So there I was, elbow-deep in flour and sugar, trying to recreate those iconic Twix Caramel Cookies. You know what? My first batch turned out more like a science experiment gone wrong than anything else. But I wasn’t about to give up. After all, my family had been raving about these cookies since that fateful day we first tried them at a local bake sale. And let’s just say, my competitive side wasn’t ready to admit defeat to a dessert.
Fast forward through a kitchen that looked like a caramel tornado had hit it, and I finally perfected the recipe. The kids love when I whip up a batch, and honestly, it’s now one of those treats that brings everyone to the kitchen, sniffing the air like cartoon characters floating towards a freshly baked pie. So get ready, because I’m about to share with you the ultimate Homemade Twix Caramel Cookies recipe that even a baking newbie can master.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Now, about those ingredients… I’ve made these cookies enough times to know that quality matters, but don’t worry, you won’t need to raid a gourmet food store to find what you need. Here’s the lineup:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Twix bars (plus some extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, but honestly, homemade is a game changer!)
Now, I always say you can tweak a recipe to make it your own. So, feel free to use dark chocolate chips or throw in some nuts if that’s your jam. And speaking of caramel sauce, if you’ve never made it from scratch, you’re in for a treat. It’s easier than you think and the flavor is out-of-this-world good.
Instructions
Alright, here we go. Don’t be like me on my first attempt and forget to preheat your oven – it’s a rookie mistake that can lead to an impatient family! Let’s get baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. (This is important for that perfect cookie texture.)
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Trust me, don’t skimp on the vanilla; it adds that aromatic touch.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture until just combined. We don’t want to overwork the dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Twix bars, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be thick, and you’ll get an arm workout, but that’s part of the charm!
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. I like to use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies, but a good ol’ spoon works too.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them.
- Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle them with caramel sauce while they’re still a bit warm – it’s a moment, let me tell you.
- Optional: Add an extra sprinkle of chopped Twix bars on top for that ‘wow’ factor. (And because more chocolate and caramel is never a bad idea, right?)
Let them cool completely, or be like me and sneak a couple while they’re still warm. I mean, can you blame me?
Tips & Tricks
Here’s the scoop on a few tips that’ll ensure your Homemade Twix Caramel Cookies turn out fabulous every time:
- Room temperature ingredients are key. Cold butter won’t cream well, and cold eggs can re-solidify your butter – not fun.
- If you’re in a pinch, you can make a quick caramel sauce by melting soft caramels with a splash of heavy cream. It’s not homemade, but it’ll do the trick.
- Storage is simple: keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They’ll last up to a week, but let’s be real, they’ll be gone long before then!
And remember, baking is all about experimenting and having fun. So if you mess up, don’t sweat it. I’ve burnt more batches of cookies than I’d like to admit, but each mistake has taught me something new. (Like, seriously, set a timer!)
FAQ
Got questions? I’ve got answers. Here are a few I get asked a lot:
Q: Can I use homemade shortbread instead of Twix bars?
A: Absolutely! If you have the time to make homemade shortbread, go for it. It’ll bring a lovely homemade touch to your cookies.
Q: What’s the calorie count for these cookies?
A: While I’m all for indulging, let’s just say these are a treat. Each cookie is roughly 300-400 calories, depending on size and toppings. Enjoy in moderation!
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
So there you have it, my fellow sweet-toothed friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a little pick-me-up, these Homemade Twix Caramel Cookies are the way to go. They’re a labor of love that pays off with every gooey, chocolatey, caramel-laden bite. And isn’t that what baking’s all about?
Homemade Twix Caramel Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Twix bars (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
-
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture until just combined.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Twix bars, being careful not to overmix.
-
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
-
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack and drizzling with caramel sauce.
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Optional: Add an extra sprinkle of chopped Twix bars on top for extra decadence.