If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping holiday dessert, look no further than these Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe. Imagine buttery shortbread bases topped with luscious caramel and finished with a glossy, rich milk chocolate layer, creating little bites of festive joy that bring together all the best parts of a classic Twix bar in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or treating yourself, these cookies are an irresistible hug of sweetness and texture that will brighten your holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a key role in crafting the perfect cookie—delicate, tender, and bursting with festive flavor. From the buttery base to silky chocolate topping, every component ensures a harmonious balance of texture and taste.
- 1 cup Butter, softened: Use room temperature butter for a rich, tender shortbread base that melts in your mouth.
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and keeps the shortbread crumbly and light, avoiding a gritty texture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for the cookies without making them tough or dry.
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
- 1 cup Caramel bits: Convenient for easy melting and effortless layering of that signature caramel goodness.
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth caramel layer that stays soft yet firm.
- 1 cup Milk chocolate chips: Choose high-quality chips for a glossy, melt-in-the-mouth chocolate topping.
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: Adds smoothness to the melted chocolate, helping it set with a beautiful sheen.
How to Make Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper — this simple step prevents sticking and ensures your cookies come out perfectly shaped. In a stand mixer, blend the softened butter and powdered sugar on low speed until creamy and smooth, creating the ideal shortbread base. Add the vanilla extract for that warm depth of flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into your buttery mixture. Take your time here to form a soft dough that’s just right — not too dry or sticky. This dough is going to give you the lovely crumbly texture that makes these cookies so special.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to an even ¼ inch thickness. Using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter, stamp out your cookies and place them neatly on the prepared sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden hue. Let these little beauties cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
Step 4: Create the Perfect Caramel Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your caramel bits and heavy cream. Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until smooth and glossy. This luscious caramel layer brings that iconic soft chew found in classic Twix bars. Spread it evenly over each cooled cookie and allow it to set — patience will pay off with that perfect texture.
Step 5: Finish with Silky Chocolate Topping
Melt your milk chocolate chips together with coconut oil or vegetable shortening in short bursts, stirring until fully smooth. This step ensures your chocolate topping sets beautifully with a glossy finish. Spoon and spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, then let the cookies rest at room temperature until the chocolate is firm.
How to Serve Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of festive charm, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the chocolate before it sets to highlight the caramel’s sweetness. Alternatively, finely chopped toasted nuts or festive colored sprinkles can add crunch and cheer.
Side Dishes
These indulgent cookies pair beautifully with a cup of robust coffee, spiced chai, or a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy holiday snack moment. A glass of cold milk is a classic companion, perfect for balancing their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe in a pretty holiday tin lined with parchment for gifting. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter decorated with holly or evergreen sprigs for an impressive party centerpiece that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking or chocolate smudging.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for holiday celebrations, freeze the baked cookies without toppings. Once thawed and caramel and chocolate layers are added, these cookies taste freshly made. Alternatively, freeze fully assembled cookies for up to 2 weeks, wrapped tightly.
Reheating
To gently melt the chocolate topping for a softer bite, warm cookies briefly in a low oven (around 250°F) for a few minutes or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can make the caramel too runny.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you full control over the flavor balance.
What’s the best way to melt caramel bits without burning?
Microwave in short intervals, stirring often. This helps heat the caramel evenly and prevents scorching for a smooth finish.
Can I substitute the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet caramel, offering a slightly more intense flavor that some may prefer.
How thick should I roll out the cookie dough?
Roll it to about ¼ inch thick to achieve that perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers—thin enough to bake evenly but thick enough to hold the caramel and chocolate layers.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Their attractive appearance and delicious layered flavors make Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe a perfect homemade gift for friends and family.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time trying this recipe or you’re bringing it back as a beloved tradition, there’s something truly magical about making and sharing these Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe. They capture all the festive warmth and decadence you want in a holiday cookie, promising smiles and happy taste buds around every bite. So grab your apron, gather those simple yet essential ingredients, and create some holiday magic in your kitchen today!
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Indulgent Twix Cookies for Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with these Twix-inspired cookies. Featuring a buttery shortbread base, topped with a smooth caramel layer and finished with a glossy milk chocolate coating, these festive cookies bring indulgence and joy to any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup Butter, softened (Use room temperature butter for a rich, tender shortbread base.)
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar (Adds delicate sweetness and keeps the shortbread crumbly and light.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Enhances the buttery flavor with a warm aroma.)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Provides perfect structure without toughness.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Balances the sweetness.)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup Caramel bits (Convenient for easy melting.)
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream (Creates a luxuriously smooth layer.)
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup Milk chocolate chips (Choose high-quality for a glossy finish.)
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil or vegetable shortening (Adds smoothness to the melted chocolate.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the shortbread dough: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on low speed until the mixture is creamy and light. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, blending until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape the cookies: Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thickness. Using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the caramel layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Apply the caramel: Spread the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cooled cookies. Allow the caramel to cool and set at room temperature.
- Melt the chocolate topping: Melt the milk chocolate chips together with coconut oil or vegetable shortening in intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Finish with chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer of each cookie and spread evenly using the back of the spoon or an offset spatula. Allow the chocolate to cool and set at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a tender texture.
- Use high-quality milk chocolate for a shinier and more flavorful finish.
- Be careful not to overbake the shortbread to maintain a soft, crumbly texture.
- Allow each layer (caramel and chocolate) to fully set before adding the next to prevent mixing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
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