Twix Thumbprint Caramel Cookies

This buttery tender thumbprint cookie filled with an easy sweet caramel filling and finished with a milk chocolate drizzle and flaked sea salt is a real crowd-pleaser. These cookies taste like Twix but better, combining buttery texture with gooey caramel and rich chocolate for an irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing or storing for a cookie craving anytime.

I first made these when I was craving a cookie that combined chocolate and caramel. Now they are a regular request for holiday baking and special occasions because everyone falls for that classic Twix vibe intensified in a homemade way.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides the sturdy base for tender cookies use fresh flour for best results
• Salt: enhances all the flavors, so do not skip it
• Unsalted butter: softened halfway ensures the right texture butter that is too soft will make cookies spread too much
• Granulated sugar: adds sweet crunch and lightness
• Large egg yolks: enrich the dough for a soft crumb
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors with warmth and aroma
• Soft caramels: like Kraft melt smoothly to create a luscious filling
• Heavy cream: helps to loosen the caramel for easier filling
• Milk chocolate chips or good quality chopped chocolate: give a creamy rich drizzle to finish
• Flaked sea salt: adds a contrasting pop enhancing the flavor, optional but highly recommended

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together all purpose flour and salt in a mixing bowl to evenly distribute salt and remove any lumps for a smooth dough

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the dough for tender cookies

Add Yolks and Vanilla:

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract completely for flavor and richness, scraping down the bowl as needed

Incorporate Flour Mixture:

With mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour and salt mixture and blend just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough

Shape and Chill Dough:

Scoop dough into one tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Press an indentation in the center with your thumb on a flat surface before chilling. Transfer to plates spaced apart and chill for 45 to 60 minutes. This firms up the dough for neat shapes and less spreading

Preheat Oven:

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit halfway through chilling to be ready

Bake:

Place chilled dough balls onto lined baking sheets spaced two inches apart. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes until set but not browned. Remove immediately and press the center indentation deeper with the back of a rounded teaspoon as it relaxes in the heat

Cool:

Allow cookies to cool on sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely

Prepare Caramel Filling:

Microwave caramels and heavy cream in 30 second increments at half power stirring between each until smooth and melted

Fill Cookies:

Spoon about one heaping teaspoon of caramel into each thumbprint cavity taking care not to overflow. Reheat caramel as needed to maintain pourable consistency

Melt Chocolate and Drizzle:

Microwave chocolate chips in 30 second increments at half power stirring until smooth. Transfer to a small piping bag and drizzle over cookies. Finish by sprinkling sea salt flakes if desired

Set and Store:

Let chocolate set at room temperature or chill briefly. Store cookies in single layer airtight container at room temperature

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Storage Tips

Store Twix Thumbprint Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain the crisp texture of the cookies with soft caramel centers. Avoid stacking to prevent the chocolate drizzle from smudging. These also freeze well for up to two months—just thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the all purpose flour for a gluten free blend if needed but expect a slightly different texture. For caramel, homemade soft caramel or other brand caramels will work fine just ensure they melt smoothly with cream. Use dark or semi sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a less sweet finish. If sea salt flakes are not available, sprinkle just a tiny pinch of fine salt to add that flavor contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies make a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon coffee or tea. Try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also fit beautifully on a holiday cookie platter or as favors for parties and gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of flour is best for these cookies?

All-purpose flour provides the ideal balance for a tender yet sturdy crumb, helping the cookies hold their shape around the caramel filling.

→ How does chilling the dough affect the cookies?

Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, preventing spreading during baking and keeping the thumbprint indentations defined for filling.

→ Can I use a different caramel for the filling?

Yes, any soft caramel candies that melt smoothly work well. Melt gently to avoid scorching and maintain a creamy texture.

→ What is the purpose of the sea salt flakes on top?

Sprinkling flaky sea salt balances the sweetness by adding a subtle salty contrast and enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors.

→ How should these cookies be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in a single layer within an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cookies tender and preserves the caramel filling.

→ Can I substitute the milk chocolate drizzle with dark chocolate?

Absolutely. Dark chocolate provides a more intense flavor and pairs nicely with the caramel's sweetness and buttery dough.