As the holiday season approaches and the scent of fresh pine fills the air, there's an undeniable urge to warm up the kitchen and create something truly special. One evening, while I was flipping through old recipes, I stumbled upon an idea that made my heart skip-a twist on the classic Twix candy bar transformed into a cookie! These Decadent Twix Cookies combine layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping that is nothing short of heavenly.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a stress-free addition to your festive baking lineup. Each bite recalls the nostalgia of beloved candy while also offering a homemade touch that will impress family and friends. With a recipe so simple yet delightful, I promise these Twix Cookies will become a new Christmas tradition in your home! Let's dive into the magic of making these scrumptious treats together.

Why You'll Love These Twix Cookies for Christmas

Irresistible flavors: The rich layers of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and luscious chocolate create a delightful taste experience that echoes your favorite holiday treats.

Easy baking: This uncomplicated recipe ensures that even novice bakers can whip up these cookies with confidence, making your holiday preparations stress-free.

Perfect for gifting: These cookies make an impressive gift, beautifully wrapped and sure to bring smiles to friends and family alike.

Versatile variations: Customize with your favorite chocolate type or even festive toppings to make them uniquely yours.

Nostalgic appeal: Remind everyone of the classic Twix candy bar while enjoying the warmth of home-baked goodness this season!

Twix Cookies for Christmas Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base
• 1 ½ cups butter, softened to room temperature - This key ingredient creates a rich and flaky texture for the perfect shortbread layer.
• 1 cup powdered sugar - Sweetens the dough and contributes to a smooth mouthfeel.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Adds a delightful aroma that elevates the flavor of the cookies.
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - Provides structure; mix gently to avoid tough dough.
• ¼ teaspoon salt - Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.

For the Caramel Layer
• 11-oz caramel bits - A convenient choice for achieving that gooey caramel layer without the hassle of making it from scratch.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream - Ensures the caramel remains smooth and pourable for topping.

For the Chocolate Topping
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips - Use high-quality chocolate for the best indulgent flavor experience that complements the Twix theme.
• 2 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening - Adds shine and helps the melted chocolate smooth out beautifully.

These Twix Cookies for Christmas are bound to be a hit, whether at family gatherings or wrapped up as thoughtful gifts!

How to Make Twix Cookies for Christmas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for a rich shortbread base.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated, creating a lovely aromatic foundation for your cookies.
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms, being careful not to over-mix, which could make your cookies tough.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch and use a cookie cutter to cut into your desired shapes.
Place the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced 1 inch apart to allow for spreading, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden at the edges.
Cool the cookies on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes topping easier.
For the caramel layer, microwave the caramel bits and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring often until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the melted caramel over each cooled cookie, spreading it gently to ensure even coverage. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the set caramel layer, creating a glossy finish.
Let the chocolate cool and harden completely at room temperature before serving, ensuring each cookie has that perfect crisp snap.

Optional: Drizzle extra caramel or sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Twix Cookies for Christmas Variations

Feel free to add your personal touch to these delightful cookies; the possibilities are endless!

Dark Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer and slightly bittersweet flavor profile that balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the shortbread mixture for a delightful crunch and depth. The nuttiness complements the caramel beautifully!
Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut on top of the caramel layer before pouring on the chocolate for a tropical twist that brings out exciting flavors.
Peppermint Crisp: Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the melted chocolate topping for a festive, minty flair-perfect for the holiday season!
Peanut Butter Delight: Drizzle melted peanut butter on top of the caramel layer before adding the chocolate for a decadent peanut butter twist that echoes classic candy bar combinations.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix pumpkin pie spice into the shortbread dough for a cozy autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and chocolate layers.
Spiced Caramel: Infuse the caramel with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spicy kick that will fill your home with holiday scents. This variation will leave everyone craving more!
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour in the shortbread base to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests while still enjoying these festive treats.

