Twix Caramel Cookie Bars -

If you're looking to recreate the experience of biting into a Twix Caramel Cookie Bar, you might find it surprisingly simple to channel that nostalgic flavor at home. With just a few ingredients, you can layer buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and smooth chocolate, all while adding a hint of sea salt for balance. But before you start mixing, it's worth exploring the history behind this beloved treat and some pro tips to elevate your homemade version. You may be surprised by how much more there is to these indulgent bars than meets the eye.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Twix Caramel Cookie Bars combine layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate, inspired by the classic Twix candy bar.
The recipe is simple and requires basic baking tools like a mixing bowl and baking pan.
Key steps include creaming butter and sugar, melting caramel with heavy cream, and pouring melted chocolate over the caramel layer.
Allow the bars to chill for 2-3 hours to ensure clean cuts and firm layers.
Optional sea salt can enhance flavor and visual appeal of the finished bars.

History

The history of Twix Caramel Cookie Bars is rooted in the iconic Twix candy bar, which first hit the market in 1967. Can you believe it's been around for so long? Envision the excitement when folks first bit into that crunchy cookie, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate combo!

It quickly became a favorite treat, and over the years, it inspired countless variations, including our beloved Twix Caramel Cookie Bars.

You might wonder how these homemade delights came to be. Well, the idea of recreating that delicious experience in bar form took off as home bakers sought to capture the essence of Twix without heading to the store. It's like bringing the candy aisle right into your kitchen!

People started experimenting with simple ingredients, and soon enough, these bars became a go-to for parties, potlucks, and midnight snacks.

Not only do they remind many of the classic candy, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia and joy.

Recipe

Twix Caramel Cookie Bars are a delicious and decadent treat that perfectly blends layers of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate. This homemade version of the classic candy bar is surprisingly easy to make and offers a delightful indulgence for any occasion.

Whether you're hosting a get-together, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are certain to impress your family and friends.

To begin making these irresistible bars, you'll start by preparing a simple shortbread base that serves as the foundation for the rich caramel and chocolate layers. Once the shortbread is baked to a light golden brown, you'll melt the caramel candies with heavy cream to create a luscious caramel layer.

Finally, a smooth layer of melted chocolate finishes off the dessert, resulting in a delightful treat that's as visually appealing as it's delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

To prepare Twix Caramel Cookie Bars, you'll need a mixing bowl, a 9×9 inch baking pan, parchment paper, and a saucepan. These tools will help you create each layer of the bars efficiently and effectively.

When making these bars, it's important to verify that the caramel is fully melted and smooth before pouring it over the shortbread layer. This will prevent any grainy texture in the final product.

Additionally, consider sprinkling a little sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for an extra flavor boost and a beautiful contrast to the sweetness. Be sure to chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours to achieve clean cuts when slicing.

While Twix Caramel Cookie Bars are primarily a sweet treat, they do offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The use of butter provides a source of healthy fats, while the chocolate offers antioxidants.

Additionally, if you opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, you can enhance the health benefits even further, as dark chocolate is known for its heart-healthy properties. Just remember, balance is key, and enjoying these bars as an occasional treat can be a delightful part of a well-rounded diet.

Step 1. Cream Butter and Sugar

Creaming butter and sugar is an essential step in baking that sets the stage for a light and fluffy texture in your Twix Caramel Cookie Bars. It's like the warm-up before a big game—getting everything ready for the real action!

First, grab your softened butter and granulated sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine them, and then beat them together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes, so don't rush it! You want air to get in there, creating that dreamy texture.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra pop of flavor. Just envision that sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Once you've got that perfect creamy blend, it's time to gradually add in your flour and salt, mixing gently until everything's combined. This mixture will soon become the sturdy base for your delicious layers.

Step 2. Melt Caramel With Heavy Cream

Once your shortbread layer has cooled, it's time to melt the caramel with heavy cream to create that irresistible gooey topping. Grab a saucepan and toss in those unwrapped caramel candies—trust me, this is the best part! Add in the two tablespoons of heavy cream; this will help make the caramel smooth and creamy, just like the stuff in your favorite candy bars.

Now, place the saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture gently as it starts to melt. You don't want to rush this; patience is key! Keep stirring until all the caramel is melted and you have a silky consistency. It should look like liquid gold, and I promise, it'll smell heavenly too.

