Best Christmas Cookies: Irresistible Twix Cookies Everyone Will Love

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Twix Cookies are everything you want in a Christmas cookie: rich, buttery, layered, and completely unforgettable. They combine a tender shortbread base, smooth caramel filling, and a glossy chocolate topping, capturing all the flavors of the classic candy bar in homemade cookie form. What makes these cookies especially perfect for Christmas is how impressive they look once assembled, even though each layer is surprisingly simple to prepare. I first made these during the holidays when I wanted a cookie that felt special enough for gifting, and they quickly became a seasonal favorite. They hold their shape well, slice beautifully, and taste even better after a day when the layers have fully set. If you are looking for a standout Christmas cookie that feels indulgent, nostalgic, and festive, these Twix cookies truly earn their place on the holiday table.

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Best Christmas Cookies: Irresistible Twix Cookies Everyone Will Love


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  • Author: Ava Parker
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Irresistible Twix Cookies are decadent Christmas cookies inspired by the classic candy bar, featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with gooey caramel and a smooth chocolate layer, making them a holiday favorite.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 25 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  7. In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
  8. Pour caramel evenly over the baked shortbread and let set for 10 minutes.
  9. Melt chocolate chips and spread evenly over the caramel layer.
  10. Refrigerate until fully set, then cut into bars or squares.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean cuts.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted Butter
Butter is the foundation of the shortbread base, giving the cookies their rich flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar keeps the shortbread smooth and delicate, without any graininess.

All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure to the cookie base while allowing it to remain soft and crumbly.

Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor of the shortbread.

Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is used to create a smooth, creamy caramel layer with minimal effort.

Brown Sugar
Brown sugar deepens the caramel flavor with warm, molasses-like notes.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out both the caramel and chocolate layers.

Milk Chocolate Chips
Milk chocolate delivers the classic Twix-style sweetness and smooth finish.

Heavy Cream
Heavy cream helps create a silky, spreadable chocolate topping.

Directions

Begin by preparing the shortbread base. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and smooth, then mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into a lined baking pan and bake until just lightly golden. Allow the base to cool completely.

To make the caramel layer, combine the sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until thickened and golden. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Spread the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread and allow it to set.

For the chocolate topping, gently heat the milk chocolate chips with the heavy cream until smooth and glossy. Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading evenly. Chill the cookies until fully set, then slice into bars or squares.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, with 25 minutes of baking and additional chilling time of about 1 hour for layering and setting.

Storage/reheating

Store Twix cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Variations and Customizations

Dark Chocolate Twist

Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet finish.

Salted Caramel

Add a light sprinkle of flaky salt over the caramel layer for contrast.

Holiday Shapes

Use a cookie cutter on the shortbread base before layering for festive shapes.

Extra Thick Layers

Increase the caramel or chocolate slightly for a more indulgent cookie.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for shortbread.

FAQs

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, they hold up well and look beautiful in gift boxes.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made several days in advance.

Why is my caramel too soft?

It may need to cook slightly longer to thicken properly.

Can I freeze Twix cookies?

Yes, freeze them in a sealed container for up to two months.

Should I refrigerate them to set faster?

Yes, chilling helps the layers firm up cleanly.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, but homemade caramel provides better flavor and texture.

Do these cookies need eggs?

No, this recipe is naturally egg-free.

Why did my chocolate crack when slicing?

Let the cookies come to room temperature before cutting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger pan or two baking pans.

Are these very sweet?

They are rich and sweet but balanced by the buttery base.

Conclusion

Irresistible Twix Cookies are the ultimate Christmas treat, combining buttery shortbread, smooth caramel, and creamy chocolate in every bite. They are festive, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress at holiday gatherings or in gift tins. Once you make them, they are sure to become a Christmas cookie tradition you return to year after year.

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