Cookie Dough Twists: A Delicious and Easy Dessert Recipe

Cookie Dough Twists: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown pastry, the flaky layers giving way to a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center of pure cookie dough bliss. These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a unique textural experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

While the exact origins of combining cookie dough with pastry remain shrouded in delicious mystery, the concept draws inspiration from the timeless appeal of both elements. Think of the comforting warmth of freshly baked cookies, a treat enjoyed across generations and cultures. Now, picture the sophisticated elegance of a perfectly crafted pastry, its delicate layers hinting at the artistry within. Marrying these two beloved components creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

People adore these Cookie Dough Twists for several reasons. First, the taste is phenomenal – the rich, buttery flavor of the pastry complements the sweet, slightly salty notes of the cookie dough perfectly. Second, the texture is a dream – the crisp, flaky exterior gives way to a soft, chewy interior, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Finally, they’re surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats in no time. So, are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cookie Dough Filling:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated (see instructions below)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• For the Topping (optional):
• Coarse sugar or sprinkles

Heat-Treating the Flour:

Important Note: Since we’re making a cookie dough filling that won’t be fully baked, we need to heat-treat the flour to kill any potential bacteria. Don’t skip this step!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the flour on a baking sheet. Make sure it’s in a thin, even layer. This helps it heat evenly.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature needs to reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a food thermometer to check. If you don’t have one, just make sure it’s been in the oven for at least 5 minutes.
4. Let the flour cool completely. Before using it in the filling, let it cool down to room temperature. This is important so it doesn’t melt the butter or chocolate chips.

Making the Cookie Dough Filling:

1. Cream together the butter and sugars. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the milk and vanilla. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the heat-treated flour. Slowly add the cooled, heat-treated flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Stir in the chocolate chips. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. Set aside. Cover the bowl and set the filling aside while you prepare the dough.

Making the Dough:

1. Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
2. Cream together the butter and sugars. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough twists.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half. This makes it easier to work with.

Assembling the Cookie Dough Twists:

1. Roll out the first half of the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Spread half of the cookie dough filling over the dough. Evenly spread half of the cookie dough filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll out the second half of the dough. Roll out the second half of the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
4. Place the second layer of dough over the filling. Carefully place the second layer of dough over the filling-covered dough. Gently press down to seal the edges.
5. Cut into strips. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
6. Twist each strip. Pick up each strip and twist it several times to create a twisted shape.
7. Place on a baking sheet. Place the twisted strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each twist.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Egg Wash and Baking:

1. Prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
2. Brush with egg wash. Brush each twist with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Sprinkle with topping (optional). If desired, sprinkle the twists with coarse sugar or sprinkles.
4. Bake. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
5. Cool. Let the cookie dough twists cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations:

• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough twists. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough. If the dough is too sticky to work with, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Use different fillings. Get creative with your fillings! Try using Nutella, peanut butter, or even jam.
• Add spices. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Make them ahead of time. You can assemble the twists ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: These twists freeze beautifully! Bake as directed and let cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cookie Dough Twists!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cookie Dough Twists are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. From the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior to the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough center, every bite is a little piece of heaven. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves cookies, pastries, or just a good, comforting treat.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery puff pastry provides a delightful contrast to the rich, sweet cookie dough. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a batch of these beauties. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of edible cookie dough baked to perfection?

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, these twists are incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. Drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an added touch of sweetness. Or, simply enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

Want to get creative? There are endless variations you can try! Experiment with different types of cookie dough. Chocolate chip is a classic, but you could also use peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, or even white chocolate macadamia nut. Add sprinkles or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. For a festive twist, use colored sugar or icing. You could even try using different shapes of puff pastry. Instead of twists, you could make knots, pinwheels, or even small tarts. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the joy of homemade Cookie Dough Twists. I know you’ll love them as much as I do. They’re the perfect treat to share with friends and family, or to simply indulge in yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible twists. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #CookieDoughTwists or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help. I’m confident that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

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June 30, 2025 by Melissa