Embark on a culinary adventure with these delightful Twix Thumbprint Cookies. Replicating the beloved flavors of a Twix bar in a sophisticated cookie form, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The pockets of rich caramel, chocolate drizzle, and a hint of sea salt make these cookies a treat for the senses.
While most ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to look out for Maldon sea salt flakes and soft caramels. Maldon sea salt flakes have a unique, pyramid-like structure that adds a delicate crunch and a burst of flavor to baked goods. Soft caramels are essential for the cookie's filling; ensure you choose a good quality brand for a smooth and flavorful caramel center.
Ingredients Needed for Twix Thumbprint Cookies
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, gives structure and texture.
Salt: Enhances the sweet flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them brown.
Egg yolks: Add moisture and bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Soft caramels: Used to create a smooth, sweet caramel filling.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the caramel filling.
Milk chocolate chips: Melted for the chocolate drizzle.
Maldon sea salt flakes: Adds a gourmet touch and balances the sweetness.
One reader, Alie Alcantar says:
These Twix thumbprint cookies are a game-changer! The buttery, crumbly cookies with gooey caramel and rich chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful treat!
Techniques Required for Making Twix Thumbprint Cookies
How to make the cookie dough: Combine the flour and salt, then cream together the butter and sugar. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, then slowly add the flour mixture until combined. Shape the dough into balls and make an indentation in the middle with your thumb.
How to chill the cookies: Place the shaped cookie dough on a flat surface and make an indentation in the middle with your thumb. Transfer the cookies to plates and chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Transfer the chilled cookies to a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner or parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes until set.
How to make the caramel filling: Add caramels and cream to a medium mixing bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth. Spoon the caramel into the center of the thumbprints, adding just enough to fit without overflowing.
How to make the chocolate drizzle: Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a small resealable bag or piping bag, cut a tiny tip from the corner, and drizzle over the top of the cookies. Sprinkle with sea salt.
How to store the cookies: Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.
How To Make Twix Thumbprint Cookies
This thumbprint cookies recipe is buttery and rich with a fragrant combination of sweet and salty caramel in the middle and sprinkled with chocolate sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2 ¼cupsall-purpose flour
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupunsalted butter
- 2/3cupgranulated sugar
- 2largeegg yolks
- 1 ½tspvanilla extract
- 26soft caramels
- 3 ½tbspheavy cream
- ¾cupmilk chocolate chips
- Maldon sea salt flakes
Instructions
For the cookies
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In a mixing bowl whisk together flour and salt. Cream together butter and sugar until well combined using an electric mixer.
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Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract then with mixer set on low speed, slowly add in flour mixture and mix just until combined.
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Scoop dough out and shape into balls then place on a flat surface and make an indentation in the middle of cookies with a thumb.
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Transfer to plates and chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F halfway through chilling cookies.
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Transfer cookies to a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner or parchment paper, spacing cookies 2-inches apart. Bake in preheated oven 14 to 15 minutes until set.
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Remove from oven and immediately use the back of a rounded teaspoon to make a deeper indentation in the center.
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Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
For the caramel filling
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Add caramels and cream to a medium mixing bowl. Heat in microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth.
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Spoon caramel into the center of thumbprints adding just enough to fit without overflowing. Rewarm as needed.
For the chocolate drizzle
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Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth.
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Pour melted chocolate into a small resealable bag or piping bag, cut a tiny tip from the corner, and drizzle over the top of cookies. Sprinkle with sea salt.
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Allow chocolate to set at room temperature or in refrigerator. Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1759.62kcal
- Fat: 66.76g
- Saturated Fat: 40.57g
- Trans Fat: 0.68g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.70g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.35g
- Carbohydrates: 261.58g
- Fiber: 9.42g
- Sugar: 152.28g
- Protein: 24.62g
- Cholesterol: 85.41mg
- Sodium: 910.80mg
- Calcium: 305.75mg
- Potassium: 174.80mg
- Iron: 8.62mg
- Vitamin A: 122.85µg
- Vitamin C: 1.47mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Twix Thumbprint Cookies
When making the caramel filling for these cookies, it's important to heat the caramels and cream in the microwave in short intervals, stirring well in between. This ensures that the caramel melts evenly without burning or becoming too hard. If the caramel does become too thick or hard, simply add a little more cream and continue to heat in short bursts until it reaches the desired consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Twix Thumbprint Cookies
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes will make it easier to handle and shape into balls.
Use a piping bag: Use a piping bag to fill the cookies with caramel and drizzle the chocolate for a more precise and efficient process.
Prep the ingredients: Measure and prepare all the ingredients before starting to make the recipe for a smoother and quicker baking process.
Use a silicone liner: Using a silicone liner on the baking sheet will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Double the batch: Consider doubling the batch and freezing half for later to have ready-to-bake cookies on hand for future use.
Prep ahead: Make the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking to save time on the day of baking.
Multi-task: While the cookies are chilling or baking, prepare the caramel filling and chocolate drizzle to maximize efficiency.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help create uniformly sized cookies, saving time on shaping and ensuring even baking.
Plan ahead: Plan the baking process to allow for cooling and setting times, and consider making the cookies a day ahead to save time on the day of serving.
