Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Easy to Make at Home

Name: Twix Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 50 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); – ½ cup powdered sugar; – 2 cups all-purpose flour; – ½ tsp vanilla extract; – ¼ tsp salt; – ½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche; – 1 cup milk chocolate chips (melted); – Flaky sea salt; – ½ cup sugar (for homemade caramel option); – ¼ cup butter (for homemade caramel); – ½ cup heavy cream (for homemade caramel); – ½ tsp salt (for homemade caramel)

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Why You’ll Love This Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Twix thumbprint cookies bring the classic candy bar taste right into your kitchen with a homemade twist. These treats combine a tender shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and chocolate topping that melts in your mouth. Perfect for home cooks and baking enthusiasts, they fit right into busy schedules while delivering big flavor.

Ease of preparation: This Twix thumbprint cookies recipe shines with its simple steps. You mix the dough in minutes, shape the cookies, and bake for just 12-15 minutes. No fancy tools needed beyond a mixing bowl and your thumb for the indent. Busy parents and working professionals appreciate the quick prep under 20 minutes plus bake time, making them ideal for last-minute holiday cookies or cookie swaps.
Health benefits: While indulgent, these caramel cookies offer balance in moderation. The shortbread uses real butter for satisfaction without artificial additives. Skip heavy creams in homemade caramel for lighter versions, and control portions for diet-conscious eaters. Each cookie packs about 150 calories, with options to swap flour for almond meal to boost protein and fiber. Students and seniors enjoy them as a treat that feels homemade and wholesome.

Versatility: Adapt this cookie recipe for any occasion. Make Christmas Twix thumbprint cookies with festive sprinkles or go gluten-free for family gatherings. Travelers and newlyweds can tweak for dietary needs like vegan swaps. Food enthusiasts love experimenting with dark chocolate or nuts, turning basic thumbprint cookies into personalized delights.
Distinctive flavor: What sets homemade Twix thumbprint cookies apart is the perfect crunch from shortbread, oozy Twix caramel thumbprint cookies filling, and sea salt kick. Unlike store-bought Twix cookies, you control the caramel thickness for that signature gooey pull. The milk chocolate drizzle ties it all together, mimicking the candy bar in every bite.

These easy Twix thumbprint cookies draw from timeless shortbread traditions with a candy-inspired upgrade. Families gather around them during holidays, creating joyful moments. Check out this inspiring take on thumbprint cookies for more ideas.

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Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Twix Thumbprint Cookies
2. Essential Ingredients for Twix Thumbprint Cookies
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Twix Thumbprint Cookies
5. Mastering Twix Thumbprint Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Twix Thumbprint Cookies: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Twix Thumbprint Cookies
8. Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Gather these pantry staples for your Twix thumbprint cookies recipe. Each item plays a key role in texture and taste.

Main Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates the rich, tender shortbread base that holds the thumbprint shape without spreading.

½ cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture in the dough.
2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for crisp edges and soft centers in these thumbprint cookies.
½ tsp vanilla extract – Infuses subtle warmth and aroma to elevate the overall cookie flavor.

¼ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery notes in the dough.
½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche – Fills the thumbprint for that signature gooey, Twix-inspired center.
1 cup milk chocolate chips (melted) – Tops the cookies with a smooth, shiny drizzle mimicking the candy bar.

Flaky sea salt – Sprinkled on top for a salty crunch that cuts through the sweetness.
½ cup sugar (for homemade caramel option) – Base for making fresh caramel with deep, toasty notes.
¼ cup butter (for homemade caramel) – Adds creaminess and richness to the homemade caramel filling.

½ cup heavy cream (for homemade caramel) – Thins the caramel for pourable consistency without seizing.
½ tsp salt (for homemade caramel) – Brings out the flavors and creates salted caramel perfection.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil; use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream in caramel.

Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend; almond flour works for nuttier thumbprint cookies.
Low-calorie: Use light butter, reduce powdered sugar to ⅓ cup, and opt for sugar-free caramel sauce.

These choices keep your homemade Twix thumbprint cookies accessible. For more cookie inspiration, try these lemon oatmeal cookies.

How to Prepare the Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this detailed guide for foolproof Twix thumbprint cookies. Total time clocks in at 45 minutes, yielding 24 cookies.

Prep Your Workspace

First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for crisp Twix cookies. Soften 1 cup unsalted butter to room temperature for easy creaming. Gather all ingredients to streamline the process, especially for busy parents.

Mix the Dough

Second Step: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for tender shortbread. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix on low until a soft dough forms, about 1 minute. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. For gluten-free, swap flour here.

Shape the Cookies

Third Step: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll gently between palms for smooth rounds. Place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a deep indent into each center, about halfway through the ball. This creates the perfect well for caramel. Chill trays for 30 minutes if dough softens in warm kitchens, helping thumbprint cookies hold shape.

Bake to Perfection

Fourth Step: Bake one sheet at a time in the center rack for 12-15 minutes. Edges turn light golden brown while centers stay pale. Do not overbake to maintain softness. Remove from oven and cool on sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Indents may puff slightly; gently repress if needed while warm.

Add the Fillings

Fifth Step: Spoon or pipe 1 tsp caramel sauce or dulce de leche into each cooled indent. For homemade, simmer ½ cup sugar to amber, stir in ¼ cup butter and ½ cup heavy cream off heat, then ½ tsp salt. Cool slightly before filling. Vegan? Use coconut-based caramel.

