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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Caramel Layer: Immediately pour the sweetened condensed milk over the warm shortbread base and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and set.
- 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
