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Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 327 reviews

Delightfully rich and indulgent Twix Thumbprint Cookies featuring a buttery cookie base filled with gooey caramel and topped with smooth milk chocolate drizzle and a hint of flaky sea salt. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade twist on a classic candy bar favorite.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling

  • 35 soft chewy caramel candies (Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels), unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Chocolate Topping

  • 4 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers (approximately ½ cup)
  • Flaky sea salt (Maldon or Fleur de Sel) (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside for later use.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract for another 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated, creating a smooth mixture.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt while mixing on low speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough forms a thick, cohesive ball and is not crumbly.
  5. Shape Cookies: Use a 1-inch (about 1 tablespoon) cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each portion into a smooth ball with your palms.
  6. Form Thumbprints: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spacing them 1 to 1 ½ inches apart. Press an indent into the center of each cookie gently with your thumb or a small rounded spoon dipped in flour to avoid sticking.
  7. Chill Dough: Transfer the baking sheet with formed cookies to the freezer for 30 minutes to chill and firm up the dough.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  9. Bake in Batches: Remove one baking sheet from the freezer and place 12 chilled cookies spaced about 2 inches apart on the second baking sheet. Keep the other sheet frozen. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
  10. Shape Indents Post-Baking: Immediately after baking, gently press down the indents if they have puffed up. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat baking with remaining dough.
  11. Melt Caramel: In a medium bowl, combine unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until melted and smooth.
  12. Fill Cookies: Spoon just under 1 teaspoon of the warm caramel sauce into each cookie’s indent, taking care not to overfill.
  13. Melt Chocolate: Melt the milk chocolate wafers according to package instructions, typically in 30-40 second microwave increments with stirring to achieve a smooth consistency.
  14. Drizzle Chocolate: Transfer melted chocolate to a piping bag with a cut tip or use a small spoon to drizzle over the caramel-filled cookies decoratively.
  15. Add Sea Salt (Optional): While chocolate is still soft, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a subtle salty contrast to the sweet flavors.
  16. Set and Serve: Let the cookies sit for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to harden before plating and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg yolks for better incorporation into the dough.
  • Dipping your thumb or spoon in flour prevents sticking when making indents.
  • Chilling dough before baking helps maintain cookie shape and prevents spreading.
  • Baking in batches and keeping remaining dough chilled ensures even baking and shape retention.
  • Microwave caramel and chocolate in short intervals to avoid overheating and seizing.
  • Add flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch that balances the sweetness.

Keywords: Twix Cookies, Thumbprint Cookies, Caramel Cookies, Chocolate Drizzle Cookies, Homemade Candy Bar Cookies, Dessert Cookies, Holiday Cookies