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Twix Cookie Bars Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x

Description

These homemade Twix Cookie Bars combine a buttery shortbread base, a sweet and gooey caramel layer made from sweetened condensed milk, and a rich chocolate topping sprinkled with sea salt flakes for the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth with a delicious homemade treat.


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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. Mix Dough and Press: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing slowly until the dough just comes together. Press this dough evenly into a lined 9×13-inch baking pan, packing it down firmly to create the shortbread base.
  3. Bake Shortbread Base: Bake the pressed dough in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden but the center remains slightly soft. Remove the pan from the oven.
  4. Add Caramel Layer: Immediately pour the sweetened condensed milk over the warm shortbread base and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  5. Bake Caramel Layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the caramel bubbles and turns a light golden color.
  6. Cool and Melt Chocolate: Allow the caramel layer to cool for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
  7. Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer and spread it out smoothly. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to enhance flavor.
  8. Chill Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and set.
  9. Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper edges, lift the bars from the pan and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried for clean cuts.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overbake the shortbread base to keep it tender.
  • Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for better taste and smooth melting.
  • Letting the bars chill properly is crucial for clean slicing and good texture.
  • Sea salt flakes enhance the flavor contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Twix bars, homemade dessert, cookie bars, caramel bars, chocolate bars, easy dessert recipe, shortbread bars