There’s something absolutely irresistible about the combination of flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around sweet, gooey cookie dough that makes these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists the kind of treat that disappears faster than you can make them. This recipe was born from one of those creative weekend mornings when I had leftover puff pastry in the freezer and an intense craving for chocolate chip cookie dough but wanted something more special than just eating it straight from the bowl. After experimenting with different wrapping techniques and baking temperatures, I discovered that the magic happens when you create a safe-to-eat cookie dough filling and spiral it inside golden, flaky pastry—creating a handheld treat that combines the best of both worlds with every tender, chocolatey bite. What started as a fun kitchen experiment has become our most requested breakfast pastry and afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists
- Best of both worlds – All the satisfaction of cookie dough with the elegance of pastry
- Safe-to-eat cookie dough – No raw eggs or flour, so you can indulge worry-free
- Bakery-style presentation – Impressive twisted shape that looks professionally made
- Perfect for sharing – Individual portions that are ideal for parties and gatherings
- Make-ahead friendly – Can be assembled and frozen, then baked fresh when needed
- Customizable sweetness – Easy to adjust chocolate chips and sugar to taste
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates rich, creamy texture
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds molasses depth and sweetness
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the brown sugar perfectly
- 2 tablespoons milk – Brings the dough together smoothly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Essential cookie dough flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated – Safe flour that’s been baked to eliminate bacteria
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips – Perfect size for even distribution
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed – Creates flaky, buttery layers
- 1 egg, beaten – For beautiful golden egg wash
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar – Sparkly, crunchy topping
For Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweet finishing touch
- 3-4 tablespoons milk – Creates perfect drizzling consistency
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavor enhancement
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Safe Cookie Dough:
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour Spread flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until it reaches 160°F. This eliminates any harmful bacteria. Cool completely before using.
Step 2: Make the Dough In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients Mix in the cooled, heat-treated flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Fold in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed. The dough should be soft but moldable.
Prepare the Pastry:
Step 4: Thaw and Roll Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll each sheet to smooth out fold lines, being careful not to over-work.
Step 5: Add the Filling Divide cookie dough filling between the two pastry sheets, spreading it evenly over each sheet, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.
Create the Twists:
Step 6: Cut the Strips Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each filled pastry sheet into 1-inch wide strips, creating long rectangles of pastry with cookie dough filling.
Step 7: Twist and Shape Gently twist each strip 2-3 times to create the signature spiral shape, then place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Chill Before Baking Refrigerate the shaped twists for 15-20 minutes to firm up the pastry, which helps them hold their shape during baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Step 9: Egg Wash and Sugar Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush each twist with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for beautiful color and crunch.
Step 10: Bake Until Golden Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed, with the pastry fully cooked and the cookie dough filling set but still slightly soft.
Finish and Serve:
Step 11: Cool Slightly Let twists cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from falling apart while still warm.
Step 12: Optional Glaze If using, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled twists for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Perfect Occasion Options These versatile twists work beautifully for various settings:
- Weekend brunch spreads – Impressive addition to coffee and pastry tables
- Afternoon tea parties – Elegant finger food that’s easy to eat
- School events and bake sales – Individual portions that travel well
- Holiday gatherings – Festive treats that appeal to all ages
Beverage Pairings Serve with strong coffee, hot chocolate, or cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Make-Ahead Tips
Perfect for Planning These twists are incredibly make-ahead friendly for busy schedules:
Freezer Assembly Assemble twists completely, freeze on baking sheets until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
Component Prep Make the cookie dough filling up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble twists the morning you plan to bake them.
Overnight Option Shaped, unbaked twists can be covered and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
Storage and Leftovers
Keeping Them Fresh Store baked twists in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days. The pastry may soften slightly but remains delicious.
Reheating Instructions Refresh day-old twists in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore some crispness to the pastry exterior.
Quality Maintenance These are best enjoyed within 24 hours of baking when the contrast between flaky pastry and soft filling is at its peak.
Custom Variations and Add-Ons
1. Different Chocolate Options Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a mix of milk and semi-sweet for varied flavor profiles.
2. Nutty Addition Fold chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the cookie dough for extra texture and richness.
3. Seasonal Spices Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the cookie dough for warm, cozy flavors perfect for fall.
4. Peanut Butter Version Replace 2 tablespoons of butter with smooth peanut butter for rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
5. Strawberry Twist Add freeze-dried strawberry pieces to the cookie dough for fruity sweetness and beautiful color.
Nutrition Information
Per twist (based on 16 twists):
- Calories: ~245
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists FAQs
Why do I need to heat-treat the flour? Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli. Heat-treating it to 160°F eliminates this risk, making the cookie dough completely safe to eat.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough? You can, but you’ll need to ensure it’s safe-to-eat cookie dough specifically designed for raw consumption, not regular refrigerated cookie dough.
What if my puff pastry tears while twisting? Work gently and make sure the pastry isn’t too cold or too warm. If tears occur, pinch them together and continue—small imperfections won’t affect the taste.
How do I know when they’re done baking? The pastry should be golden brown and fully puffed, with no raw, doughy areas visible. The cookie dough filling should be set but still soft.
Can I make these without the glaze? Absolutely! They’re delicious on their own, and the coarse sugar topping provides plenty of sweetness and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts: Share the Love!
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists prove that some of the most delightful treats come from combining beloved favorites in creative new ways. They take the irresistible appeal of cookie dough and elevate it with flaky, buttery pastry that transforms a simple craving into an elegant, shareable experience. Whether you’re impressing guests at a brunch, surprising your family with weekend treats, or bringing something special to a gathering, these twists deliver all the comfort and satisfaction of homemade baking with a fun, modern twist that makes everyone smile. Get ready for empty plates, delighted faces, and requests to make these incredible pastries again and again!
