Twix Cookie Cups: A Bite-Sized Delight

Who doesn’t love the classic combination of caramel, chocolate, and a crunchy cookie? Twix bars have been a favorite for decades, and now, you can replicate the irresistible flavor of Twix in your own kitchen with these delightful Twix Cookie Cups. These treats feature a soft, buttery sugar cookie base, a rich layer of creamy caramel, and a smooth milk chocolate topping.

Print

They’re everything you love about Twix candy bars, but with a homemade touch that’s both fun and satisfying to create. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Twix Cookie Cups are a guaranteed hit. Not only do they combine all the flavors you love, but they are also easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, which means you can enjoy these gooey, chocolatey bites whenever you like. Now, let’s dive into the details of how to prepare these delicious treats and turn your kitchen into a mini Twix factory.

Ingredients Breakdown

Cookie Base:

• Butter (1/2 cup): Butter is the key to creating a rich, tender cookie dough. It adds flavor and softness to the base, ensuring your cookies have the perfect texture. Make sure to use softened butter to avoid lumps in the dough and to ensure a smooth, even mixture.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sugar sweetens the dough and helps the cookies maintain a slight crispness around the edges. It also contributes to the golden color as the cookies bake.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla adds a fragrant warmth to the dough, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and butter. This ingredient gives the cookies a more complex flavor.
• Egg White (1): The egg white helps bind the dough together and contributes to the soft, chewy texture of the finished cookie. It also helps give the dough structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape when baking.
• Flour (1 1/2 cups): Flour is the foundation of the dough, providing structure and stability. Using the correct amount ensures the dough is not too stiff or too loose, helping the cookies bake evenly and rise just enough.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): This ingredient helps the cookies rise and puff up slightly, creating a soft and light texture. Without baking powder, the cookies may turn out too dense.

Caramel Layer:

• Caramels (20 pieces, unwrapped): The caramel layer is the heart of the Twix Cookie Cups. The caramels provide that signature chewy, buttery sweetness that makes Twix so beloved. Make sure to unwrap each caramel before starting to avoid any delays in preparation.
• Milk (1 tbsp): A little milk is used to help melt the caramels and create a smooth, creamy texture. It ensures that the caramel spreads easily over the cookie base and forms a delicious, gooey layer.

Chocolate Topping:

• Milk Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Milk chocolate is the finishing touch for these cookies. Its smooth, creamy flavor complements the rich caramel layer perfectly, creating that classic Twix flavor profile. If you prefer dark chocolate, you can easily substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate chips for a slightly more intense flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the cookies, helping them bake evenly. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or simply grease the baking sheet lightly to prevent the cookies from sticking. Having everything ready to go will make the baking process smoother and faster.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is a crucial step, as creaming the butter and sugar properly incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a light texture. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to make this step easier, but if you don’t have one, you can always do it by hand with a whisk or spatula. Creaming the butter and sugar also helps dissolve the sugar into the butter, making the dough smoother.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the vanilla extract and egg white until well combined. The egg white will help the dough come together and add to the overall texture of the cookies. Make sure to mix until the egg and vanilla are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive dough.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly until the dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it feels too soft or sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the right consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the cookies dense and dry.

5. Shape the Cookies:
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use the rim of a glass or simply shape the dough with your hands. Make sure to leave some space between the cookie cups so they don’t stick together while baking.

6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the cookies. The cookies are done when they are puffed up and golden around the edges, with no glossy spots in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry cookies. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step.

7. Prepare the Caramel:
While the cookies cool, unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the milk and microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Continue heating and stirring until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the caramel, as it can burn or seize up. If you find the caramel too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

8. Add the Caramel Layer:
Once the cookies have cooled, use a spoon to carefully place a few teaspoons of the melted caramel on top of each cookie. Spread the caramel almost to the edges of the cookie, leaving a small border around the outside. The caramel should be thick and gooey, but it will spread easily over the surface of the cookie. Be sure to evenly coat each cookie with caramel for a consistent texture.

9. Chill the Cookies:
Place the cookies with the caramel in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes or until the caramel is fully set. This step is important to ensure that the caramel hardens enough to hold its shape when the chocolate is added on top. You can also chill the cookies for longer if you prefer a firmer caramel layer.

10. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session. Be patient and stir thoroughly after each interval to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly. If the chocolate seems too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to help thin it out.

11. Add the Chocolate Topping:
Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, use a spoon or spatula to spread a thin layer of chocolate over the cooled caramel layer on each cookie. The chocolate should cover the caramel completely, creating a smooth, shiny finish. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving. You can place the cookies back in the fridge to speed up the setting process if needed.

Tips for Success

• Uniform Cookie Shape: Using a sharp cookie cutter ensures that the cookies are uniform in shape and size. This will not only make them look more professional, but it will also help them bake evenly.
• Caramel Consistency: If the caramel mixture starts to harden while you’re spreading it on the cookies, simply reheat it briefly in the microwave to restore its smooth consistency.
• Chocolate Finish: For a glossy finish on the chocolate, you can temper the chocolate before spreading it over the cookies. This involves gently heating and cooling the chocolate to stabilize it, preventing it from becoming too soft at room temperature.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness. If storing in the fridge, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving to maintain the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Butter Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with margarine or a plant-based butter. This will still provide the richness and softness needed for the cookie base.
• Caramel Options: For a more homemade touch, you can make your own caramel by melting sugar, butter, and cream. Alternatively, you can use salted caramel for an added layer of complexity and balance the sweetness of the chocolate and cookie.
• Chocolate Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate chips will give the cookies a slightly more intense flavor, while white chocolate can offer a sweeter, creamier contrast to the caramel.
• Add a Crunch: To add some texture, you can sprinkle crushed nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts, over the chocolate before it sets. This will give the cookies an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate.
• Holiday Twist: These cookies are perfect for customization based on the season. You can add food coloring to the caramel or top the chocolate with festive decorations, like sprinkles or edible glitter, for a fun holiday version of these cookies.

Conclusion

Twix Cookie Cups are a delightful, bite-sized treat that combines all the best elements of a classic candy bar into one irresistible cookie. The combination of a soft, buttery sugar cookie base, a gooey caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping makes for an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re baking these cookies for a special occasion or just because, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and the option to customize the flavors to your liking, these Twix Cookie Cups are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, indulgent treat. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of homemade Twix Cookie Cups that will leave everyone craving more. Happy baking!