Chocolate Drizzle and Finish

Sixth Step: Melt 1 cup milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between. Drizzle over filled cookies using a fork or piping bag. Sprinkle flaky sea salt immediately. Let set at room temperature for 30 minutes or chill briefly. For low-calorie, use dark chocolate sparingly.

Final Step: Serve once set. Pair with milk for the full Twix experience. These easy Twix thumbprint cookies store well and impress at parties. Troubleshooting: If dough cracks, add 1 tsp milk. For holidays, add sprinkles post-drizzle.

Step	Time	Temp
Mix Dough	5 min	Room temp
Bake	12-15 min	350°F
Set	30 min	Room temp

Pro tip: Parchment paper is key for non-stick results and easy cleanup in this cookie recipe.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Flour and Base Alternatives

Swap all-purpose flour for oat flour in thumbprint cookies to add fiber. Almond flour creates a nutty, low-carb base for keto diets. Coconut flour needs 2.5 cups plus ¼ cup milk to absorb moisture properly.

Caramel, Chocolate, and Topping Modifications

Use date caramel for vegan Twix caramel thumbprint cookies: blend soaked dates with coconut milk. Dark chocolate chips suit diet-conscious choices, reducing sugar. Skip sea salt for kids or use pink Himalayan for variety. In summer, chill fillings to firm up.

These tweaks make the recipe flexible for seniors or travelers packing treats. Link to similar sweets like rhubarb shortbread cookies for more ideas.

Check external inspiration at Twix thumbprint cookies variations.

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Mastering Twix Thumbprint Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your homemade Twix thumbprint cookies to the next level with these pointers.

Pro cooking techniques: Chill dough balls 30 minutes before baking for sharp indents. Use a wooden spoon end for uniform thumbs in large batches. Bake on convection for even crisping.
Flavor variations: Add espresso powder to dough for mocha Twix cookies. Mix crushed pretzels into caramel for crunch. Christmas versions get red-green M&Ms instead of chips.
Presentation tips: Arrange on a tiered stand dusted with powdered sugar. Drizzle in zigzags for appeal. Gift in cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Make-ahead options: Freeze baked unfilled cookies up to 2 months. Assemble day-of for fresh taste, perfect for working professionals.

Scale up dough by 50% for crowds. These tips ensure success every time.

Chilling is the secret to perfect shapes in any cookie recipe.

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How to Store Twix Thumbprint Cookies: Best Practices

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment to avoid sticking.

Refrigeration: Store up to 2 weeks; caramel firms but softens at room temp.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies 2 months in bags. Thaw, fill, and top fresh.
Reheating: Warm at 300°F for 5 minutes to recrisp edges safely.

Meal prep by baking dough ahead. Ideal for busy schedules.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Twix Thumbprint Cookies

What are Twix thumbprint cookies?

Twix thumbprint cookies are a homemade treat inspired by the popular Twix candy bar. They feature a buttery shortbread base with a caramel filling pressed into the center of each cookie, topped with melted milk chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. The result is a bite-sized cookie that captures the caramel-chocolate crunch of Twix in a festive thumbprint style, perfect for holidays or cookie swaps. Unlike traditional thumbprints with jam, these use dulce de leche or soft caramel for that signature gooey layer. They’re easy to bake in under an hour and yield about 24 cookies. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden, then cool before filling to prevent melting. Store in an airtight container for up to a week. (92 words)

What ingredients do I need for Twix thumbprint cookies?

For 24 cookies, gather these simple ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp salt for the dough. For filling: ½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche, 1 cup milk chocolate chips (melted), and flaky sea salt. No special equipment needed beyond a mixer and piping bag optional for chocolate drizzle. Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough. Pro tip: Chill dough 30 minutes before shaping to hold thumbprints. This recipe avoids eggs, making it great for gifting. Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling to prevent dense cookies. Total prep is quick—under 20 minutes. (112 words)

How do you make Twix thumbprint cookies step by step?

Start by preheating oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment. Cream 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until fluffy (2 minutes). Add 2 cups flour, ½ tsp vanilla, and ¼ tsp salt; mix to form dough. Roll into 1-inch balls, place on sheets, and press thumb into each center. Bake 12-15 minutes until light golden. Cool 10 minutes, then fill indents with 1 tsp caramel. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips in microwave (30-second bursts), drizzle over cookies, and sprinkle sea salt. Let set 30 minutes. Full bake time: 45 minutes total. These hold shape best on parchment—avoid greasing pans. Yields crispy edges with soft centers. (108 words)

How long do Twix thumbprint cookies last and how should I store them?

Freshly baked Twix thumbprint cookies stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or 2 weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze unfilled baked cookies up to 2 months—thaw, fill with caramel, top with chocolate, and serve. Avoid stacking filled cookies to prevent sticking from caramel. In humid weather, add silica packets to the container. They taste best within 3 days when caramel stays gooey. Re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if needed. Label freezer bags with date for easy tracking. Perfect make-ahead for parties—bake dough ahead and assemble day-of. (102 words)

Can I use homemade caramel in Twix thumbprint cookies?

Yes, homemade caramel adds fresh flavor to Twix thumbprint cookies and is simple to make. Simmer ½ cup sugar until amber, stir in ¼ cup butter and ½ cup heavy cream off heat, then ½ tsp salt. Cool before filling—takes 10 minutes. Store-bought dulce de leche works too for speed. Homemade avoids preservatives and lets you control thickness for perfect drip-free cookies. Fill cooled cookies with a spoon or piping bag for neatness. If it hardens, gently warm in microwave 10 seconds. This tweak impresses at bake sales; pair with dark chocolate for contrast. Recipe scales easily—double for crowds. (98 words)

Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe