There’s something magical about baking that takes us back to childhood memories filled with sweet treats and laughter. One bite of these Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies, layered with crunchy caramel and a luscious milk chocolate drizzle, and you’re transported to a world that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious journey through flavors and textures that will make your heart sing.
Why make this recipe? For those who adore the perfect blend of sweet and salty, these cookies are a game changer. With a rich buttery base, hints of shortbread crunch, and a gooey caramel center, they bring the beloved candy bar experience right into your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to brighten up your week with a delightful treat, these cookies will surely steal the spotlight.
How to make Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies (about 8-10 cookies)
- 1 cup chewy caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The warm, buttery scent that will soon fill your space is simply irresistible!
- Cream together the butters and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, around 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Introduce the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for building the right cookie texture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—be gentle; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Incorporate shortbread cookies: Fold in the crushed shortbread cookies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout your delightful dough.
- Scoop onto the baking sheet: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared sheet, keeping about 2 inches apart. Each dollop promises a bite of chewy bliss.
- Bake to perfection: Pop the tray in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should look slightly underbaked—that’s how you keep the chewiness alive!
- Prepare the caramel filling: While your cookies are baking, melt the chewy caramel candies with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until you have a smooth, dreamy caramel sauce.
- Create indentations: As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, use the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. This is where the magic happens!
- Fill with caramel: Spoon a small amount of the melted caramel into the indentation of each cookie, letting it pool gently for that scrumptious treat.
- Cool and drizzle: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. To finish, melt milk chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until silky smooth. Drizzle over the cookies and let set.
How to serve Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies
Serve these cookies warm with a tall glass of milk or as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee. They also make for a delightful treat at parties or as gifts, beautifully arranged in a box for that personal touch.
How to store Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies
To keep the magic longer, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Tips to make Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel before drizzling with chocolate.
- Don’t skip the step of creating the indentation; it’s crucial for achieving that soft, gooey center!
- If you like a touch of crunch, substitute some of the shortbread cookies with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Variations
Feel free to experiment! Consider swapping in different kinds of chocolate—dark for a rich, intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier treat. You might even try adding a hint of espresso powder to deepen the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
Absolutely! While homemade caramel adds a special touch, store-bought sauces are a fantastic time-saver.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Let the cookies cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. How can I make these gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be deliciously chewy!
These Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They encapsulate warmth, joy, and a sprinkle of sweetness — a reminder that life is always better with a little treat. So roll up your sleeves, smile, and let the wonderful aroma of your kitchen fill the air. Happy baking!
Decadent Chewy Twix-Style Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed shortbread cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and centers look slightly underbaked.
- While the cookies are baking, melt the chewy caramel candies with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Once cookies are out of the oven, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie with the back of a spoon.
- Spoon a small amount of melted caramel into the indentation of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Melt milk chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, then drizzle over the cookies and let set.