These Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies are a fun treat that brings together a crispy cookie base, a thick layer of caramel, and a generous topping of chocolate. They’re like having your favorite candy bar in cookie form, with a perfect mix of crunchy, chewy, and sweet all in every bite.
I love making these cookies when I want something special that feels a bit fancy but is actually pretty simple to put together. The caramel makes them so buttery and rich, and the chocolate on top adds that classic finish. I usually try to let them chill a bit before cutting so the layers stay just right—it makes the whole cookie experience better.
These are perfect for sharing at parties or bringing to friends because everyone loves that combination of textures and flavors. I often slice them up and pack them for picnics or holiday gatherings, knowing they’re going to disappear fast. Plus, making them is kind of fun because you get to see the layers come together, almost like building your own dessert masterpiece.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This makes the cookies rich and gives them the right texture. Use unsalted for control over salt, but salted butter works if you reduce added salt a bit.
Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugars are used here. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. You can swap light brown sugar for dark brown for a deeper taste.
Caramel candies: Soft caramel chews work best to get a smooth layer. If unavailable, you can make homemade caramel or use dulce de leche for a similar effect.
Chocolate chips: Semisweet or milk chocolate chips are great. If you prefer, use dark chocolate for less sweetness or white chocolate for a different twist.
Nuts and candy bars: Chopped nuts are optional but add texture. Use pecans, almonds, or walnuts. For the candy pieces, chopped Twix bars work well, but any caramel-filled candy can be a fun swap.
How Do You Get Perfect Layers in Twix-Style Cookies?
Building layers with cookie, caramel, and chocolate means timing and patience matter.
- Cool cookies fully: Before adding caramel, make sure cookies are completely cool. Warm cookies can melt your caramel and chocolate too much.
- Melt caramel gently: Use short bursts in the microwave, stirring often. This keeps caramel smooth and avoids burning.
- Spread thick layers: Apply enough caramel and chocolate so each bite gives you a good balance of flavors.
- Add toppings when warm: Sprinkle nuts and candy while chocolate is still warm so they stick well, but don’t press down too hard.
- Let set well: Chill the cookies if you want clean cuts. This helps caramel and chocolate firm up so your cookies don’t get messy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I recommend these because they’re sturdy for mixing all your cookie dough ingredients.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugars quick and easy.
- Baking sheets – use flat, rimmed sheets to bake cookies without spilling ingredients.
- Parchment paper – keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Microwave-safe bowl – for melting caramel and chocolate smoothly.
- Spatula or butter knife – handy for spreading caramel and chocolate evenly.
- Cooling rack – to cool cookies completely before layering with caramel and chocolate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for different taste profiles.
- Mix in chopped pretzels or crushed cookies for added crunch and flavor.
- Add a dash of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet-salty twist.
- Swirl in a tiny amount of peanut butter or caramel sauce into the chocolate topping for extra richness.
Ultimate Twix-Style Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramel candies or caramel chews, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
- Additional chopped candy bars (like chopped Twix bars), for garnish
- Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, another 10-12 minutes for baking the cookies, plus time to cool completely before adding caramel and chocolate layers. Allow around 1 hour total including cooling and setting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of cookie dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden and centers look set. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
Place the caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and easy to spread.
3. Add the Caramel and Chocolate Layers:
Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a thick layer of the melted caramel on each cookie. Melt the chocolate chips gently in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Then, spread a generous layer of melted chocolate over the caramel.
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle chopped nuts and chopped candy bars over the top for that classic Twix crunch. If you like, add a few sea salt flakes for a nice flavor contrast.
Let the cookies sit at room temperature or chill in the fridge until the caramel and chocolate set properly.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy these rich, crunchy, chewy treats just like your favorite candy bar but in cookies! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookie Dough?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming with the sugars, which helps create the right texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it soften on the counter for about 30 minutes before using.
What Can I Substitute for Caramel Candies?
If you don’t have caramel candies, you can use dulce de leche or homemade caramel sauce. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread as a layer without running off the cookies.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge to maintain the caramel and chocolate layers, bringing them back to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake and cool the cookies ahead, then add the caramel and chocolate layers a day before serving. Store them refrigerated so the layers set nicely and maintain their texture.