Twix Cookies are a delightful combination of a soft, buttery cookie base topped with creamy caramel and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. These cookies capture the essence of the popular candy bar but with a homemade touch. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these irresistible Twix Cookies.
Ingredients for Twix Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, unsalted and softened: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps create a soft texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them brown slightly in the oven.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a tender texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
For the Caramel:
- 40 caramels, unwrapped: Forms the gooey caramel layer on top of the cookies.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream: Helps to melt the caramels into a smooth, creamy consistency.
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Creates a smooth, chocolatey topping for the cookies.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the ganache.
Instructions: How to Make Twix Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cookie Base
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter, ½ cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of white sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to form a disc.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- Melt the Caramels:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 40 unwrapped caramels and 2 tbsp of heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth.
- Top the Cookies with Caramel:
- Using a spoon, carefully drizzle or spread the melted caramel over each cooled cookie. Allow the caramel to set slightly before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the Cream:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat ¼ cup of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place 1 cup of milk chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Top the Cookies with Ganache:
- Spoon or drizzle the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer on each cookie. You can spread the ganache evenly or create a decorative drizzle, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Let the Cookies Set
- Cool and Set:
- Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the ganache is set, or refrigerate them for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve:
- Once the ganache is set, serve the cookies and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
🍽 Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Alternative Caramel: If you prefer, you can use a store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels.
- Salted Caramel Option: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the ganache for a salted caramel twist.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations of Twix Cookies
Here are some ways to customize your Twix Cookies:
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between the caramel and ganache layers for a peanut butter Twix cookie.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, over the ganache before it sets for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels. Just be sure to use a thick caramel sauce to prevent it from running off the cookies.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not too warm. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a hot chocolate.
5. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination of chocolates for the ganache.
A Sweet and Indulgent Treat
Twix Cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft cookie base, gooey caramel layer, and rich chocolate ganache, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just because, these cookies are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
So gather your ingredients and enjoy these decadent Twix Cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
