Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Twix Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

Indulge in these delightful Twix Cookie Bars that combine a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel layer, and a rich chocolate topping. With a crisp edge and a soft center, these bars offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors, finished with an optional sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a homemade twist on the classic candy bar.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (225g) salted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Layer

  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 ½ cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Cream Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the base with flavor.
  2. Make Shortbread Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing slowly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to pack it down firmly for an even base.
  3. Bake the Base: Bake the shortbread layer for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the center remains slightly soft. Remove the pan from the oven to prepare the caramel layer.
  4. Add Caramel Layer: Immediately pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the warm shortbread base and spread it evenly using a spatula to cover the surface completely.
  5. Bake Caramel: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The caramel should bubble and turn a light golden color, indicating it’s ready.
  6. Cool and Melt Chocolate: Allow the caramel layer to cool for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate chips using 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, or melt them gently in a double boiler until smooth and silky.
  7. Add Chocolate Topping: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer and spread it out to cover the entire surface. If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to enhance the flavors.
  8. Chill Bars: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and set.
  9. Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried to ensure clean cuts.

Notes

  • For best results, soften the butter at room temperature prior to mixing.
  • Using sea salt flakes adds a lovely contrast to the sweet flavors but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
  • Warming your knife before slicing helps achieve neat, clean edges without cracking the chocolate.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger batches but make sure to use a suitable baking dish size.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Twix Bars, Cookie Bars, Homemade Dessert, Caramel Bars, Chocolate Bars, Sweet Treats, Easy Dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/twix-cookie-bars-recipe/