twix bars
I enjoy baking and trying new goodies for special occasions and holidays. I came across this recipe just in time to try them out for my nephew's graduation party. They were a huge hit! I combined a couple of recipes and changed a few steps to simplify (in my opinion) and was very pleased with the outcome. The shortbread cookies are wonderful on their own and to use in other applications. Enjoy!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
These homemade Twix bars are amazing. Very similar to the candy bar, but better. The cookie is a buttery shortbread that's not overly sweet. The layer of caramel and chocolate add sweetness to this treat. They're not just for Halloween. Make them for a tasty homemade gift during the holidays. Ok... maybe these little guys are a little labor-intensive, but the process is very easy.
Ingredients
- SHORTBREAD COOKIE:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- CARMEL FILLING:
- 15 1/2 ounces soft caramels (about 1 1/2 bags)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- dash salt
- CHOCOLATE TOPPING:
- 12 ounces milk chocolate, cut into pieces (used large Hershey bars)
- 1 teaspoon Crisco, if needed to make the chocolate softer (didn't need)
How To Make twix bars
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Step 1For shortbread cookie: cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Step 2In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Step 3Slowly add this to the butter mixture. Finally, at low speed, add the milk and vanilla.
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Step 4Separate the dough into halves and wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate until the dough is as firm as a stick of butter.
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Step 5Now is the time to preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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Step 6Once your dough is firm enough to work with, either roll it out onto the sheet pan or press with fingers as was my preference to about 1/2-3/4" thickness.
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Step 7Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning the baking sheet front-to-back halfway through the baking time.
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Step 8For the caramel layer: Unwrap and place your caramel, milk, and salt in a microwaveable bowl and nuke for 1 minute at a time, stopping to stir, until nice and melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).
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Step 9Pour caramel over the baked shortbread. Put in the refrigerator to harden and set.
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Step 10Cut the shortbread/caramel layer into Twix size pieces or whatever shape you desire. Chill them in the freezer to firm them up before dipping.
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Step 11For the chocolate coating: Microwave the chocolate at 1 minute intervals while stirring until melted or use a double boiler method to melt.
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Step 12Dip the bars into the chocolate.
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Step 13Place them on waxed paper to set. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up setting. At this point, you will be getting anxious to try them!
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Step 14Once they are set, you are ready to enjoy them! I kept mine stored in the refrigerator to avoid melting, but they did not last long once set out and there were no leftovers.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!