Substitute Ingredients For Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a replacement for regular all-purpose flour.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking recipes. Use it in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for butter.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to granulated sugar. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute in most recipes.
large egg yolks - Substitute with flaxseed meal: To replace egg yolks, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This works as a binding agent in recipes.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder is a healthier alternative to cocoa powder, as it is less processed and retains more nutrients. It can be used in the same quantity as cocoa powder in recipes.
soft caramels - Substitute with homemade caramel sauce: Make a homemade caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream. Allow it to cool and thicken before using it as a substitute for soft caramels in the recipe.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. When chilled, the thick part of canned coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in recipes.
milk chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for milk chocolate chips. They have a richer flavor and slightly lower sugar content, making them a great alternative for those who prefer less sweetness.
How to Beautifully Present Twix Thumbprint Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Present the cookies in a larger format to make a bold statement on the plate. This will create a visually striking and indulgent presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a delicate and precise hand to drizzle the chocolate over the cookies, creating an elegant and artistic touch that showcases attention to detail.
Utilize negative space: Arrange the cookies on the plate with ample space between each one, allowing the eye to focus on the individual beauty of the cookies and the artful presentation.
Highlight the caramel filling: Ensure the caramel filling is generously and precisely placed in the center of each cookie, creating a luxurious and enticing focal point.
Garnish with edible gold leaf: Add a touch of luxury by delicately placing edible gold leaf on the plate, elevating the overall presentation and adding a touch of opulence.
Incorporate a modern twist: Consider presenting the cookies on a sleek, minimalist plate to add a contemporary flair to the classic dessert, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation that exudes sophistication.
Use a monochromatic color scheme: Coordinate the plate and garnishes with a monochromatic color scheme, allowing the rich, golden hues of the cookies to take center stage and exude elegance.
Essential Tools for Making Thumbprint Cookies
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to cream together the butter and sugar, and to mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet lined with a silicone liner or parchment paper is used to bake the cookies.
Microwave-safe bowl: This is used to melt the caramel and chocolate chips in the microwave.
Small resealable bag or piping bag: This is used to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
Teaspoon: A rounded teaspoon is used to make a deeper indentation in the center of the cookies after they are baked.
Flat surface: A flat surface is used to shape the cookie dough into balls and make an indentation in the middle of the cookies with a thumb.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies after they are baked.
Microwave: The microwave is used to melt the caramels and chocolate chips for the filling and drizzle.
How To Store and Freeze Twix Thumbprint Cookies
To store the Twix thumbprint cookies, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Arrange the cookies in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together or getting damaged. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If you want to keep the cookies fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until they are firm, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. The thumbprint cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. If you prefer to serve them slightly warm, you can reheat the thawed cookies in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes.
If you have leftover caramel filling or melted chocolate, you can store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The caramel filling can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds until it becomes smooth and pourable again. The melted chocolate can be reheated using the same method as before, stirring well between intervals, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Twix Thumbprint Cookies
The best way to reheat leftover twix thumbprint cookies is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and the chocolate and caramel are slightly melted. This method helps maintain the cookies' texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the cookies in the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as the chocolate and caramel can burn quickly in the microwave.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center, try reheating the cookies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and the chocolate and caramel are slightly melted.
If you want to enjoy your leftover twix thumbprint cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, try warming them up in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. Serve immediately with a scoop of ice cream on top for a decadent treat.
Random Fact About Twix Thumbprint Cookies
The Twix Thumbprint Cookies recipe is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a classic candy bar with a traditional cookie. These cookies are a perfect balance of buttery, crumbly cookie base, gooey caramel filling, and rich chocolate drizzle. They are a fun and delicious twist on the popular candy bar.
Is Making Twix Thumbprint Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Twix thumbprint cookies recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. While the use of butter, sugar, and flour is economical, the inclusion of caramels and chocolate chips may increase the overall cost. However, considering the yield and the joy it brings, this recipe is a delightful treat for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, the verdict for this recipe is an 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable indulgence for a sweet tooth.
Are Twix Thumbprint Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for Twix thumbprint cookies is relatively unhealthy due to several factors:
- High in calories: The recipe contains a significant amount of butter, sugar, and heavy cream, which contribute to a high calorie count.
- Refined carbohydrates: All-purpose flour is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Saturated fat: Butter and heavy cream are high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
- Added sugars: The recipe includes granulated sugar and caramel, both of which are sources of added sugars. Excessive intake of added sugars has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of butter and replace a portion of it with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to lower the saturated fat content
- Use a sugar substitute like Swerve or Stevia to decrease the amount of added sugars in the recipe
- Opt for dark chocolate chips with a high cocoa content (70% or above) instead of milk chocolate chips to reduce sugar and increase antioxidants
- Use a smaller amount of caramel filling or replace it with a homemade date caramel made from blended dates and almond milk
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Cookie Recipe
The Twix Thumbprint Cookies recipe is a delightful combination of buttery cookies, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. The cookie base is perfectly tender and the thumbprint creates a perfect well for the luscious caramel filling. The addition of a chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt flakes adds a touch of elegance and a delightful contrast of flavors. This recipe is a wonderful twist on the classic Twix candy bar, and it's sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Enhance Your Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Twix Thumbprint Cookies Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic thumbprint cookies, featuring a buttery and tender cookie base with a rich caramel filling and a decadent chocolate drizzle. The combination of sweet caramel and milk chocolate creates a luscious and indulgent flavor profile, while the addition of maldon sea salt flakes provides a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. With its carefully crafted steps and quality ingredients such as unsalted butter and vanilla extract, this recipe guarantees a delightful and satisfying treat for any occasion.
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