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Easy Homemade Twix Cookies with Gooey Caramel and Chocolate Layers

A person holding a cross-section of a delicious twix cookies bar showing the shortbread base, thick caramel layer, and chocolate topping.

You can make your favorite candy bar at home! These easy Twix cookies feature a buttery shortbread base, a layer of gooey caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping. They taste just like the classic treat and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shortbread base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until just combined to form a crumbly dough.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel.
  5. Make the gooey caramel layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  6. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly. Be careful not to burn it.
  7. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the warm shortbread base. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the caramel cool completely, about 1 hour, until it is set but still soft.
  9. Prepare the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
  10. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer. Spread it into an even layer.
  11. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
  12. Lift the cookies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or bars.

Notes

  • For the best gooey texture, do not overbake the caramel layer. It should still be slightly soft when you add the chocolate.
  • If you prefer a cleaner cut, place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes after the chocolate sets before slicing.
  • You can substitute milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips if you like a richer flavor.

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