Twix Thumbprint Cookies

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These Twix Thumbprint Cookies are everything you love about the classic candy bar—packaged into a buttery, soft-baked cookie with a gooey caramel center and a drizzle of rich chocolate. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture: a crisp edge, a soft center, and a luscious filling that melts on your tongue.

Perfect for holiday platters, bake sales, or a sweet after-dinner indulgence, these cookies bring comfort with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying thumbprint cookies for the first time, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Expect these to disappear fast!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To set yourself up for success with these Twix Thumbprint Cookies, it’s important to gather the right tools before starting:

• Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): Needed for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for properly creaming the butter and sugar, which helps create that tender texture.
• Baking Sheets: Use heavy-duty sheets for even heat distribution and to prevent over-browning.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These ensure cookies don’t stick and make for easier cleanup.
• Teaspoon or Thumb (for indentation): To create the “thumbprint” well that holds the caramel filling.
• Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for melting the chocolate smoothly without burning.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

Starting with the right tools ensures each cookie turns out bakery-level good, and keeps your process smooth and efficient.

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Ingredients for the Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Each ingredient in this cookie recipe plays an important role in achieving that soft, buttery texture with rich caramel and chocolate accents.

• Unsalted Butter – Gives the cookies their soft and rich base. Room temperature butter creams best.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
• Egg Yolks – Just the yolks ensure a tender texture without making the dough too wet.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – The key dry ingredient for structure. Be sure to measure it properly to avoid dryness.
• Caramel Candies – Melted into the center of the thumbprint, these mimic the gooey caramel inside a Twix bar.
• Heavy Cream – Helps melt the caramels smoothly and creates a silky texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers – Drizzled on top for the chocolate finish.
• Sea Salt (Optional) – A light sprinkle adds balance and enhances the caramel flavor.

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How To Make the Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Base

Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is key to creating a tender, airy cookie base.

Step 2: Add Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined. The dough will begin to hold together and develop flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add in the flour while mixing on low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to form a soft, workable dough.

Step 4: Shape and Press

Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are just golden. Remove and let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Add the Caramel Center

While cookies cool, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir until smooth, then spoon into the center of each cookie.

Step 7: Chocolate Drizzle

Melt the chocolate chips or wafers and drizzle over each cookie. For a final touch, sprinkle sea salt lightly over the top if desired.

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Serving and Storing Twix Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature, when the caramel is soft and the chocolate drizzle has set. They’re perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or simply pairing with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. For a fancier presentation, place each cookie in a mini cupcake liner.

To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to protect the chocolate drizzle. You can also freeze them—just skip the caramel and chocolate until after thawing, for best texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of caramel works best?

Soft caramel candies like Kraft or Werther’s are ideal because they melt smoothly and set perfectly in the center without turning hard.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! If you prefer a sweeter finish, milk chocolate is a great swap. Just keep in mind it may melt quicker in warmer rooms.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and store it covered in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just check that your caramels and chocolate are gluten-free too.

Why did my caramel harden too much?

It likely cooked too long or wasn’t combined with enough cream. Use low heat and stir often for a smooth finish.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these Twix Thumbprint Cookies, here are a few more cookie creations to add to your baking list:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake if you crave peanut butter in every bite.
• Brownie Mix Cookies with fudgy centers and crackly tops.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes that combine cookies and cheesecake in one.
• Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for something fruity and refreshing.

Looking for even more sweet ideas? Head over to my Pinterest where I share daily desserts, treats, and seasonal inspiration: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for sea salt or skip it? Did you use dark chocolate for a bolder bite?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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