Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists – Buttery, Gooey, and Irresistibly Golden

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists are the perfect fusion of flaky pastry and classic cookie dough indulgence. Imagine buttery, golden layers wrapped around rich chocolate chip filling, baked until crisp on the outside and soft and gooey in the center. These twists deliver everything you love about homemade chocolate chip cookies but in a beautifully braided, bakery-style presentation. I first made these on a weekend when I wanted something different from traditional cookies, and they quickly became a family favorite. The texture contrast is what truly makes them special—crisp edges with tender, chocolate-filled centers. They are ideal for brunch gatherings, afternoon treats, or even an elevated dessert platter. Best of all, they are surprisingly simple to prepare with pantry staples. Once you try these twists fresh from the oven, you will find yourself making them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists combine visual appeal with comforting flavors. They are easy to prepare, require simple ingredients, and bake beautifully every time. The twisted design creates crispy edges while keeping the interior soft and rich. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or serving at gatherings. The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to customize flavors and textures according to your preference.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the structure of the cookie dough filling, providing stability while maintaining tenderness. It ensures the twists hold their shape during baking without becoming dense.

Unsalted Butter
Butter adds richness and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely. Softened butter blends smoothly into the sugar, creating a creamy base.

Brown Sugar
Brown sugar contributes moisture and a subtle caramel depth. It enhances chewiness and complements the chocolate beautifully.

Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar balances sweetness and helps create lightly crisp edges in the filling.

Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and provides structure. It also contributes to a soft, cohesive texture inside the twists.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile and adds warmth to the dough.

Salt
A small amount of salt balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips are the highlight of the recipe, offering pockets of melted chocolate throughout each twist.

Puff Pastry Sheets
Puff pastry creates the flaky outer layers. When baked, it turns golden and crisp, providing contrast to the soft cookie dough interior.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the flour and salt, blending just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread an even layer of the prepared cookie dough filling over half of the pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the uncovered half over the filling and gently press the edges to seal.

Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the pastry into equal strips. Carefully twist each strip several times and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each twist.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Allow the twists to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8–10 twists, depending on how wide you cut the strips. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking time ranges from 15–18 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 35–40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the pastry.

Variations and Customizations

There are many ways to customize Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists to suit different tastes and occasions. For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. White chocolate chips create a sweeter profile, while milk chocolate offers a creamier finish.

Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans introduces crunch and depth. If you enjoy a hint of spice, a small pinch of cinnamon blended into the dough can provide warmth without overpowering the chocolate.

For a more indulgent version, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked twists once cooled. Alternatively, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. I once experimented with adding a thin layer of hazelnut spread beneath the cookie dough, and it created a beautifully layered flavor that felt bakery-worthy.

You can also experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or maple to add subtle complexity. If you prefer a slightly salted contrast, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking. These twists adapt easily, making them ideal for creative bakers.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 9 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbs	34 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	190 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands used.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use Cold Puff Pastry
Keep the pastry chilled until ready to use to ensure maximum flakiness.

Do Not Overfill
Spreading too much filling can cause leakage during baking.

Twist Evenly
Uniform twists promote even baking and a consistent golden finish.

Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allowing the twists to rest helps the filling set properly.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembling.

Can I freeze the twists before baking?

Yes, assemble and freeze them on a tray, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Certainly, homemade puff pastry works beautifully if you have the time to prepare it.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Avoid overfilling and ensure the edges are properly sealed before twisting.

Can I make these without eggs?

You may substitute the egg with a commercial egg replacer or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.

Why are my twists not crispy?

They may require a few additional minutes in the oven or slightly higher rack placement for better browning.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining flaky pastry with rich, chocolate-filled cookie dough. They are simple to prepare, versatile, and impressive enough for any occasion. Whether served warm at brunch or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, these twists deliver comforting flavors with elegant presentation. Once you bake them, they are certain to become a staple in your kitchen.

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