Twix Cookie Bars
These Twix Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic candy bar, combining a buttery shortbread base with rich caramel and smooth chocolate. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. With their unique layers and textures, they stand out as a must-try dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it suitable even for beginner bakers.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and chocolate is irresistible.
- Versatile Treat: These cookie bars fit perfectly into any celebration or casual snack time.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and store them for later enjoyment.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add toppings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing these Twix Cookie Bars easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy 9×13 inch baking dish ensures even baking of your cookie bars.
- Electric mixer: It saves time and effort when mixing butter and sugars to achieve a light texture.
- Saucepan: Useful for melting ingredients while preparing the caramel layer smoothly.
Ingredients
These Twix cookie bars are a delicious spin off of my favorite candy bar – Twix. A shortbread base, chewy caramel middles, and soft chocolate tops these homemade Twix bars are a sure crowd-pleaser.
For the 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
For the Caramel Layer
- 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
For the Chocolate Topping
- 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, beat together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Gradually add in the flour and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the caramel layer.
- Stir in salt, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and half of the heavy cream.
- Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bars
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked shortbread crust evenly.
- Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes at room temperature.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- In another saucepan, heat remaining heavy cream over low heat until hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate; stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the cooled caramel layer.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate your assembled Twix cookie bars for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Once chilled, cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
Enjoy your homemade Twix cookie bars as a delightful treat!
How to Serve Twix Cookie Bars
Twix cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious treats.
For Parties
- Platter Display: Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Individual Wrapping: Wrap each bar in colorful foil for guests to grab and go.
With Ice Cream
- A La Mode: Serve warm Twix cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookie bars with your favorite ice cream in between for a fun twist.
As Gifts
- Gift Boxes: Package the cookie bars in festive boxes to give as gifts during holidays or special events.
- Party Favors: Place individually wrapped bars at each guest’s seat as a sweet thank-you.
At Bake Sales
- Cut into Mini Bars: Slice the cookie bars into smaller pieces for easy sale at bake sales or fundraisers.
- Labeling: Create cute labels describing the flavors to attract buyers.
How to Perfect Twix Cookie Bars
To achieve the best Twix cookie bars, follow these helpful tips for perfect results every time.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the shortbread base before baking; this helps it maintain shape and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream, are fresh for the best flavor.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the shortbread while baking; it should be lightly golden but not overcooked.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool before cutting them; this prevents messy edges and uneven pieces.
Best Side Dishes for Twix Cookie Bars
Pairing your Twix cookie bars with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds color and balances out sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle rich chocolate sauce over the bars or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds lightness to each bite and enhances flavor.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle crunchy granola on top of your Twix bars for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Coffee or Tea: Serve with hot beverages that complement the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
- Cheesecake Bites: Offer small cheesecake bites alongside for a rich, creamy contrast to the cookie bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best Twix Cookie Bars. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using Cold Butter: This can lead to a dense shortbread base. Always use room temperature butter for better texture.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookie bars tough. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy result.
- Skipping the Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough may cause it to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Improper measurements can affect the recipe’s outcome. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Ignoring the Quality of Chocolate: Using low-quality chocolate will impact flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate for coating your bars.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Twix Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.
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 to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Twix Cookie Bars?
Twix Cookie Bars are homemade treats inspired by the classic candy bar, featuring a shortbread base, caramel layer, and chocolate topping.
Can I customize my Twix Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or different types of chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
How long do Twix Cookie Bars last?
When stored properly, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Are Twix Cookie Bars gluten-free?
These cookie bars are not gluten-free as they contain all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Twix Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with various toppings or mix-ins. Try making these bars at your next gathering; they’re sure to impress!
Twix Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful layers of homemade Twix Cookie Bars, a scrumptious twist on your favorite candy bar. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert to share with family and friends, these cookie bars are sure to impress! Easy to make and customizable, you can experiment with various toppings or chocolate types to suit your taste. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or just because!
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
- 1¼ cups milk or dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add flour and vanilla extract until dough forms. Press into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter for the caramel layer. Stir in salt, corn syrup, sugar, and half of the cream; bring to a boil while stirring for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked shortbread crust and let cool for about 15 minutes.
- Heat remaining cream in another saucepan; remove from heat before boiling. Add chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Pour over the cooled caramel layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
