If you love the irresistible combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich milk chocolate, these Twix Thumbprint Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. They capture all the decadent textures and flavors of the classic candy bar but in an adorable, homemade cookie form. Making these cookies is an absolute joy, especially when you see the golden caramel pool perfectly inside the tender shortbread nests. They are perfect for holiday cookie trays, weekend baking projects, or anytime you want to impress your friends and family with a bakery-quality dessert. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly while they bake, drawing everyone straight to the oven. Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet show-stopping recipe that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.
Helpful Tips
- To prevent the cookies from spreading and losing their shape, chill the rolled dough balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking.
- If your caramel feels too stiff after cooling, you can add an extra teaspoon of heavy cream when melting to ensure a softer, bite-friendly texture.
- For a fun variation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel before the chocolate drizzle to make Salted Caramel Twix Cookies.
- Store any leftover caramel in a sealed jar; it makes a fantastic topping for ice cream or apple slices!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Use your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. If the edges crack slightly, gently smooth them with your fingers.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and, if the indentations puffed up slightly, gently press them down again with the back of a teaspoon while still warm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel into the center of each cooled cookie. Let the caramel set for about 15 minutes.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-filled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 11 ounces soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Shopping List
- Dairy & Eggs: 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pantry: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 11 ounces soft caramels, 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, salt
Equipment Needed
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Microwave-safe bowl
Variations & Serving Ideas
Serve these delightful Twix Thumbprint Cookies on a pretty ceramic platter alongside a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a cold glass of milk. They make an excellent addition to festive cookie exchange platters and holiday dessert tables because of their eye-catching appearance. To store, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, or layer them separated by sheets of parchment paper so they do not stick. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months for a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.
I hope you absolutely love making and eating these Twix Thumbprint Cookies! Please leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out for you, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
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