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Home / Dessert

Turtle-Twix Thumbprint Cookies

3.93
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 03/25/2015

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


Thumbprint cookies are such a classic… this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate.  Tastes just like a Twix!


Easy to make shortbread cookies filled with a decadent caramel sauce and salty pecan pieces, drizzled with creamy melted chocolate…. they taste just like a Twix bar mixed with a turtle candy!

Turtle Twix Thumbprint Cookies | The Chunky Chef | Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

Okay, I have a very serious question… what is your favorite candy bar?  I know, I know… it’s hard to answer isn’t it?  I like wayyyyyy too many to list, (I am the CHUNKY chef after all lol), but one of them is definitely a Twix bar!  That crisp bottom, gooey center, all covered in rich milk chocolate… *drool*.  So when I came across this recipe for a Twix inspired cookie, I knew I absolutely had to try it!

I bet you’re probably thinking, “Ummm, twix doesn’t have pecans, ya crazy lady”.  And you’re right 😉  But there’s another candy I love, turtles, and I thought I would mesh the two together.  Man is it ever good!

I also made some regular Twix cookies, sans the toasted pecans… and they are equally good!

These cookies come together pretty quickly, the only real downtime you have is when the dough is chilling, and then once the cookies are cooling (although that doesn’t take too long).

You only need 5 ingredients for the shortbread cookie, and another 4 for the caramel and chocolate… so only 9 ingredients.  That’s all that’s standing in your way of some of these fantastic cookies!

Start by creaming your butter, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer).  Once it is light and fluffy, slowly add in your flour.

Tip:  I always add in my flour in 1/3 batches.  So no matter how much flour I’m adding, I still only add it in thirds.  This ensures a well combined dough 🙂

Your dough at this point will be packed and fairly firm.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 1 hour.

Roll some dough in your hands to form a ball, about the size of a marble.  I used my teaspoon measuring spoon and made it a rounded teaspoon of dough.  Place them on parchment paper lined baking sheets about 2 inches or so apart, I did 12 cookies per baking sheet.

Now you can use your thumb, or whatever you want, to make the indentation (the “thumbprint”).

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!
I used our corn on the cob holders, but you could use the round handle of a wooden spoon, or anything round that fits inside the cookie

Bake the cookies for 7-10 minutes (mine were done in 8).  As your cookies bake, the indentations will sort of puff up… that’s okay and easily fixed.

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!
Just use the same tool you used to make the first indentation and lightly press down again

Lay your cookies on a wire cooling rack for about 30 minutes or so, or until cooled.

For the caramel sauce, if you wanted to make your own… go for it!  I actually wanted to make my own salted caramel sauce, but was running short on time, so I used the caramel baking squares (Kraft brand) and just added a pinch of salt once it was melted 🙂

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

Use a teaspoon measuring spoon to pour a little caramel sauce in each cookie, careful not to overflow the indentation.  Although a little extra caramel is never really a bad thing 😉

Melt your chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cookies, let cool… then devour them!

I put the melted chocolate in a ziploc bag, sealed it, and then snipped off a corner to drizzle the chocolate.  However… I was a bit overzealous with the snipping, and cut off too much… so the chocolate pretty much just poured right out (as you can see in the top right picture in that collage).  Still tasted delicious, just wasn’t as “pretty”.

Turtle Twix Thumbprint Cookies | The Chunky Chef | Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

If you wanted to make your cookies “turtles” like I did… just chop some pecans, toast them for a few minutes in a small, dry skillet over medium low heat, until they smell toasty.  Add a few pieces inside the indentations of the cooled cookies, fill with caramel, top with a few more pieces, and drizzle with chocolate 🙂

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

I loved the extra flavor and texture from the toasted pecans, although my husband preferred the regular twix cookies 🙂

Turtle Twix Thumbprint Cookies | The Chunky Chef | Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

I’ve made these cookies several times, and each time is just as delicious as the first!  Once I didn’t have milk chocolate chips, so I substituted semi-sweet chips, and it worked, and was still really good… although not quite as “twix-like” as they are with the milk chocolate.  It’s really up to you 🙂

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

This recipe makes 24-36 cookies, depending on how small you make them, but could easily be doubled if you wanted.

