Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup mini chocolate chips; 1 egg (for egg wash)

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists combine the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry with the irresistible flavor of chocolate chip cookie dough. The result is a stunning pastry that’s surprisingly easy to make but looks like it came from a professional bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No special equipment needed—just basic kitchen tools
Perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, gooey cookie interior
Impressive-looking treat that takes minimal effort
Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee
Can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed
Kid-friendly recipe that’s also sophisticated enough for adults

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry is the magical base that creates those beautiful flaky layers. When baked, it puffs up dramatically, creating an airy, buttery shell around the cookie dough filling. Store-bought frozen puff pastry works perfectly—just remember to thaw it according to package directions.

Unsalted butter provides richness and helps create that authentic cookie dough texture. Make sure it’s properly softened (but not melted) for the best results when creaming with the sugars.

Light brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough. The molasses content helps create that classic cookie dough flavor and chewy texture.

Granulated sugar works alongside brown sugar to create the perfect sweetness balance and helps create the proper structure in the cookie dough.

Vanilla extract brings warmth and that familiar cookie aroma that makes these twists so irresistible. Pure vanilla extract will give you the best flavor.

All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookie dough and ensures it holds up during baking. No need for fancy flours here—your standard pantry flour works perfectly.

Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Even this small amount makes a significant difference in the final taste.

Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough than regular-sized chips, ensuring chocolate in every bite. If you only have regular chips, you can roughly chop them to create a similar effect.

Egg is used for the egg wash, giving the finished twists that beautiful golden-brown shine. It’s an essential finishing touch that makes these pastries look professional.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the flour and salt. Mix until everything comes together into a soft dough. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cookie dough evenly over half of the sheet, then fold the other half of the pastry over the top to cover the filling.
Slice the filled pastry into strips (about 1 inch wide) using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Twist each strip a few times and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Beat the egg and brush a light layer over the twists for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 servings, with each twist containing approximately 210 calories. The preparation is quick and efficient, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 18 minutes of baking. From start to finish, you can have these delicious twists ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or weekend breakfast treats.

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cookie dough and sprinkle the finished twists with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Nutty Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ cup of finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts) to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.

Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate cookie dough base with chocolate chips.

White Chocolate Cranberry: Substitute white chocolate chips for the regular chocolate chips and add ¼ cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Peanut Butter Lover’s: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the cookie dough and use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The puff pastry will remain reasonably crisp during this time.

Refrigeration: These twists can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, though the puff pastry may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing Baked Twists: Once completely cooled, place the twists in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Freezing Unbaked Twists: Prepare the twists up to the point of baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen twists in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, the cookie dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on the puff pastry to ensure easy handling.

Why did my puff pastry not rise properly?

This typically happens if the pastry gets too warm before baking. Always work with chilled puff pastry, and if it becomes too soft during preparation, refrigerate the assembled twists for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled to approximately the same thickness as store-bought (about 1/8 inch).

Is it safe to eat this cookie dough since it contains flour?

The cookie dough in this recipe will be fully baked, making it safe to eat. Traditional concerns about raw cookie dough relate to unbaked flour and raw eggs, neither of which is an issue after baking.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

Yes, though mini chips distribute more evenly. If using regular chips, consider roughly chopping them first for better distribution throughout the dough.

My twists unraveled during baking. What went wrong?

Make sure to twist the strips firmly and place them on the baking sheet with the ends tucked underneath. You can also gently press the ends onto the baking sheet to help them stay in place.

Can I add a glaze to these twists?

Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk drizzled over the cooled twists adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra sweetness.

How do I know when they’re perfectly baked?

The twists should be golden brown, and the puff pastry should feel crisp to the touch. If you’re unsure, it’s better to bake them a minute longer than to underbake them.

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips entirely for a plain cookie dough twist, or substitute with other mix-ins like toffee bits, sprinkles, or finely chopped dried fruit.

What’s the best way to serve these twists?

These twists are delicious served slightly warm when the chocolate is still melty. They pair wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists represent the best of both worlds—the buttery flakiness of puff pastry combined with the comforting familiarity of chocolate chip cookie dough. They strike that perfect balance between impressive and accessible, making them ideal for both special occasions and everyday treats. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors to make it your own. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, packing them for a picnic, or enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, these twists are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists