Twix Cookie Bars

These homemade Twix Cookie Bars are a sweet and simple recipe to treat a crowd to a favorite candy bar!

Twix has always been one of my favorite candy bars. I love the contrast of the crunchy shortbread and the chewy caramel, and who doesn't want something coated in chocolate? These homemade Twix Cookie Bars taste just like the candy bar: a buttery shortbread crust topped with smooth chocolate and rich, gooey caramel sandwiched in between. Each layer is easy to make, and is the perfect treat to share with your family or to feed a crowd.

Like the candy bar, these Twix Cookie Bars consist of three layers: shortbread, caramel, and chocolate. On their own, each layer is a sweet treat, but when combined, the Twix Cookie Bars are a magical dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

Shortbread: this crunchy cookie layer is sweet, but not too sweet. It's the perfect base for these cookie bars!

Caramel: the rich and buttery homemade caramel adds a layer of chewiness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy shortbread.

Chocolate: smooth, melted chocolate adds a rich topping to these bars. You can use milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate.

The first step in Twix Cookie Bars is to prepare the shortbread cookie layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Then, use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the mixture until it forms a crumb.

This process will take several minutes, and the butter should all be distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Press the shortbread crumb evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake until the edges turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to over-bake! Let the shortbread layer cool completely.

While the shortbread is cooling, prepare the caramel for the next layer. Homemade caramel seems daunting, but I promise that it's so simple!

Melt unsalted butter in a medium sauce pan, and then add light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir the mixture frequently over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel mixture should turn a deeper golden brown.

Remove the caramel from the heat and give it a few minutes to thicken. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the shortbread layer. Allow the caramel layer to cool to room temperature, and then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to cool completely.

Last, but not least, is the chocolate layer to top the Twix Cookie Bars! Melt butter and chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, and smooth out evenly. Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to cool. 

Carefully remove the Twix cookie from the pan. Use a warmed knife to slice into 15 evenly-sized bars, and serve!

Twix Cookie Bars

Servings: 15

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. 
2. Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
4. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut softened salted butter into the mixture, creating a crumbed dough.
5. Add vanilla extract and distribute it to the mixture using the fork.
6. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the 9x13 baking pan.
7. Bake 28-30 minutes, or until the edges of the shortbread turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over-bake.
8. Remove shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool.
9. Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan, and then add light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
10. Stir the mixture frequently over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
11. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel mixture should turn a deeper golden brown. Remove the caramel from the heat and give it a few minutes to thicken.
12. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
13. Allow the caramel layer to cool to room temperature, and then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
14. Melt butter and chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until completely melted and smooth.
15. Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, and smooth out evenly.
16. Allow the chocolate layer to cool for at least 30 minutes.
17. Remove the cookie from the baking dish, and slice into 15 evenly-sized bars.

• Storage: Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
  
• Freeze: Store cookie bars in an airtight container and freeze. Let thaw on the countertop until room temperature before serving. 
• Tips:
  1. Chocolate: This recipe works well with milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate.
  2. Use a warmed knife to easily cut the cookie bars.

Not only are these Twix Cookie Bars delightful, but they are a simple and sweet treat to share at parties and with the family! If you decide to give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear all about it. Please share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest!

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