Twix Thumbprint Cookies: The Ultimate Candy Bar Hybrid

Introduction

The Twix Thumbprint Cookie is the ultimate treat for those who believe that shortbread, caramel, and chocolate belong together. This recipe takes the classic, buttery shortbread base of a traditional thumbprint cookie and elevates it with a gooey, chewy caramel filling, topped off with a decadent milk chocolate drizzle—mirroring the perfect layers of the beloved Twix candy bar. These cookies are simple enough for a beginner baker but impressive enough for a holiday platter, offering a delightful crunch followed by a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Prepare for a nostalgic flavor explosion!

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups (210 g) All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (225 g) Unsalted Butter, softened (2 sticks)
½ cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon (5 mL) Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) Salt
20 pieces (150 g) Soft Chewy Caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons (30 mL) Heavy Cream or Milk
½ cup (85 g) Milk Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers

Step-by-step Preparation

Prepare the Shortbread Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Chill and Shape: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them on the prepared sheets.
Create the Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a measuring teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball. If the edges crack, gently smooth them back together.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven. While still warm, use the back of the spoon again to deepen the indentation if they have puffed up during baking. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Caramel Filling: Place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is completely smooth and gooey. This usually takes 1 to 2 minutes total.
Fill and Chill: Spoon a small amount of the warm caramel mixture into the indentation of each cooled cookie. Allow the caramel to set for 15 minutes at room temperature or 5 minutes in the refrigerator.
Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl using a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-filled cookies using a fork or by piping it from a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.

Nutritional Information

As an indulgent dessert, Twix Thumbprint Cookies are rich in fat and sugar. Each cookie (assuming 24 servings) contains approximately 180-220 calories, 10-12g of fat, and 15-20g of carbohydrates. While they offer minimal protein and fiber, they are a fantastic source of joy and satisfaction!

Storage

Store leftover Twix Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is very warm, storing them in the refrigerator will prevent the caramel and chocolate from becoming too soft. If freezing, we recommend freezing the baked, unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw, fill with caramel, and drizzle with chocolate when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful combination of textures—the snap of the shortbread, the chew of the caramel, and the smooth finish of chocolate. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a variation, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel before the chocolate drizzle to enhance the richness of the filling. Enjoy this truly irresistible homemade candy bar experience!