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Pour over the crust.
- Let the caramel cool and set for about 10-15 minutes.
- Heat 1 cup of heavy cream until just boiling, then remove from heat and stir in 1 ¼ cups of chocolate until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with additional cream if needed.
- Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer and refrigerate for about 2 hours until set.
- Slice into squares or rectangles for serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
