Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies are a perfect treat that brings together crunchy cookie, buttery caramel, and smooth chocolate in one delicious bite. These cookies taste just like the classic Twix bars but in a fun and easy cookie form that you can enjoy anytime. The combination of textures is what makes these cookies stand out — a crispy base, a gooey caramel center, and a chocolate top that you’ll want to eat again and again.
I love making these cookies when I want a little special treat that feels both homemade and special like a candy bar. The caramel layer is my favorite part, and I’ve found that using good quality caramel makes all the difference. Plus, they’re quite easy to slice into bars once they cool down, so you get that perfect Twix shape every time!
These cookies are great to share with friends and family, especially when wrapped up as little gifts or brought to a get-together. I like to serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee — it’s a simple way to turn a regular day into something sweet and happy. Trust me, everyone who tries these Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies keeps coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This gives the cookie base a rich, tender texture. I prefer unsalted to control salt levels, but salted works fine too—just skip adding extra salt.
Brown sugar: It adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use a mix of white sugar and a little molasses.
Caramels: Soft caramels melt well for the gooey layer. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut caramel or homemade dairy-free caramel sauce.
Chocolate chips: Semisweet is classic here. You can switch to milk or dark chocolate depending on your sweetness preference. Chopped chocolate bars work great too!
Sea salt: Sprinkling a pinch on top brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness nicely. If you don’t have sea salt flakes, omit it or use a tiny bit of kosher salt.
How Do I Get the Perfect Gooey Caramel Layer?
The caramel layer is what makes these cookies special, but it can be tricky to get just right. Here’s how I do it:
- Use soft caramels, not hard candies, for smooth melting.
- Microwave caramels with heavy cream in short bursts, stirring often, so the caramel melts evenly without burning.
- Spread or press the caramel onto the warm cookies right after baking—heat helps it soften and stick well.
- Let the cookies cool and caramel firm before adding the chocolate topping to avoid mixing the layers.
- Chilling the cookies after topping helps the caramel and chocolate set nicely while keeping gooeyness inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using large bowls for mixing the cookie dough and melting ingredients, making everything easier to handle.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – helps cream the butter and sugars smoothly for a soft, fluffy base.
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy sheet keeps your cookies baking evenly; I line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensuring precise measurements helps the cookies turn out just right.
- Microwave-safe bowl – for melting the caramel and chocolate; I prefer this to avoid extra pots and pans.
- Spatula or spoon – to spread caramel and chocolate smoothly over the cookies and topping.
- Cooling rack – great for letting cookies cool evenly so they set properly without sogginess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use milk or dark chocolate instead of semisweet for different flavor profiles; milk is sweeter, dark is more intense.
- Swirl in a teaspoon of peanut butter or Nutella into the chocolate topping for a nutty twist.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the cookie dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical vibe or a bit of flaked sea salt on top for contrast.
Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramels (about 16 pieces), unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Optional: sea salt flakes for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bake the cookies, plus 15 minutes cooling time, and an additional 30 minutes chilling time to let the caramel and chocolate set. So overall, set aside about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
2. Bake the Cookies:
Drop the dough by about 2 tablespoons onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Gently flatten each cookie dough ball slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon to get an even shape. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden but the centers remain soft. Once baked, remove from oven.
3. Add Caramel Layer:
While the cookies bake, melt the caramels and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth and creamy. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press about a tablespoon of the soft caramel onto each cookie. The warm cookie will help the caramel soften and stick nicely. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes until the caramel firms slightly.
4. Top With Chocolate and Chill:
Next, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until silky smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate evenly over each caramel-topped cookie, covering the caramel completely. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top for a perfect sweet-salty contrast. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to set well.
5. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies slightly chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookie Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming with the sugars. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then leave it out for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted.
What Can I Substitute for Soft Caramels?
If you can’t find soft caramels, you can use caramel sauce or dulce de leche as a substitute. Just warm it slightly to a spreadable consistency before pressing it onto the warm cookies.
How Do I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed chilled or brought to room temperature for a softer bite.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie base and bake ahead, then add the caramel and chocolate topping right before serving to keep the layers fresh and gooey.