Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Makes: 12-15 twists
Turn regular chocolate chip cookies into something special with these fun cookie dough twists! These twisted cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips. Kids and adults love the unique spiral shape, and they taste just like your favorite chocolate chip cookies but with a fun twist.
What You Need (Ingredients)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Cookie Dough Twists (Step by Step)
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside – you’ll need it later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Base
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with both the white sugar and brown sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until it looks light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to your butter mixture. Mix well after adding each egg. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix gently until you can’t see any dry flour anymore. Don’t overmix – this keeps your cookies tender.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookie Twists
Take portions of dough (about 2-3 tablespoons each) and roll them into ropes about 6-8 inches long and 1 inch thick. Gently twist each rope to make a spiral shape. Place the twisted cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
Step 7: Bake Your Twists
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookie twists for 10-12 minutes. They’re done when the edges look golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them for later!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Twists
- Room temperature butter is key: Take your butter out 30-60 minutes before baking so it’s soft but not melted. This makes mixing easier and gives better texture.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies continue cooking a little after you take them out of the oven. Take them out when the edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone.
- Make them uniform: Try to make all your cookie ropes the same thickness so they bake evenly.
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft to shape, put it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Fun Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to make chocolate cookie twists
- Nuts and Chips: Replace half the chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans
- Mini Chips: Use mini chocolate chips for more even distribution
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular ones
- Mix It Up: Use half chocolate chips and half butterscotch chips
Storage Tips
Store your chocolate chip cookie twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container – it helps maintain moisture.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Make-Ahead Option
You can make the cookie dough ahead of time! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen dough thaw in the fridge before shaping and baking.
Why Kids Love These Cookie Twists
These twisted cookies are perfect for baking with kids because:
- The twisting part is fun and hands-on
- Each cookie looks unique and special
- They taste like classic chocolate chip cookies
- Kids can help with every step of the recipe
Perfect for Any Occasion
These chocolate chip cookie dough twists work great for:
- School bake sales and parties
- Family movie nights
- Birthday celebrations
- After-school snacks
- Weekend baking projects with kids
Try this easy twisted cookie recipe and watch everyone smile when they see these fun, delicious treats!