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

I’m not even going to tell you all how many of these cookies I’ve eaten… here’s a hint… it’s A LOT  lol.  But seriously you guys, once you try one, you’ll understand… they’re so insanely delicious, and really do taste like a Twix bar!

Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

For the next batch, my husband has requested that they be dipped in chocolate… so that’s definitely an option as well!

If you’re a big fan of chocolate and caramel together, try my Gooey Carmelitas, you’ll love them!  Like the small, bite sized cookies?  My Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect little morsels 🙂

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Turtle Twix Thumbprint Cookies | The Chunky Chef | Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

Turtle-Twix Thumbprint Cookies

3.93 from 14 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
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Thumbprint cookies are such a classic... this spin on them includes a gooey caramel center and drizzled melted chocolate. Tastes just like a Twix!

Ingredients

  • Shortbread Layer:
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Caramel Filling:
  • 14 wrapped caramel candies like Kraft Caramels
  • 3 Tbsp heavy cream
  • pinch of salt if desired
  • 3-4 Tbsp chopped pecans toasted (optional)
  • Chocolate Drizzle:
  • 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  • For the shortbread cookie:
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add softened butter, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla. Beat with the paddle attachment at medium-low speed, scraping the bowl often, until light and creamy. Add one third of the flour; beat at low speed until just combined, repeat with remaining flour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Make indentation in center of each cookie with your thumb or whatever tool you choose. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until edges JUST begin to brown.
  • Repeat indentation once cookies are done baking, if necessary. Cool completely on wire cooling racks.
  • For the caramel filling:
  • Melt the caramel and heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds or so until it is fully melted and smooth. Add pinch of salt and stir. Using a teaspoon measuring spoon, fill each indentation with the caramel.
  • For the chocolate drizzle:
  • Pour vegetable oil over chocolate chips and melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring 30 seconds at a time until melted and smooth, and scoop into a ziploc bag. Barely snip the corner and drizzle over the cookies.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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3.93 from 14 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Miz Helen says

    Posted on 4/6 at 11:53 am

    Your cookies look fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/6 at 8:28 pm

      Thank you Miz Helen!! 😀

      Reply
  2. Karly says

    Posted on 4/5 at 8:46 pm

    These cookies look totally irresistible! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/6 at 9:29 am

      Thank you Karly!! Always a fun time at What’s Cookin’ Wednesday 😉

      Reply
  3. mila furman says

    Posted on 4/3 at 11:54 am

    Hey Amanda!!! These delicious cookies are one of my features at FoodieFRIDIY this week!!! Come on over and check out the other features!! Thanks for linking with us!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/3 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Mila!!! Thank you SO MUCH for featuring my cookies 😀

      Reply
  4. Amber says

    Posted on 4/2 at 12:01 pm

    These sound so great! I love twix bars!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/2 at 2:29 pm

      Thank you Amber!! Twix bars are so insanely good 😀

      Reply
  5. Ili Hernandez says

    Posted on 3/31 at 12:06 am

    Oh so pretty….and yummy looking!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/31 at 8:31 am

      Thank you Ili! I love how easy they are to make too 🙂

      Reply
  6. Katherines Corner says

    Posted on 3/29 at 1:07 pm

    pass the milk and I’ll take two please! Yum. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/29 at 8:43 pm

      Thank you so much Katherine!! 😀

      Reply
  7. Miz Helen says

    Posted on 3/28 at 2:10 pm

    Your Turtle Twix Thumbprint Cookies look delicious. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and have a fantastic weekend!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/29 at 8:39 pm

