There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. I still remember the first time I experimented with chocolate chip cookie dough and decided to roll it up like cinnamon rolls. I wanted to create something familiar, yet a little different—something that would surprise my friends and customers but still give them the nostalgic flavor they love. That’s how my Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls were born. These soft, gooey, golden spirals of cookie dough filled with rich chocolate chips have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen—and on my blog.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s the best of both worlds: the chewy texture of a classic chocolate chip cookie, paired with the warm, indulgent swirl of a breakfast roll. They’re beautiful to present, delicious to devour, and easier to make than they look. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a brunch, or just because—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes these Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls so versatile is how well they fit into any setting. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for a comforting snack, or drizzle them with a light glaze and offer them as a standout dessert. They also travel well and make great additions to lunchboxes or picnic baskets. You can even add nuts, caramel chips, or a swirl of peanut butter if you want to mix things up.
Aside from their flavor and visual appeal, this recipe is also quite affordable. It uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand—no special trips to the store or expensive ingredients required. That means you can whip them up whenever the craving hits, without worrying about cost or complexity.
Ingredients for the recipe:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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1/4 cup heavy cream (for softening the dough while rolling, optional)
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Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon milk
How to Prepare Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls
Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls is a rewarding process that’s both quick and easy. The key is preparing the dough just right, rolling it evenly, and baking it until golden perfection. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe adapts well to your skill level and personal preferences. Let me guide you step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a consistent dough texture.
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Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat in the egg until fully combined, then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, making the dough rich and tender.
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Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The dough should start coming together but still be soft.
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Fold in the chocolate chips. Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite has some chocolate goodness.
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Prepare the dough for rolling. Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and gently knead it a few times to form a smooth ball. Then roll it into a rectangle about 12 x 8 inches, keeping the thickness even. If the dough feels sticky, use a little heavy cream to soften it and help with rolling.
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Roll up the dough. Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the seam by pinching the edges together to prevent it from opening while baking.
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Cut the roll into slices. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. Place each roll cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will expand.
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Bake the rolls. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls turn golden around the edges but remain soft in the center.
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Cool and optionally glaze. Let the rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. If desired, mix powdered sugar with milk to make a simple glaze and drizzle over the warm rolls for extra sweetness and shine.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Use room temperature butter and egg for easier mixing.
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Chill the dough briefly if it feels too sticky before rolling.
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Keep rolls uniform in size to ensure even baking.
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You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
Customizable Options
Feel free to customize your Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also swap semisweet chips for white or dark chocolate depending on your taste. For a fun twist, swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or caramel before rolling the dough. These variations make the recipe your own while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
Popular with Many People
These cookie rolls are a hit for all ages—from kids to adults. They work wonderfully as a breakfast treat, party dessert, or a cozy snack anytime. The mix of cookie texture and roll shape makes them stand out at bake sales, family gatherings, and brunch tables. I’ve had so many requests for this recipe because it’s easy, affordable, and irresistibly tasty.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls combine the beloved flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with the soft, swirled appeal of a roll. Perfectly golden, tender, and filled with melty chocolate chips, they are simple to prepare, customizable, and suitable for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for rolling dough)
- Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, then vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll out dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle. If sticky, use a little heavy cream to help.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch seam closed.
- Slice into 1-inch rolls and place on the baking sheet with some space between.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over rolls.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
The optional glaze adds sweetness and a polished look but can be skipped.
Dough can be refrigerated before slicing and baking for convenience.
Customize with nuts or different chocolate chips as desired.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will give the rolls a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
Q: How should I store leftover cookie rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and roll it into a log, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake fresh the next day for best results.
Q: Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, so adjustments in liquid or baking time might be needed.
Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely. Adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits can add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before rolling the dough.