If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brilliantly combines classic comfort with a flaky, buttery twist, then you absolutely must try the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists. This recipe captures the irresistible chewiness of cookie dough nestled inside delicate puff pastry, creating a sensational blend of textures and flavors. Each bite bursts with rich brown sugar sweetness, luscious chocolate chips, and that warm, golden crispiness you only get from the perfect bake. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or winding down with afternoon tea, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists elevate every moment with their cozy charm and playful flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up these delightful twists. Each element plays its part – from the velvety butter that adds richness, to the semi-sweet chocolate chips that bring a melty surprise, down to the puff pastry that gives the final flaky finish. These essentials come together effortlessly, making both prep and baking a total joy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides creamy richness and moisture that’s key to soft cookie dough texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth with a subtle molasses flavor.
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant, comforting aroma.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and bring structure.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the dough’s chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise gently, making it light and fluffy.
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps everything balanced.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic melty pockets of chocolaty goodness throughout the twists.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The golden, flaky exterior that wraps the cookie dough in buttery layers.
- 1 tablespoon milk: For brushing the twists, adding a beautiful golden sheen.
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and shimmering sparkle on top.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures your twists come out perfectly baked without sticking, and the even heat helps the puff pastry crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the luscious base that promises a tender, flavorful cookie dough inside the twists. Take your time here – the fluffier, the better!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating until everything is well combined. These ingredients add moisture and richness, ensuring your dough is smooth and holds together perfectly once baked.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Doing this separately helps disperse the leavening agent evenly, which contributes to that delicate rise and light texture within the cookie dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your dough tender rather than tough. This step readies the dough for those delightful pockets of chocolate that are about to get folded in.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into your dough – these little gems will melt into gooey bites once baked, bursting with classic, comforting chocolate flavor in every twist.
Step 7: Roll Out Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry into an even 12×12 inch square. This flaky pastry is the magic wrapper that turns ordinary cookie dough into irresistible twists loaded with texture.
Step 8: Assemble and Cut
Spread the cookie dough evenly over half of the puff pastry square. Then fold the other half over, pressing gently along the edges to seal the dough inside. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 9: Twist and Arrange
Take each strip and twist it gently to create those lovely spirals that promise both crunch and chew. Place each twist on the prepared baking sheet, giving them some breathing room to puff up during baking.
Step 10: Finish with Milk and Sugar
Brush the tops of every twist with milk for a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you want some extra sparkle and crunch – a small touch that makes these twists even more special.
Step 11: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the twists are gorgeously golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before indulging – the cookies inside will still be decadently soft and melty.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists
Garnishes
These twists shine on their own, but why not elevate the presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce? You could also sprinkle on some crushed nuts for a little added crunch and color contrast.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists are a dream paired with a warm beverage. Consider serving alongside freshly brewed coffee, a fragrant chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk to complement the crunchy pastry and sweet dough inside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange the twists on a tiered platter or in a basket lined with a colorful napkin. You can even offer small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate ganache for guests to explore fun flavor combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness inside and crispness outside without losing that fresh-baked appeal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the twists in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, perfect to pull out whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat your twists in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their flaky texture and warm up that delicious cookie dough center. Avoid microwaving to keep the puff pastry crisp and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought cookie dough can work in a pinch, but making your own lets you control the sweetness and texture for the best results with these twists.
Is puff pastry necessary, or can I use another type of dough?
Puff pastry is key here because it delivers the signature flaky layers that contrast beautifully with the soft dough inside. Using another type of dough will give a different texture but won’t replicate the classic twist effect.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips make fantastic alternatives that add their own unique flair to your twists.
What should I do if my puff pastry is too sticky to roll out?
Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour, and make sure your pastry is properly thawed but still cold to prevent sticking and tearing.
How can I make these twists less sweet?
Reduce the sugar a little in the cookie dough part or skip the coarse sugar topping. You can also pair them with unsweetened beverages to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists have quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy a playful, comforting dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Their perfect marriage of buttery flaky pastry and irresistibly rich cookie dough will brighten up any day or gathering. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and watch those around you fall completely in love bite after bite.
PrintChocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists
Experience the perfect blend of gooey cookie dough wrapped in flaky puff pastry with these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists. These delightful twists are a sweet treat ideal for pairing beautifully with coffee or tea, featuring a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, chocolate-studded interior.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 38 mins
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Puff Pastry & Finishing
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie dough.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs into the creamed mixture, beating well until fully combined to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and flavorings in the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
- Prepare Puff Pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 12×12 inch square to create a base for the cookie dough.
- Spread Cookie Dough. Evenly spread the prepared cookie dough over half of the puff pastry square, forming an even layer.
- Fold Pastry. Fold the other half of the pastry over the cookie dough, pressing gently to seal the edges and encase the dough within the pastry.
- Cut and Twist. Cut the sealed pastry into 1-inch wide strips, then gently twist each strip and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet for baking.
- Finish and Bake. Brush the tops of the twists with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using for extra crunch and sweetness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the twists to cool on a wire rack before serving to let the pastry set, ensuring a perfect texture and easy handling.
Notes
- For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit into the cookie dough to customize flavor and texture.
- Ensure your puff pastry is cold but pliable before rolling and folding for best texture and ease of handling.
- Excess cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use, helping reduce waste.
- These twists are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, making them an ideal snack or dessert item.
- Consider serving with a dipping sauce like melted chocolate or caramel for an indulgent experience.