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These Twix thumbprint cookies bring the perfect balance of buttery cookie, gooey caramel, and smooth milk chocolate. They are a nostalgic treat that captures the spirit of the classic candy bar but in a homemade form that’s a bit more special. Whether for a party or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies never fail to impress.
I remember making these once for a family gathering and watching everyone light up when they took their first bite. Now they ask me to bring them every time we get together.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: soft and creamy is essential to create a tender cookie dough that isn’t greasy
- Granulated sugar: provides just the right sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up nicely around the edges
- Egg yolks: add richness and help bind the dough for a perfect texture
- Vanilla extract: boosts the flavor with its warm aromatic notes
- All-purpose flour: forms the dough base; make sure it’s fresh to avoid any stale flavors
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, a pinch makes a big difference
- Soft chewy caramel candies: for that luscious, sticky filling; avoid hard caramels to keep the gooey center
- Heavy cream: smooths the caramel and helps achieve the right consistency for filling
- Milk chocolate melting wafers: melt evenly and create a silky drizzle without seizing
- Flaky sea salt: optional but highly recommended as a finishing touch to add crunch and highlight the chocolate caramel combo
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scoop and Chill the Dough:
- Scoop the cookie dough into one-inch balls using a spoon or your hands. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper leaving space in between. Press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each ball to create a thumbprint. Chill these in the freezer for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once chilled, bake cookies for 13 to 14 minutes until their edges turn lightly golden but centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes so they set up slightly, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- In short bursts, melt the caramel candies together with heavy cream in the microwave. Stir between intervals to prevent burning. The goal is a smooth thick sauce that can be spooned easily without running all over.
- Fill and Decorate:
- Spoon the warm caramel into each cookie’s thumbprint gently, avoiding overfilling to keep neat edges. Melt the milk chocolate wafers until smooth and then drizzle this over the caramel-filled cookies creating an inviting chocolate swirl. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch. Let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes before serving.
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Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in single layers separated by parchment paper and thaw before serving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find milk chocolate melting wafers, use a good quality milk chocolate bar chopped finely and melted slowly but watch carefully to prevent burning. For caramel, you can use homemade caramel sauce but reduce heavy cream slightly to keep it thick enough to hold in the cookie.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a perfect treat with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a lovely gift when wrapped in a festive tin with parchment paper layers. To impress guests, serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of softened butter and the chilling step helps maintain moisture and prevents spreading, resulting in soft, chewy cookies.
- → How do I prevent the caramel from burning when melting?
Microwave the caramel candies in short intervals, stirring between each, to melt evenly without scorching.
- → Can I substitute the milk chocolate drizzle with dark chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate can be melted and drizzled over the cookies for a richer flavor contrast.
- → Is flaky sea salt necessary?
Flaky sea salt adds a savory touch to balance the sweetness but is optional based on personal preference.
- → Why is chilling the dough important before baking?
Chilling solidifies the butter, reducing spreading during baking and helping the cookies keep their shape.