Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are the perfect fusion of gooey chocolate chip cookies and soft, cinnamon roll-style dough. These sweet treats bring together the best of both worlds, featuring a soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich, buttery cookie dough filling, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast indulgence, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these rolls will satisfy any cookie lover’s cravings.

The magic of these rolls lies in the balance between textures and flavors. The dough is soft and fluffy, providing the perfect base for the rich, chocolate-filled cookie dough spiral. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which use a spiced sugar filling, these rolls are packed with chocolate chips, brown sugar, and butter, making them irresistibly decadent. Drizzled with a vanilla glaze or enjoyed plain, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

• Soft and gooey – The dough is tender, while the cookie filling melts into a rich, chocolatey swirl.

• Perfect for any occasion – Serve them as a brunch treat, an after-school snack, or a dessert.

• Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when needed.

• Customizable – Add nuts, drizzle caramel, or top with a cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.

• Easy to make – Even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results with this simple recipe.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Rise Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

• Yield: 12 rolls

Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

• Calories: 290

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 18g

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

Cookie Dough Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Filling

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix until combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cookie dough filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Let them cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness!

Ingredient Background

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls bring together the richness of cookie dough with the soft, airy texture of sweet roll dough. Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving that balance, ensuring the rolls are both flavorful and perfectly textured.

Flour: The Base for Dough and Cookie Filling

Flour is the foundation for both the roll dough and the cookie dough filling. All-purpose flour provides the right balance of gluten to create a soft yet structured dough. In the cookie filling, flour acts as a binder, ensuring the cookie dough holds together while baking. Some bakers opt for bread flour in the dough for an even softer texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well.

Yeast: The Secret to Fluffy Rolls

Yeast is responsible for the light and airy texture of the dough. Instant yeast is the best choice because it activates quickly and eliminates the need for proofing in water beforehand. The yeast ferments the sugar, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the dough to rise. A warm environment helps the yeast work efficiently, so allowing the dough to rise in a cozy spot ensures the best results.

Butter and Sugar: The Key to Richness

Butter is used in both the dough and the filling, adding a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Melted butter in the dough enhances its tenderness, while softened butter in the filling helps create that creamy cookie texture. Brown sugar in the filling adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Chocolate Chips: The Star Ingredient

Chocolate chips make these rolls irresistible. Mini chocolate chips are best because they distribute evenly throughout the filling, ensuring every bite has gooey chocolate. Regular-sized chocolate chips can be used, but they may create larger pockets of chocolate instead of a smooth, consistent filling. If you want extra indulgence, using a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips creates a more complex flavor.

Technique Tips for Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls from scratch might seem daunting, but a few expert tips can help ensure perfect results every time.

Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency

One of the biggest challenges when making yeasted dough is getting the right texture. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading until it reaches the right consistency. Kneading for at least five minutes develops the gluten, which creates the elasticity needed for a perfect rise.

Evenly Distributing the Filling

To get a consistent swirl of cookie dough in every bite, spread the filling evenly across the rolled-out dough. It’s best to leave a small ½-inch border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out while rolling. Pressing the filling lightly into the dough helps keep it in place as you roll it up.

The Right Way to Cut Rolls Without Smushing Them

A common mistake when making sweet rolls is pressing too hard when slicing, which can squash the rolls. To get clean, even cuts, use dental floss or a very sharp knife. If using floss, slide it under the rolled-up dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice cleanly through. If using a knife, use a gentle sawing motion instead of pressing straight down.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are already an indulgent treat, but there are several creative ways to elevate their presentation.

Turning Them Into a Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Bread

Instead of rolling and slicing, arrange the dough in layers, spreading cookie dough between each one. Bake in a loaf pan to create a pull-apart bread where each slice is filled with gooey cookie goodness.

Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Roll Bites

For a fun, bite-sized version, roll the dough into a large log and slice smaller pieces (about 1-inch thick). Bake them in a mini muffin tin or on a baking sheet to create poppable cookie dough bites that are great for parties or snacking.

Stuffing with Extra Fillings

For an even richer experience, add an extra layer of Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel sauce before rolling up the dough. This creates a decadent, melty filling that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Freezing and Storing Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

If you want to enjoy these rolls later, proper storage and reheating techniques will ensure they stay fresh and delicious.

Storing at Room Temperature

If you plan to eat them within a day or two, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, add a small piece of bread to the container, as this helps retain moisture.

Refrigerating for Longer Storage

For longer storage, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before eating, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore their soft texture.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

These rolls freeze well, either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked rolls, arrange them in a pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. If freezing after baking, wrap each roll individually and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

While Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are meant to be indulgent, there are a few ways to lighten them up without sacrificing taste.

Swapping for Whole Wheat Flour

Using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients. If you don’t want to use 100% whole wheat flour, replace half of the flour with whole wheat to maintain a soft texture while making them healthier.

Reducing Sugar Without Losing Sweetness

Cutting back on sugar is possible by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in the dough. The cookie dough filling can also be sweetened with mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for a natural alternative.

Using Greek Yogurt for a Healthier Dough

Replacing some of the butter with Greek yogurt in the dough adds moisture and a slight tang while reducing fat. It also increases protein, making the rolls a bit more balanced nutritionally.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are a versatile treat that can be served for various occasions, whether casual gatherings or special celebrations.

Brunch Gatherings

These rolls are a showstopper at brunch tables. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and coffee for a well-rounded meal. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes them even more decadent.

Birthday Parties or Celebrations

For parties, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a platter and drizzle extra chocolate sauce over them. Serve them with ice cream for a dessert that guests will rave about.

Holiday Treats

During the holiday season, sprinkle the rolls with crushed candy canes or drizzle with caramel for a festive touch. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts gives them a bit of crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, roll, fill, and bake.

2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade cookie dough provides a fresher and richer taste.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave for 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

4. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill, and press the filling gently into the dough before rolling.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

7. Do I have to glaze them?

No, they’re delicious on their own, but a glaze adds extra sweetness.

8. Can I bake these in a muffin tin?

Yes! Place each roll in a muffin cup for individual servings.

9. How can I make them extra soft?

Let the dough rise properly and avoid overbaking.

10. What’s the best way to serve them warm?

Fresh out of the oven is best, but reheating in the microwave works too!

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are a fun, creative twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining the best parts of cookies and sweet rolls into one irresistible treat. Whether you serve them fresh, freeze for later, or customize with extra toppings, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of soft, gooey, and chocolatey goodness!

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