Once it's perfectly melted, carefully pour the caramel over your cooled shortbread layer. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every bite is filled with that deliciousness. If you want to get fancy, you can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top—it really enhances the flavor!

Now, let that caramel set for a bit before you move on to the next layer. You're on your way to making some truly amazing Twix Caramel Cookie Bars!

Step 3. Pour Melted Chocolate Evenly

After your caramel has set and created that luscious layer on top of the shortbread, it's time to move on to the chocolate. You'll want to melt those chocolate chips with a bit of vegetable oil, which helps give the chocolate a smooth, glossy finish.

Just pop them in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until they're entirely melted. Trust me, the aroma will get you excited!

Once your chocolate is silky and warm, it's showtime! Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Don't just dump it all in one spot—drizzle it across the surface. This helps spread it evenly, keeping the layers looking fabulous.

Grab a spatula and gently spread the chocolate to cover every inch of that gooey caramel. Make sure you get those corners too; we don't want any sad, uncovered spots!

Now, take a moment to admire your masterpiece. It's a beautiful sight, isn't it? This chocolate layer is what makes these bars so indulgent.

Get ready to chill it until firm, but for now, enjoy the satisfying process of pouring and spreading. You're almost there!

Step 4. Chill Until Set Completely

Cooling your Twix Caramel Cookie Bars is an essential step that guarantees all those delicious layers set perfectly. Once you've poured that smooth chocolate layer over the warm caramel, it's time to show some patience.

I know, waiting can be tough, especially when your kitchen smells like a candy paradise, but trust me, it's worth it!

Pop those bars into the fridge and let them chill until they're set entirely—this usually takes about two to three hours. You want to make sure the chocolate hardens nicely, allowing the caramel and shortbread layers to bond together like best friends.

If you rush this step, you might end up with a gooey mess instead of perfectly cut bars, and none of us wants that!

While you wait, you could envision how amazing these bars will taste, or even dream about the next dessert you'll whip up. Your patience will be rewarded with a delightful treat that's not only beautiful but also incredibly tasty.

Step 5. Cut Into Uniform Bars

With your Twix Caramel Cookie Bars fully chilled and set, it's time to cut them into uniform pieces that are as delightful to look at as they're to eat. Grab a sharp knife, and let's make those bars look as tasty as they truly are!

Start by lifting the entire slab out of the pan, thanks to that handy parchment paper you used. Place it on a cutting board, and don't worry if you're feeling a bit like a pastry chef—this is where the magic happens!

To get even bars, you'll want to measure and mark where you'll cut, especially if you're aiming for perfect squares. A good trick is to cut the slab in half first, then quarters, and finally slice those into smaller pieces. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

As you slice through those layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, you'll feel like a rockstar.

Once you're done, you'll have a beautiful array of Twix Caramel Cookie Bars ready to be devoured. Just remember, they taste even better when shared—so grab a plate and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

When making Twix Caramel Cookie Bars, it's vital to pay attention to the details for the best results. First off, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps create that light, fluffy shortbread base.

When you're mixing, don't rush it—take your time to cream the butter and sugar until it looks almost like a cloud. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Now, about that caramel: melting it with heavy cream is essential. You want it smooth and pourable, not a sticky mess. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for that extra pop of flavor.

Once you've layered everything, patience is your best friend. Let those bars cool entirely in the fridge; this step is vital for clean cuts later.

And when you slice them, a sharp knife will do wonders—no one wants a squished bar!

Lastly, don't hesitate to share your creations; they're too good to keep to yourself. Just envision friends' faces when they bite into those delicious layers!

Enjoy the baking adventure, and happy snacking!

Health Benefits

While Twix Caramel Cookie Bars are undeniably a sweet indulgence, they can also offer some surprising health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

First off, let's talk about the butter. It provides a dose of healthy fats that can give you a quick energy boost, perfect for those busy afternoons when you're running on empty. Plus, the shortbread base contains flour, which offers some carbohydrates to fuel your body.

Now, caramel may not seem like a health superstar, but it does contain a bit of calcium, thanks to the milk used in it.

And chocolate? Oh, you can't forget the chocolate! Dark chocolate, especially if you choose to substitute, is packed with antioxidants that can help with heart health. Just a small piece can be a delightful treat that satisfies cravings without going overboard.

Of course, moderation is key. You don't want to eat the whole pan, no matter how tempting that may be!