Make Ahead Options

These Twix Cookies for Christmas are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the shortbread base up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll the dough into balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. For an even more convenient approach, you can pre-bake the cookies a day ahead, allowing them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, simply add the caramel and chocolate layers; these components can also be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated for optimal freshness. Trust me, your loved ones will appreciate the delicious homemade treat without the added stress!

What to Serve with Twix Cookies for Christmas?

Indulge yourself in a heartwarming holiday spread that beautifully complements these rich and decadent treats.

Hot Cocoa Bar: Cozy up with a hot cocoa bar featuring marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. The warmth of the drink pairs perfectly with the sweet textures of your cookies.
Peppermint Bark: This festive delight provides a refreshing contrast to the chocolatey richness of the Twix Cookies, adding a burst of minty flavor that feels seasonal.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop up some creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful sundae. The cold ice cream beautifully balances the warm, gooey layers of the cookies.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider to evoke the flavors of the season. The sweet, spiced drink enhances the caramel and chocolate notes in each cookie.
Gingerbread Cookies: Pair these cookies with a plate of classic gingerbread for a delightful holiday twist. The spices of gingerbread harmonize wonderfully with the sweet caramel flavor.
Chocolate Milk: For a nostalgic drink pairing, serve chilled chocolate milk. This creamy beverage enhances the sweet experience of your Twix Cookies with its milky chocolate goodness.
Fruit Platter: A fresh fruit platter featuring strawberries, apples, or pears can add a refreshing touch. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit can help brighten the overall flavor profile.
Coffee or Espresso: Nothing complements sweet treats like a good cup of coffee or espresso. The rich flavors in the brew will elevate your cookie experience, making every bite even more satisfying.

Expert Tips for Twix Cookies

Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and helps maintain the shape of your Twix Cookies during baking.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and fresh butter. The better the ingredients, the richer and more decadent your cookies will taste!
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, ruining the gooey caramel experience.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the caramel and chocolate layers. This ensures a clean topping process and prevents melting when you apply the warm caramel.
Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky after mixing, sprinkle a little more flour to achieve the right consistency for easy rolling and shaping for those perfect Twix Cookies.

Proper Storage for Twix Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unadorned cookies (without caramel or chocolate) in a well-sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. This helps maintain optimal freshness.

Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature before adding the caramel and chocolate layers, so they're back to their delicious best.

Reheating: If desired, warm the filled cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and caramel, enhancing their gooey texture. Enjoy these nostalgic Twix Cookies for Christmas anytime!

Twix Cookies for Christmas Recipe FAQs

What should I look for in butter when making the Twix Cookies?
Absolutely! It's best to use high-quality, unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature. This ensures the butter blends smoothly with the sugar, creating a rich, flaky texture that is essential for a delightful shortbread base. Look for butter that is creamy and pliable but not overly warm or greasy.

How should I store my Twix Cookies for the best freshness?
To maintain the mouthwatering taste of your Twix Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unadorned cookies (without the caramel and chocolate) in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw them and add your toppings!

Can I freeze the finished Twix Cookies?
Yes, you can! However, for the best results, I recommend freezing the cookies unadorned-without the caramel or chocolate layers. To freeze, simply place the baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they don't touch. When ready, allow them to thaw at room temperature before topping them with caramel and chocolate for that freshly made experience.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough is sticky, don't worry! It's a common issue. Just sprinkle a little extra flour onto your surface while rolling out the dough. Alternatively, let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes, as this helps firm it up and makes it easier to roll out without sticking.

Are these Twix Cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While the Twix Cookies are a delightful treat for humans, be cautious if you have pets. Ingredients like chocolate are toxic to dogs and cats, so please keep these cookies away from them. If you have allergies, check that all individual ingredients are safe and consider using allergen-free substitutes, such as gluten-free flour or dairy-free chocolate, to make these cookies suitable for various dietary needs.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own caramel, follow these steps: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar, whisking constantly until it turns a golden amber color. Then, remove it from heat and carefully stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Allow it to cool slightly before spooning it over the cookies. However, be mindful that homemade caramel can be stickier, so adjust the quantity to avoid overwhelming your cookies.

These edible delights are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday season!