Storage Options
Store your Twix cookie dough bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to three months. Allow frozen bites to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Keep them chilled to maintain their shape and prevent the chocolate from becoming too soft.
Summary
These no-bake Twix cookie dough bites combine buttery cookie dough, caramel centers, and chocolate coating to create an irresistible homemade version of the beloved candy bar. Ready in just 45 minutes with no oven required, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Small saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for chocolate
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Caramel Filling:
- 20 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the flour: Spread flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to heat-treat. Let cool completely.
- Make cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the cooled flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Assemble bites: Remove cookie dough balls from refrigerator. Using your thumb, create an indentation in each ball. Fill with a small amount of caramel and reshape the dough around it, sealing completely.
- Melt chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
- Coat bites: Dip each cookie dough bite into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper and refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 15 minutes.
Notes
Heat-treating flour eliminates potential bacteria, making the raw cookie dough safe to consume. If you don’t want to heat-treat flour yourself, you can purchase edible cookie dough flour from specialty baking stores. The caramel should be warm but not hot when assembling to prevent melting the cookie dough. Work quickly when coating with chocolate to ensure even coverage.
Tips for Success
Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted for the best cookie dough texture. When shaping the Twix cookie dough bites, keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking. If the caramel becomes too thick while working, briefly reheat it in the microwave. For easier chocolate coating, use a fork to dip and lift each bite, tapping gently to remove excess chocolate. Chill the shaped cookie dough balls thoroughly before adding caramel to maintain their structure.
Additional Tips and Variations
Create different flavor profiles by substituting the mini chocolate chips with butterscotch chips, chopped pecans, or toffee bits. For a salted caramel version, add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel mixture. Dark chocolate lovers can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer coating. Make them extra indulgent by drizzling with additional melted caramel after the chocolate sets. For holidays, add food coloring to white chocolate coating or roll the finished bites in colored sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these Twix cookie dough bites without heat-treating the flour? A: While heat-treating flour is recommended for food safety when consuming raw cookie dough, you can substitute with pasteurized flour or edible cookie dough flour available in stores.
Q: How long do these treats last? A: Properly stored in the refrigerator, Twix cookie dough bites will stay fresh for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels? A: Yes, you can use thick caramel sauce, but it should be thick enough to hold its shape when enclosed in the cookie dough. You may need to cook store-bought sauce briefly to thicken it.
Q: What if my chocolate coating is too thick? A: Add a bit more coconut oil or shortening to thin the chocolate. The coating should flow smoothly but not be so thin that it doesn’t provide good coverage.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free? A: Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter, use non-dairy milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel candies.
Conclusion
These homemade Twix cookie dough bites offer all the satisfaction of the classic candy bar with the added joy of creating something special in your own kitchen. The combination of buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. With no baking required and endless possibilities for customization, these Twix cookie dough bites are destined to become a favorite go-to recipe for satisfying sweet cravings and impressing friends and family with your culinary creativity.