Name: Twix Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 25 soft caramels, unwrapped; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate; Flaky sea salt, for topping; Extra granulated sugar, for rolling dough balls

If you’re a fan of the classic Twix candy bar, you’re in for a treat with these Twix Thumbprint Cookies. I’ve always had a soft spot for buttery shortbread and gooey caramel, and when you throw in a drizzle of chocolate and a pinch of flaky sea salt, it becomes pure cookie magic. These cookies are like little bite-sized desserts that bring together everything you love about a Twix — only better, because they’re homemade.

The texture contrast is what makes them so addictive. The base is soft and slightly crumbly, perfectly hugging that rich caramel center. Then comes the finishing touch — a swirl of melted chocolate and just a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. I love making these for holiday cookie trays, weekend baking therapy, or just because I need a good excuse to eat caramel off a spoon.

Why You’ll Love These Twix Thumbprint Cookies

They’re the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and creamy — all in one cookie. You get a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, filled with luscious caramel, topped with a drizzle of chocolate, and just the right amount of flaky sea salt to cut through the richness. These cookies are easy to make, but they look and taste like something from a fancy bakery.

What Kind of Caramel Should I Use?

Soft caramels that melt smoothly are ideal. I usually go with store-bought wrapped caramels and add a splash of cream to help them melt into a pourable consistency. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade caramel works beautifully too — just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the cookie well.

Options for Substitutions

Chocolate: You can swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a deeper, less sweet flavor.
Caramel: Dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce will work in place of melted caramels.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but if you only have salted, just omit the added pinch of salt in the dough.
Flour: Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour can be used with good results if you’re avoiding gluten.
Sea Salt: If you don’t have flaky sea salt, a light sprinkle of kosher salt can also do the job.

Ingredients for These Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Unsalted Butter: Creates that rich, tender cookie base. Softened butter is essential for proper creaming with the sugar.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookie structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookie dough. Keeps the texture crumbly yet tender.
Salt: A pinch is all you need to balance out the sweetness and make the other flavors pop.
Soft Caramels: These melt into the gooey centers — choose a good quality brand for best flavor.
Heavy Cream: Helps the caramels melt smoothly without seizing.
Milk Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Melted and drizzled on top, it completes the Twix effect.
Flaky Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle adds a gourmet finish and balances the sweetness.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air, which helps the cookies bake up tender.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Mix

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, mix in the vanilla extract. This infuses the dough with a deliciously warm and fragrant flavor.

Step 3: Add Flour and Salt

Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. It may look crumbly at first, but keep mixing — it should form a soft dough.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into balls, and then roll each ball in sugar for a slightly crisp outer texture. Place them on a lined baking sheet and press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each to create a well. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. If the wells puff up slightly during baking, gently press them back down with a spoon right after they come out.

Step 6: Fill with Caramel

Melt the soft caramels with a splash of heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Spoon the melted caramel into the indentations of each cookie. Let them sit for a few minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 7: Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the chocolate over the caramel-filled cookies.

Step 8: Finish with Sea Salt

While the chocolate is still slightly soft, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top. Let the cookies set completely before serving or storing.

How Long to Prepare the Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Preparation Time: It takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough and shape the cookies. Melting the caramel and chocolate adds a bit more time, but it’s all very manageable. If you include the chilling time for the dough (around 30 minutes), you’re looking at under an hour of prep before baking.

Baking and Assembly Time: Baking takes 12–14 minutes per batch. Filling with caramel and drizzling with chocolate adds another 15–20 minutes, depending on how precise you want to be. Allow at least 15 minutes for the cookies to set after decorating. Total hands-on time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Tips for Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies

Make sure your butter is properly softened — too cold and it won’t cream well; too warm and the dough might be greasy.
Roll the dough balls evenly so they bake at the same rate.
Chill the dough to prevent spreading and help maintain that signature thumbprint shape.
Gently re-press the indentations right after baking if they puff up.
Use a small spoon or piping bag to make caramel and chocolate filling neater.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overbaking: These cookies should be pale with lightly golden edges. If they darken too much, they’ll lose their soft texture.
Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can cause the cookies to spread and lose their shape.
Too much flour: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to dry, crumbly dough. Spoon and level for accuracy.
Using hard caramel: If the caramel doesn’t melt smoothly, it can harden as it cools and become difficult to bite into.
Overheating chocolate: Melt in short bursts and stir in between to avoid burning or seizing.

What to Serve With Twix Thumbprint Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

A warm mug of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of these cookies.

2. Coffee or Espresso

The bitter notes of coffee balance the sweetness and make a delightful afternoon treat.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve cookies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

4. Fresh Berries

A bowl of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing contrast.

5. Milk (Classic!)

Sometimes, a cold glass of milk is all you need to complete the cookie experience.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them layered between parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Refrigerator: You can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: Freeze baked and decorated cookies for up to 2 months. Let them firm up first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature.

Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (approximate):

Calories: 160
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 55mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the caramel from hardening?

Add a splash of heavy cream when melting the caramels — this keeps them soft and gooey even after cooling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before shaping.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick and spoonable. If it’s too runny, it may spill out of the cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the shaped dough before baking, and avoid using melted butter.

Can I skip the sea salt?

Yes, but it really helps balance the sweetness and enhance flavor. A pinch goes a long way!

Conclusion

Twix Thumbprint Cookies are everything you love about the classic candy bar, transformed into a gorgeous homemade treat. With a soft, buttery base, rich caramel centers, a drizzle of smooth chocolate, and a hint of sea salt, these cookies deliver on flavor and texture. They’re simple enough to whip up on a weekend but impressive enough to share — if you don’t eat them all first!