Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies are a delicious treat that combine a crunchy cookie base, a layer of chewy caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping. These cookies bring together all the best parts of a classic Twix bar but in a fun cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk.
I love making these cookies because they feel like a little bit of candy and a little bit of homemade baking all at once. The caramel layer is just soft enough to give a chewy contrast to the crisp cookie, and the chocolate melts perfectly on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and I find it hard to stop at just one!
One tip I’ve found helpful is to let the cookies cool completely before cutting or storing them, so the caramel sets nicely and the chocolate stays smooth. I like to wrap a few up to share with friends or have them on hand for a sweet afternoon boost. These Twix-style cookies always bring smiles and a happy buzz to any snack time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the saltiness and rich flavor. If you want, you can swap it for margarine, but butter provides the best taste and texture.
Sugars: Using both granulated and brown sugar balances sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar adds chewiness. You can use all brown sugar for a softer cookie.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate is classic here. Dark chocolate works for a richer flavor, while milk chocolate makes it sweeter. You can even chop chocolate bars for chunkier bites.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel works well, but homemade gives a more buttery, fresh flavor. You can substitute with dulce de leche or soft caramel candies melted down.
Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla extract adds depth, but if you don’t have it, vanilla paste or vanilla bean seeds are great alternatives.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Both the Cookies and Caramel?
Cookies in this recipe should be crisp at the edges but soft in the center.
- Cream butter and sugars well to trap air and get a fluffy base for the cookies.
- Don’t overbake; 10-12 minutes is perfect. The cookies firm up as they cool.
- For the caramel, use a sauce that’s thick but still spreadable—too runny and it will ooze everywhere, too firm and it won’t layer nicely.
- Let cookies and caramel cool completely before sandwiching to avoid melting or sliding.
Drizzling melted chocolate at the end adds a neat finish. Use a spoon or piping bag for control, and chill briefly if your kitchen is warm to set the chocolate faster.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using medium and large bowls; they make mixing easier and keep ingredients organized.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – helps cream butter and sugars smoothly for soft cookies.
- Baking sheets – sturdy ones that distribute heat evenly, so cookies bake uniformly.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Cooling racks – best for cooling cookies quickly and evenly before decorating.
- Spoons or cookie scoop – for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Spatula – to transfer cookies and spread caramel smoothly.
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – for melting chocolate smoothly without burning.
- Piping bag or spoon – for drizzling chocolate neatly on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet for different flavor profiles.
- Add chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans inside the cookie dough for crunch and extra flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate drizzle for a salty-sweet combo.
- Replace caramel with dulce de leche for a more intense caramel flavor.
Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
For The Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bake the cookies, plus 15 minutes for cooling and assembling. Allow some extra time for the chocolate to set after drizzling — about 10 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend roughly 45 minutes from start to finish for these delicious cookie sandwiches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
2. Bake the Cookies:
Drop large tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden but the center still looks soft. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is important to make sure your cookies hold together well when you add the caramel.
3. Assemble with Caramel and Chocolate:
Once your cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous spoonful of caramel sauce on the flat side of half the cookies. Gently sandwich with the remaining cookies to create cookie pairs. Now, take your melted chocolate and drizzle it over the tops of the cookie sandwiches. If you like, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on the chocolate for a fun decoration.
Let the chocolate drizzle set completely before serving — about 10 minutes should do. This will give you beautifully gooey, rich, and irresistible Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies to enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookie Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming with sugars, as it helps create a light, fluffy texture. If your butter is frozen, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes until soft but not melted.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Twix-style cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the caramel from getting too sticky, place parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I Substitute the Caramel Sauce?
Yes! Dulce de leche or thick butterscotch sauce work nicely as caramel substitutes. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough to hold between the cookie layers without dripping too much.
Is It Okay to Use Different Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can swap semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your taste preference. Just melt some chocolate for drizzling that complements what you choose for the cookies.