Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls Recipe
Indulge in these delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls — soft, fluffy cinnamon roll dough swirled with rich cookie dough and loaded with chocolate chips. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For Tangzhong:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
For Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- Tangzhong (prepared above)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For Cookie Dough Filling:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ounce cream cheese (cold)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- Make the Tangzhong: Whisk the water and flour in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a roux, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add heavy cream, milk, egg, vanilla, and the cooled tangzhong. Knead on low speed with dough hook for about 2 minutes until a rough dough ball forms.
- Incorporate Butter: With mixer running on low, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing full incorporation before adding more. Continue kneading for 11-12 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Knead in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Shape dough into a smooth ball, place in mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Make the Cookie Dough Filling: Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Filling: Stir in flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the cinnamon roll dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle. Spread the cookie dough evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle semi-sweet and mini chocolate chips evenly over the cookie dough layer. Press chips lightly into the cookie dough to secure.
- Shape Rolls: Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into twelve 1 ¾-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you tightly, then transfer rolls carefully into a parchment-lined or buttered 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Proof Rolls: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top and an internal temperature of 170°F is reached when tested with a thermometer.
- Prepare Frosting: While rolls bake, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then whisk in heavy cream and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Cool and Frost: Let the rolls cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best measuring accuracy, spoon flour into measuring cup and level off with a knife rather than scooping directly.
- Room temperature ingredients help with dough rise and consistency.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, even slices of dough strips.
- Ensure dough is fully proofed and doubled before baking for soft rolls.
- The internal temperature ensures the dough is fully baked but still moist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm before serving.
Keywords: chocolate chip rolls, cinnamon roll, cookie dough filling, cream cheese frosting, homemade rolls, sweet rolls, dessert bread