There’s something absolutely magical about creating your own candy treats at home, and this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe is a shining example. Imagine buttery cookie bases topped with luscious caramel and cloaked in a rich chocolate coating, all in perfect bite-sized form. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic chocolate bar or want to impress your friends with a sweet surprise, these Twix Bites bring that classic flavor and satisfying crunch in a fun, homemade version that’s just begging to be shared.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together in a beautiful symphony of taste and texture. From the tender cookie foundation to the chewy caramel layer and finally the silky chocolate wrap, these simple pantry staples create the magic of homemade candy perfection.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the shortbread crust offers a tender but firm bite.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness and helps create a light crunch in the cookie.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture essential for the cookie layer.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: This gives the caramel its dreamy, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers deep caramel flavors and a subtle molasses hint.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Incorporated in the caramel for smooth richness.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization ensuring silky caramel perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, inviting aroma that ties everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips: Melted for the luscious coating; choose your favorite chocolate type!
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional): Helps create a glossy, smoother chocolate finish.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by mixing the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until creamy. Gradually add the flour to form a crumbly dough. Press this dough into an even layer in a lined baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle in the next steps.
Step 2: Bake the Cookie Base
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough for roughly 18–20 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. This creates the crisp, buttery base that is the hallmark of a great Twix Bite. Once baked, let it cool completely—this is crucial for the layered assembly.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Topping
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly, allowing the mixture to thicken and reach a soft boil for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour this luscious caramel evenly over the cooled cookie base and let it set for an hour at room temperature or pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Coating
Melt the chocolate chips and optional coconut or vegetable oil gently in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread it evenly. For that final touch, gently tap the pan so the chocolate smooths out perfectly. Let the entire tray chill until the chocolate hardens completely—about 1 to 2 hours in the fridge.
Step 5: Cut into Bites and Serve
Once your homemade candy has fully set, use a sharp knife to cut into 16 equal pieces. The result is perfectly portioned Homemade Twix Bites Recipe treats that deliver that iconic triple-layer delight in every mouthful.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets for an added flavor pop. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed toasted nuts or drizzle a little white chocolate on top. These subtle garnishes elevate the presentation without overwhelming the classic flavors of the bites.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the sweetness with a little bitterness. They also go brilliantly with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of lightly whipped cream. Both add cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the candy’s rich texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bites on a wooden platter surrounded by fresh berries or sprinkle edible gold dust for a fancy party spread. You can also place them in decorative mini cupcake liners for gifting or a charming dessert table. The bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing, so packaging them prettily will only enhance the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Twix Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookie base stays delightfully crisp, and the chocolate won’t lose its shine if kept away from heat and humidity.
Freezing
To enjoy these treats even later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store inside a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their delicious layers intact.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. If the chocolate feels too hard, just leave the bites out for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before indulging.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
While margarine can work in a pinch, using real unsalted butter yields the best flavor and texture for the cookie and caramel layers. Butter’s richness enhances the authentic Twix taste.
Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and cookie, giving your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe a more sophisticated edge.
How do I prevent the caramel from becoming grainy?
Stir constantly and avoid overheating the caramel. Adding corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, keeping your caramel smooth and creamy.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to choose one that works well in baking to maintain the texture of the shortbread base.
What’s the ideal way to cut the bites without cracking the chocolate?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. Making clean cuts quickly and wiping the knife between slices helps achieve neat, crack-free edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making candy from scratch, and this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe delivers classic, crowd-pleasing tastes wrapped up in a fun bite-sized package. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting friends, these little delights are bound to become a favorite. Don’t wait — grab your ingredients and dive into making these irresistible bites today!
Print
Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Twix Bites are delightful mini treats featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a rich caramel layer and coated in smooth milk or dark chocolate. These bites combine the classic flavors of Twix bars in a bite-sized form, perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the shortbread base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and combined. Press the dough evenly into a lined or greased baking pan to form the base. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the caramel layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns a light caramel color, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading.
- Assemble the layers: Pour and spread the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the caramel is firm.
- Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the bites: Once the caramel is firm, cut the layered shortbread and caramel into bite-sized pieces (about 16). Dip each piece into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated bites on parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature for the shortbread to ensure easy mixing.
- Ensure the caramel thickens enough so it sets properly on the base.
- Adding coconut or vegetable oil to chocolate helps achieve a smoother and shinier coating.
- Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
