Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that perfectly balances soft sweetness with a melty chocolate caramel center. This Rolo Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves treats with a surprise inside. Each bite gives you the classic comforting comfort of a sugar cookie infused with cocoa and then filled with two whole Rolos that melt into gooey goodness as they bake. It’s a wonderfully indulgent treat that’s simple to make and impossible to resist, turning your kitchen into a sweet haven with every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in making the Rolo Cookies Recipe truly special. From the buttery richness to the sweet burst of caramel and chocolate, everything works together harmoniously.
- Sugar cookie mix, 17.5 ounces: The foundation of the cookie, providing that classic, soft texture and sweet base.
- Cocoa powder, ¼ cup: Adds a subtle chocolate twist to the dough, deepening the flavor without overpowering the cookie.
- Salted butter, ½ cup (softened): Brings indulgent richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Large egg, 1: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together while adding a little extra lift.
- Rolos, 48 unwrapped: The star ingredient—gooey caramel wrapped in chocolate, turning these cookies into caramel-packed gems.
- Sanding or powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty, sparkling finish and a touch of extra sweetness on the outside.
How to Make Rolo Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly. Don’t preheat your oven just yet; there’s some prep to do first.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar cookie mix and cocoa powder until well combined. This step infuses your cookie dough with a nice chocolate flavor that’s subtle but essential.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Using a hand or stand mixer, cream in the softened butter and the egg until the dough becomes thick and smooth. This is where your dough really comes together, becoming rich and ready to hold those irresistible Rolos.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough. Flatten each ball into a disc shape to prepare for the caramel filling.
Step 5: Add the Rolos
Place two unwrapped Rolos in the center of each flattened dough disc. Then gently fold and pinch the dough around the Rolos, forming a smooth ball. This way, every cookie hides a gooey, caramel-filled surprise.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Roll each dough ball in sanding or powdered sugar if you want a little sparkle and a slightly crisp exterior. Then place the cookies on the lined sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Step 7: Chill Before Baking
Cover the cookie sheets with plastic wrap and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and makes the caramel melt evenly inside.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit a few minutes before baking. Remove your chilled dough balls from the fridge, discard the wrap, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges are set and the tops start to crack slightly.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Rolo Cookies cool on the sheets for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serving warm is perfect for that soft texture and molten caramel center, but they’re amazing at room temperature too.
How to Serve Rolo Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a festive touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sanding sugar looks beautiful and adds a subtle crunch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top to up the indulgence for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Rolo Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot coffee or milk for a perfect treat combo. The creamy or warm beverages complement the cookie’s caramel-chocolate richness exquisitely.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, arrange your Rolo Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter with small bowls of extra caramel sauce and chocolate chips for dipping. Or stack them tall in a glass jar for easy gifting or party snacks that catch the eye.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. This way, your Rolo Cookies Recipe remains soft and delicious, ready for a sweet snack anytime you crave.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving for a treat that tastes freshly baked.
Reheating
Warm leftover or frozen Rolo Cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their gooey caramel center. Alternatively, a few minutes in a 300-degree oven will revive the softness and melty magic beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer, making your own sugar cookie dough works wonderfully. Just remember to mix in the cocoa powder to keep that chocolate goodness subtle yet present in the dough.
Why do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?
Chilling firms up the dough, which helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. It also helps the caramel inside melt slowly, preventing it from oozing out too much.
Can I substitute other chocolates for Rolos?
You can try chocolates with caramel centers, but Rolos have the perfect size and sweetness for this recipe. Different chocolates might change the texture or flavor balance, so keep that in mind.
What’s the best way to avoid the caramel from leaking out?
Be sure to enclose the Rolos completely in the dough and pinch the seams well. Chilling the dough before baking also helps keep everything sealed inside.
Are these cookies suitable for making ahead for a party?
Yes! You can roll and chill the dough balls up to 24 hours in advance. Just bake right before serving for the freshest, gooey results and a crowd-pleasing treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow friends or simply treat yourself to something a little spectacular, this Rolo Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to make, a delight to share, and full of sweet, melty surprises that never fail to bring smiles. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some unforgettable memories.
