Rolo Twix Bites

Imagine biting into a decadent treat that combines the gooey caramel of Rolo Twix Bites with the satisfying crunch of chocolate-covered cookie layers. These irresistible homemade Rolo Twix Bites deliver an explosion of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. The rich chocolate coating gives way to chewy caramel and crisp shortbread in every bite, creating the perfect sweet indulgence for any occasion. You’ll learn how to create these show-stopping treats with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques that guarantee perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade Rolo Twix Bites will quickly become your new favorite treat to make and share. Unlike store-bought candy, these bites deliver an unmatched freshness with their buttery shortbread base that crumbles perfectly between your teeth before giving way to the sticky, sweet caramel center. The contrast between the crisp cookie layer, the soft caramel, and the smooth chocolate coating creates a symphony of textures in each bite-sized piece.

The recipe is remarkably versatile, allowing you to customize the size of your bites or even the intensity of flavors. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Rolo Twix Bites are surprisingly simple to prepare with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The visual appeal of these treats makes them perfect for gift-giving, party platters, or simply enjoying as a special homemade indulgence when that sweet craving hits.

Best of all, these bites deliver that perfect balance of salty and sweet that makes candy like Twix and Rolo so irresistible, but with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into making them.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 24 Rolo candies, unwrapped

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups (350g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) coconut oil or shortening

The shortbread base forms the crisp foundation of these Rolo Twix Bites, so using high-quality butter will enhance the rich, buttery flavor. For the caramel layer, fresh heavy cream creates that smooth, luscious texture that perfectly complements the Rolo candies. The chocolate coating benefits from adding coconut oil, which creates a shiny finish and prevents the chocolate from becoming too brittle when chilled.

Pro Tips

Perfect Shortbread Base
For the ideal shortbread texture, avoid overmixing your dough once the flour is added. Mix just until the ingredients come together into a soft, pliable dough. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can make your shortbread tough rather than tender and crumbly. After pressing the dough into your pan, use a fork to prick the surface all over—this prevents air bubbles from forming and ensures even baking.

Caramel Success
When making the caramel, patience is key. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat the sugar slowly until it melts completely before adding other ingredients. Resist the urge to stir while the sugar is melting—instead, gently swirl the pan if needed. Keep a candy thermometer handy and aim for 240°F (soft ball stage) for the perfect caramel consistency that’s firm enough to slice but still pleasantly chewy in the finished Rolo Twix Bites.

Chocolate Coating Technique
For a professional-looking chocolate finish, ensure your caramel layer is completely set and chilled before coating. The addition of coconut oil to your melted chocolate creates a thinner consistency that’s easier to work with and sets with a beautiful shine. For the cleanest dipping results, use a fork to dip each bite, then tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate before placing on parchment paper to set.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until combined. The mixture will look crumbly but should hold together when pressed. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press evenly into the bottom. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or measuring cup. Prick the surface with a fork and bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Create the Caramel Layer
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, spread sugar in an even layer and heat over medium-low heat. As the sugar begins to melt, you’ll see it turning amber at the edges. Gently swirl the pan occasionally to help it melt evenly, but avoid stirring. Once the sugar has completely melted and turned a deep amber color, carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously). Whisk until the butter is incorporated, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add the Rolo Layer
Pour half of your caramel over the cooled shortbread base. Arrange the unwrapped Rolo candies in rows across the caramel while it’s still warm. Pour the remaining caramel over the Rolos, using a spatula to ensure they’re completely covered. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill until the caramel layer is set, about 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Slice and Prepare for Coating
Once the caramel is set, remove from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into 24 bite-sized squares. If the caramel is too firm to cut cleanly, let it stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes first. Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and return to the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate coating.

Step 5: Dip in Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Let the chocolate cool slightly but remain pourable. Using a fork, dip each caramel-shortbread square into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining Rolo Twix Bites. Refrigerate until chocolate is completely set, about 30 minutes.

Variations

White Chocolate Rolo Twix Bites
For a striking visual contrast and a sweeter flavor profile, substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate in the coating. The creamy vanilla notes of white chocolate pair beautifully with the rich caramel and buttery shortbread. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for an elegant sweet-and-salty finish.

Peanut Butter Rolo Twix Bites
Enhance these treats with a nutty twist by adding 1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter to the caramel mixture after removing it from heat. Alternatively, replace the Rolo candies with miniature peanut butter cups for a different but equally delicious flavor combination. The addition of peanut butter creates a delightful nod to another favorite candy bar while maintaining the signature textures of the original Rolo Twix Bites.

Gluten-Free Option
Create a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour in the shortbread with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help bind the shortbread together. The resulting texture may be slightly different but will still deliver that essential crisp base that makes Rolo Twix Bites so satisfying.

Storage and Serving

These Rolo Twix Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them perfect for advance preparation. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months—simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Allow frozen bites to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

For the best texture and flavor experience, serve these bites at room temperature. Remove them from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the caramel to soften slightly while the chocolate remains intact. For an elegant dessert presentation, arrange Rolo Twix Bites on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves as garnish.

These treats pair wonderfully with after-dinner coffee or espresso, as the bitter notes of the coffee balance the sweetness of the bites. For a decadent dessert option, serve alongside vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold ice cream to create a delightful temperature contrast with the room-temperature bites.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can substitute about 1 cup of store-bought soft caramel candies, melted with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. However, homemade caramel offers superior flavor and the perfect texture for these Rolo Twix Bites.

Why is my chocolate coating cracking when I cut the squares?
This typically happens when the chocolate is too cold. Allow the finished bites to come to room temperature before cutting, or add a bit more coconut oil to the chocolate coating to keep it softer.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the coating?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter treat that children especially might prefer. Just be aware that milk chocolate is softer at room temperature than semi-sweet.

My caramel is too hard after refrigeration. What went wrong?
Your caramel likely reached a temperature higher than 240°F during cooking. For your next batch, use a candy thermometer and remove the caramel from heat at exactly 240°F for the perfect chewy consistency.

How can I prevent my shortbread from becoming too brown?
If your shortbread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Conclusion

These Rolo Twix Bites are comfort food at its finest — decadent little morsels that combine the nostalgic flavors of classic candy bars with the satisfying achievement of homemade treats. The triple-layer delight of crisp shortbread, gooey caramel with melty Rolo centers, and smooth chocolate coating creates an irresistible texture adventure in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that transforms ordinary moments into special occasions and makes you the star baker among friends and family. Whether given as gifts, served at parties, or secretly enjoyed one piece at a time from the refrigerator, these homemade treasures deliver pure joy in each perfectly crafted bite.

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