If you are craving a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate chip cookie dough with the light, flaky goodness of puff pastry, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe is your new go-to dessert. It’s incredibly easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for impressing friends or satisfying your sweet tooth any day. Imagine cinnamon-spiced butter, melty mini chocolate chips, and a crunchy sugar topping all wrapped in golden, twisted pastry – every bite is pure joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about using a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their magic, whether in flavor, texture, or that beautiful golden color. Let’s look at what you’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The flaky base that gives these twists their airy, buttery layers.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of melty chocolate that melt into every twist.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps caramelize the pastry.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps hold the flavors together in the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing): Helps the twists develop a shiny, golden crust while baking.
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling): Provides an irresistible crunchy texture on top.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your twists are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until you get a smooth, spreadable mixture. This filling is the heart of flavor that will infuse every bite of your twists with warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unroll or unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to work with. Spread the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the pastry’s surface to ensure every twist has a luscious coating.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly on top of the buttered surface, then gently press them in so they stick well and won’t fall off while twisting and baking.
Step 5: Fold and Slice the Pastry
Fold the puff pastry in half lengthwise, gently pressing down to seal in the filling and chocolate chips. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips to get perfectly sized twists.
Step 6: Twist and Arrange on Baking Sheet
Take each strip and twist it several times, creating those signature spiraled cookie dough twists. Place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have room to puff up beautifully.
Step 7: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush the top of each twist with a little milk. This step guarantees a gorgeous golden-brown color. Then sprinkle with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Bake your twists for 15 to 18 minutes or until they look perfectly puffed and golden brown. When they come out, let them cool slightly so the chocolate firms up a bit, but don’t wait too long – these are best enjoyed warm!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust your twists with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with some melted chocolate or a simple vanilla glaze. This not only makes them look stunning but adds layers of sweet richness to each bite.
Side Dishes
These twists pair beautifully with creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cold whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a more relaxed snack time, enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or a comforting mug of milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a bright, colorful plate for a visually appealing dessert spread. You can also stack them in a glass jar or basket for a charming gift idea or party treat. Adding fresh berries or mint leaves on the side can bring in a fresh note and a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 days, but honestly, these twists are so irresistible they rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze the baked twists by placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. Just make sure they’re completely cool before freezing to avoid sogginess when thawed.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked magic, reheat your twists in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the twist, offering a better bite each time. If you use larger chips, just be careful when twisting to avoid breaking the pastry.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe by swapping in vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure your puff pastry is also vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
For sure! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that complements the chocolate and cinnamon flavors wonderfully. Just sprinkle them on with the chocolate chips before folding.
What if I don’t have puff pastry? Can I use pie crust?
Puff pastry is preferred for its light, flaky layers that create those amazing twists. Pie crust is denser and won’t puff up the same way, but if you’re in a pinch, it will still make a tasty, more buttery treat.
How do I keep the twists from unraveling during baking?
Make sure to press the folded pastry gently before slicing and twist firmly but not too tightly. Brushing with milk and making sure the strips have space to bake also helps maintain their shape beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe enough if you’re looking for a simple dessert that feels incredibly special. With just a few basic ingredients and a little twisting magic, you create a treat that’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and decadently chocolatey on the inside. Trust me, once you try these, they will be your new favorite sweet indulgence to share with friends and family.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists made with flaky puff pastry, a buttery cinnamon-sugar spread, and mini chocolate chips. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, with a sweet, melty chocolate center, these twists make an effortless and crowd-pleasing dessert or party snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Main
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For Finishing
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Make the Cookie Dough Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and optional cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a sweet, spiced base for the pastry.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll or unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet evenly to prepare it for the filling.
- Spread Mixture and Add Chocolate Chips: Evenly spread the cookie dough butter mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly on top, pressing them gently into the pastry to help them adhere.
- Fold and Slice: Fold the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise, pressing down gently to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Twist and Arrange: Twist each strip several times to create beautiful spirals, then place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Lightly brush each twist with milk to encourage browning and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the twists to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- For an extra sweet finish, drizzle melted chocolate or a simple glaze over the twists once cooled.
- These twists are best enjoyed warm on the day they are made for optimal flakiness and melty chocolate.
