Twix Thumbprint Cookies are a playful homage to the candy bar, with tender shortbread dough baked into rounds, indented for gooey caramel filling, and drizzled with milk chocolate—ideal for holidays, cookie exchanges, or sweet snacks with make-ahead dough and easy assembly. This 45-minute recipe yields 2–3 dozen cookies, serving 12–18 at ~150 calories each, capturing Twix’s crunch and chew in homemade form. For more thumbprint ideas, explore our Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe, which uses similar indents for chocolate kisses.
What is the Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe?
The Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a shortbread-style cookie where buttery dough is creamed with sugar and vanilla, rolled into balls, baked briefly, then thumbprinted for caramel (store-bought or homemade), finished with melted chocolate drizzle—perfect for treats. This nostalgic essential uses the indent technique for filling hold, mimicking Twix’s biscuit-caramel-chocolate layers. If you’re craving candy-inspired baking, follow the Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to nutty sweets like our Perfect Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, where caramel adds gooeyness.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These cookies charm with simple rolling and filling, making them a baking staple.
Quick Thumbprint Ease
Mix in 10 minutes, bake 12—chill dough for shape. Ideal for holidays, like indents in our Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe.
Buttery Caramel-Chocolate Bliss
Shortbread tenderness with caramel chew and chocolate snap—customize with sea salt, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
One bowl and sheets; pantry staples like caramel—stress-free, much like our Moist Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.
Versatile Sweet Bite
Yields 24–36; gluten-free with oat flour. Pairs with tea from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for contrast.
Light Indulgence
Balanced at ~150 calories/cookie; fun yet portioned, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Golden rounds with caramel pools and chocolate zigzags—add nuts for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12–18 (24–36 cookies)
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Filling & Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche (store-bought)
- 4 oz milk chocolate, melted (or chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Cream Dough: Beat 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup sugar 2 minutes until fluffy. Add 2 tsp vanilla; mix well.
- Add Dry: Stir in 2 cups flour, ½ tsp salt, and optional pecans until dough forms (do not overmix).
- Chill: Shape into 1-inch balls; place on parchment-lined sheets. Chill 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake balls 10 minutes; remove and press thumbprint in center (½-inch deep). Bake 2–4 more minutes until edges golden. Cool on racks.
- Fill and Drizzle: Spoon 1 tsp caramel into indents. Drizzle melted chocolate over tops. Let set 10 minutes.
Nutrition (Per Cookie): ~150 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): For tenderness; room temp for creaming.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens lightly for shortbread.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Structure; oat for GF like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balance.
- Pecans (¼ cup chopped, optional): Crunch.
Filling & Topping Ingredients
- Caramel Sauce (½ cup): Gooey center; dulce de leche for creaminess.
- Milk Chocolate (4 oz, melted): Drizzle; chips for ease.
These mimic Twix layers simply.
How to Make Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Focus on chilling and gentle pressing for essential shape.
Step 1: Dough Creaming
Beat butter/sugar fluffy—essential for tenderness.
Step 2: Dry Addition
Stir in flour/salt/pecans—do not overmix, like in our Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Roll balls; chill for firmness.
Step 4: Bake and Indent
Bake partially; press indents carefully to avoid cracking.
Step 5: Fill and Drizzle
Add caramel; melt and zig-zag chocolate. Let set.
Inspired by thumbprints? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers dough tips. For a classic external take, try this Thumbprint Cookies recipe from Allrecipes, which indents for fillings.
Storage and Shelf Life
Room temp airtight 3–4 days; refrigerate up to 1 week (caramel softens). Freeze baked up to 2 months (unglazed); thaw and drizzle. Signs of spoilage: moldy caramel, stale crumb—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe, freeze for freshness.)
Tips and Variations
Use room-temp butter; chill dough to prevent spreading. Variations: Salted caramel for twist, dark chocolate for bitterness. For vegan, use plant butter/caramel. Essential: Press indents while warm. Like nut balance in the Perfect Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, add sea salt.
Conclusion
Twix Thumbprint Cookies are a buttery, caramel-chocolate essential for sweet bites—tender, gooey, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to cookie. From picks to storage, success every thumbprint. Bake ahead, fill and share with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for savory