Introduction

Twix Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat combining buttery soft cookie dough with a gooey caramel center and a drizzle of milk chocolate. These homemade cookies capture the iconic flavors of a Twix bar in a bite-sized form perfect for sharing.

The image shows round cookies laid close together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a beige, slightly cracked outer layer, with a shiny caramel layer in the center. On top of the caramel, there are small flakes of sea salt. Thin lines of dark brown chocolate drizzle run diagonally across the cookies, adding texture and contrast. The overall look is soft and rich, with a mix of smooth and cracked textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (222g) salted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups (137g) powdered sugar
1 egg
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (295g) cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
30 soft caramels
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 cup milk chocolate (melting wafers or chips, melted for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and egg until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to incorporate the flavor.
Step 4: Gradually mix in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until a very soft dough forms. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to ease handling.
Step 5: Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Lightly dip a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon in flour and press down the center of each dough ball to create a crater.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until they spread slightly but the centers remain indented.
Step 8: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press down the center again with a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to deepen the thumbprint. Do this while the cookies are still warm to prevent cracking.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 10: Microwave the soft caramels and milk together for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth.
Step 11: Spoon the caramel mixture into the center of each cookie and let it set. Refrigerate the cookies briefly to speed up the setting process if desired.
Step 12: Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the top of the caramel-filled cookies.
Step 13: Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use cake flour for a tender cookie; all-purpose flour can be substituted but may produce a slightly denser texture.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel before drizzling chocolate.
Substitute dark chocolate for the milk chocolate drizzle to add a richer contrast.
If soft caramels are unavailable, dulce de leche or homemade caramel sauce works well.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat briefly in a microwave if desired to soften the caramel.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of round cookies arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a light golden-brown base with a cracked texture, indicating a soft but slightly crunchy exterior. In the middle of each cookie is a shiny caramel layer with a smooth, slightly sticky look. This caramel center is topped with thin, dark chocolate drizzle, applied in three to four diagonal lines across the cookie. Scattered sparse flakes of coarse sea salt rest on the caramel, adding a touch of white contrast and extra texture. The cookies are evenly spaced and fill the frame, showing their gentle round shapes and appealing mix of textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted or unsalted butter?

Salted butter is recommended here to balance the sweetness, but if you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt to the dough.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when pressing the thumbprint?

Press the thumbprint while the cookies are warm right after baking. Waiting until they are cool can cause the cookies to crack when you press down.