- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
- Mix in the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or with a spatula until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb to gently press a small indentation in the center of each dough ball, creating a thumbprint.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Fill the thumbprints: Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a spoon to fill the thumbprints with caramel sauce. You can use store-bought caramel or make your own by melting caramel candies with a little heavy cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate: Melt your choice of chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) and drizzle it over the top of the caramel-filled thumbprints. Let the chocolate set before serving.
- Enjoy: Once the chocolate has hardened, your Twix Thumbprint Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Serving and Storage
Twix Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or as an indulgent treat anytime. Here are a few tips for serving and storing them:
- Serving: These cookies are best served at room temperature, where the caramel filling will be gooey and the chocolate drizzle will have a perfect snap.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them (without the chocolate drizzle) for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your Twix Thumbprint Cookies even better:
- Use quality caramel: For the best flavor, use a high-quality caramel sauce or make your own from scratch. If you’re in a rush, store-bought caramel sauce works just fine, too!
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to handle.
- Customize with toppings: While the classic Twix topping is caramel and chocolate, you can also sprinkle crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds) on top of the caramel for extra crunch and flavor.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the caramel and chocolate drizzle. This helps prevent the caramel from melting into the dough and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
Variations
If you want to experiment with different flavors and textures, here are some fun variations of the Twix Thumbprint Cookie:
- Peanut Butter Twix Thumbprints: Swap the caramel for a dollop of peanut butter and drizzle the chocolate with a little bit of melted peanut butter for a fun, nutty twist!
- Salted Caramel Twix: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel before filling the thumbprints. The salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate beautifully.
- Nutty Twix Thumbprints: Before baking, roll the cookie dough balls in crushed nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for a crunchy exterior that complements the soft, chewy interior.
- White Chocolate Twix: For a different take, use white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate for drizzling over the caramel. It creates a different flavor profile but still maintains that signature sweetness.
Conclusion
Twix Thumbprint Cookies are an indulgent and fun twist on a classic cookie. With their buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel filling, and smooth chocolate drizzle, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any event. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a sweet snack, these cookies bring together the best elements of the beloved Twix candy bar in a delightful homemade treat. They’re easy to make and always impress — perfect for sharing with family and friends!
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the filling?
Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for the filling, making this recipe quick and easy. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough to stay in the thumbprint without running out.
2. How do I prevent the caramel from overflowing when baking?
The caramel should only be added after the cookies have been baked and cooled. This ensures the caramel stays intact and doesn’t spill over while baking. Just press a small indent into the dough before baking and fill it afterward.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookies after they’ve cooled and before the caramel and chocolate drizzle. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.