      Thank you, they’re definitely a favorite! 😀

      Reply
  8. Julianna says

    Posted on 3/27 at 5:20 pm

    Mmmmm….mmmmm….mmmm…. I am drooling again! You are on a roll, chef! Can’t wait to try this recipe, too! 🙂

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/27 at 9:17 pm

      Thank you so much!! If you try them, I hope you love them 😀

      Reply
  9. Jeannette says

    Posted on 3/27 at 4:16 pm

    Twix are my favorite candies! These are definitely going on my “must make ASAP” list. 🙂

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/27 at 9:16 pm

      Thank you Jeannette!! I hope you love them 😀

      Reply
  10. Simple Nature Decor says

    Posted on 3/27 at 2:57 pm

    Love if you share this delish post at my Fabulous Friday Party
    http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-party27/

    Thanks
    MAria

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/27 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you for the invite, I just shared 🙂

      Reply
  11. Lori says

    Posted on 3/27 at 1:08 pm

    Wow! Wow! Wow!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/27 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you Lori!! They are little bites of heaven 😀

      Reply
  12. Margherita says

    Posted on 3/27 at 9:45 am

    OMG! Too yummy! Thanks again for fulfilling the sweet tooth of the FF folks!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/27 at 10:14 am

      Thank you Margherita!! Beware though, these are very addicting 🙂 Happy FF!

      Reply
  13. Suzie@homemaker-mom says

    Posted on 3/26 at 11:16 pm

    Wow can I say wow. This looks so good Amanda!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/27 at 7:30 am

      Thank you so much Suzie!! 😀

      Reply
  14. Dini @ Giramuk's Kitchen says

    Posted on 3/26 at 8:50 pm

    Oh wow!! I need to have this 😀 I go through phases with favourite candy bars… It mostly switches between twix, Kit kat and Snickers! So you know I have to try this recipe!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/26 at 10:18 pm

      Thanks Dini!! Ohhh Kit Kats and Snickers are sooooo good too! Now I want some 😉 I hope you love these!

      Reply
  15. Pam@over50feeling40 says

    Posted on 3/26 at 10:01 am

    I usually make these with jam…but caramel and chocolate, I can so get into! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/26 at 2:55 pm

      Oooooh with jam would be delicious too Pam! 😀

      Reply
  16. Becky says

    Posted on 3/26 at 9:31 am

    Oh my gosh, I need these right now! Yes, it is breakfast time but I still need these.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/26 at 2:54 pm

      Thank you Becky!! Lol, I had some for breakfast 😉

      Reply
  17. Diana Rambles says

    Posted on 3/25 at 9:27 pm

    YUM!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/25 at 10:36 pm

      Thank you Diana!! 😀

      Reply
  18. Jess@CookingisMySport says

    Posted on 3/25 at 6:26 pm

    Congratulations: my stomach is growling. And it’s all your fault. I hope you’re happy with yourself.

    😉

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/25 at 8:30 pm

      Hehehe, extremely happy 😉 Lol!

      Reply
  19. Julie is HostessAtHeart says

    Posted on 3/25 at 11:44 am

    Oh my, since they are small I can eat more!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/25 at 3:46 pm

      Exactly Julie! They’re like diet cookies right? 😉

      Reply
  20. Stephanie says

    Posted on 3/25 at 10:15 am

    Ahhhhh what are ya doin’ to me! Twix is 100% one of my favorites, if not my VERY favorite candy bar! The hubs too! I LOVE this twist on them though, it’s really funny how alike we are b/c I have had “homemade twix” on my ‘Recipes to make’ list for a few weeks now…. this version looks even better though!! I’m obsessed with shortbread cookies, I realized that when I made the Samoa cookies! Welp, I could go on for days… guess I’ll have to make this too!! 🙂 Off to Pinterest I go!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/25 at 3:44 pm

      Hehehehe, man we really are sisters from another mother lol. Too funny that you love Twix, not too many people consider it a favorite 😀 These are so fun to make… and yeah, to eat too! Lol.

      Reply
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