Twix Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining layers of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate. These bars capture the magic of the classic candy bar in a homemade dessert that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Shortbread Base: A simple mixture of butter, sugar, and flour forms a sturdy yet tender crust.
- Caramel Layer: Soft, buttery caramel provides the gooey middle layer.
- Chocolate Topping: Melted semi-sweet or milk chocolate tops the bars with a smooth, luscious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shortbread Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and ½ cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar.
- Stir in ¼ cup of light corn syrup and 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for about 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread evenly. Allow it to set for 30 minutes.
3. Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt 2 cups of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Let the bars cool until the chocolate is set. For quicker setting, refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Caramel Consistency: Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning, and don’t overcook it to maintain a smooth texture.
- Chocolate Options: Use milk, dark, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works as a substitute.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing?
Ensure the bars are at room temperature before cutting, and use a warm knife for smoother cuts.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the pan with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread base, bake, and let cool.
- Prepare caramel and pour it over the cooled base. Allow to set.
- Melt chocolate and spread it over the caramel layer. Let the bars cool and set.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!
These Twix Cookie Bars are a show-stopping treat that perfectly balances buttery, gooey, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. Enjoy!
Twix Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Shortbread Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the pan with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread base, bake, and let cool.
- Prepare caramel and pour it over the cooled base. Allow to set.
- Melt chocolate and spread it over the caramel layer. Let the bars cool and set.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!
- These Twix Cookie Bars are a show-stopping treat that perfectly balances buttery, gooey, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. Enjoy!
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