Twix Thumbprint Cookies - A Holiday Delight

Quick-Answer Summary Line: Delight your loved ones with these indulgent Twix Thumbprint Cookies!

Format: Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 24 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature

Quick Answer

To make Twix Thumbprint Cookies, combine a chocolate cookie base with caramel filling and a drizzled chocolate topping for a festive treat that will impress anyone!

There's something magical about the holiday season in New York City. The air is crisp, the windows are adorned with twinkling lights, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the streets, tempting me to experiment in my kitchen. This year, I'm excited to share a delightful recipe that merges nostalgia with indulgence-Twix Thumbprint Cookies. These cookies are not just any treat; they're the love child of a classic thumbprint cookie and the famous Twix bar, making them a perfect dessert to share at holiday gatherings.

A Festive Treat for Every Celebration

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Combines the nostalgia of thumbprint cookies with the indulgence of Twix bars.
• Perfectly balances rich chocolate, buttery dough, and gooey caramel.
• A delightful treat that's easy to share at holiday gatherings.
• Simple steps make it fun for bakers of all skill levels.
• The cookies taste even better the next day, enhancing flavors.

Ingredients

To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following:

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Fillings and Toppings

• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make Twix Thumbprint Cookies (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is easy to follow and ends with an irresistibly delicious result.

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, I begin by creaming the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy-about 3 minutes. This can be done using a hand mixer or stand mixer. The smell alone makes me feel like it's already a festive occasion! I then add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Next, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually, I combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mixing just until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not runny.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

To make handling the dough easier, I cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only helps to firm up the dough but also intensifies the flavors.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, I scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, I place them about 2 inches apart. The aroma of the butter and cocoa is already intoxicating!

Now comes the fun part: using my thumb (or the back of a measuring spoon), I gently press down into the center of each ball to create a well capable of holding caramel. When the cookies finish baking in about 12-15 minutes, the edges will be set while the centers still jiggle slightly. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 4: Fill with Caramel

Once cooled, I spoon in a generous amount of caramel sauce into each thumbprint. It's a gooey delight that brings those classic Twix flavors to life!

Step 5: Top with Chocolate

Finally, I melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. I drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-filled cookies, letting it set slightly before digging in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Chill: Don't rush the chilling process. It helps the cookies hold their shape and not spread too much.
• Overbaking: For the perfect texture, keep an eye on baking times; you want the centers to remain soft and slightly underbaked for that delightful chew.
• Using Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the right creaminess and uniform mixing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Consider adding a dash of espresso powder to the dough for an enhanced chocolate flavor.
• These cookies look even more festive with a sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate drizzle before it sets.
• These cookies are freezer-friendly-make a double batch and freeze half for a later date!

Variations

• Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
• Substitute caramel sauce with peanut butter for a nutty twist.
• Add crushed nuts into the filling for crunch.

How to Serve

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.
• Try serving on a festive platter decorated with holiday accents.
• For a fun twist, serve with my Simple Garlic Roasted Green Beans.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

During my testing of these cookies, I discovered that patience truly pays off. Waiting for them to cool was tough, but it allowed the caramel to set perfectly. Plus, the compliment of flavors-a rich cookie, sweet caramel, and a luscious chocolate drizzle-makes any holiday gathering feel extra special.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 24 cookies · Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 2g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat

FAQs

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