Irresistible Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that’s as simple as it is scrumptious: Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies. Requiring just 7 common ingredients and a mere 30 minutes from start to finish, these delightful treats are poised to become a staple in your kitchen. Imagine golden, flaky crescent rolls, generously filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture and studded with mini chocolate chips, all crowned with a delicate glaze. It’s a combination that’s utterly impossible to resist, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies

In the world of baking, having an arsenal of quick and easy recipes is invaluable. These Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies are a shining example, offering a multitude of reasons why they should be your next baking project:

• Unbelievably Easy: With canned crescent roll dough as your base, much of the hard work is already done. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a stress-free dessert.
• Quick to Make: From prep to oven to table in under an hour, they’re ideal for last-minute gatherings or a spontaneous treat.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the 7 essential ingredients in your pantry right now. No exotic items required!
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of buttery, flaky pastry, tangy cream cheese, and melty chocolate chips is a universally loved trio. The simple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.
• Versatile: While perfect as a dessert, these “cookies” also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread or a delightful afternoon snack with coffee.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the filling with different flavors of chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to suit any preference or occasion.

If you’re a fan of fuss-free, delicious cookies, don’t stop here! For even more delightful cookie experiences, be sure to explore these other favorites: Mexican Wedding Cookies, Peanut Butter Blossoms, or Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.

Are They Cookies or Pinwheels? Let’s Settle It!

Ah, the great debate! Is it a crescent roll cookie or a pinwheel? While some might argue for the latter, especially given the spiral shape, we’re firmly in the “cookie” camp for these delectable creations. Last year, I crafted an eggnog version that leaned into the pinwheel moniker, but honestly, once you taste how utterly dessert-like these chocolate chip versions are, “cookie” just feels right. Anything that combines the magical flakiness of crescent rolls with a sweet, indulgent filling truly deserves a dessert title. Regardless of what you choose to call them, the unanimous verdict from everyone who tries them is simply, “More, please!” Your family will undoubtedly adore you for bringing these to life in your kitchen.

I genuinely couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen to whip up this incredibly easy dessert. And while they certainly shine on a dessert plate, they would also be a fantastic, sweet addition to any brunch table. Just picture it: warm, tender crescent rolls, bursting with a rich, sweetened cream cheese mixture and a generous scattering of mini chocolate chips. A delicate drizzle of simple glaze elevates their appearance and enhances their already irresistible flavor, making them truly beautiful and utterly delicious.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best aspects of these Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies is their reliance on readily available, everyday ingredients. You won’t need to hunt for anything obscure; just a quick trip to your local grocery store (or a glance in your fridge and pantry) will usually suffice. Here’s a closer look at what goes into making these fantastic treats:

• Cream Cheese: This forms the luscious, tangy, and sweet heart of our cookies. For the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to use full-fat cream cheese, and ensure it’s softened to room temperature. This makes it much easier to beat smooth and combine with the other filling ingredients without lumps.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is added to the cream cheese to sweeten the filling to perfection. It balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and creates a truly decadent center for each cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract elevates all the other flavors. I always recommend using pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and aromatic taste, as imitation vanilla can sometimes fall flat.
• Crescent Rolls: The ultimate shortcut! You can use standard refrigerated crescent dinner rolls that come in pre-perforated triangles. However, if you can find the “Crescent Recipe Creations” dough (which comes in a single sheet without perforations), it can make the rolling and cutting process even simpler and yield a more uniform cookie. Both options work wonderfully, so choose what’s most accessible.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These are non-negotiable! While regular chocolate chips might seem fine, mini chocolate chips are key for even distribution throughout the relatively thin dough layers. They melt beautifully and ensure every bite has a delightful pop of chocolate without overwhelming the delicate texture of the cookie.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is the base for our quick and easy glaze. Its fine texture dissolves smoothly, creating a silky-smooth finish.
• Milk: A small amount of milk is combined with the powdered sugar to create a drizzleable glaze. You can use any type of milk you prefer (dairy or non-dairy), adjusting the amount slightly to achieve your desired consistency.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies

Making these cookies is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of buttery, chocolatey delights:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, begin by beating the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is completely smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step to ensure a lump-free filling. Next, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating for another minute or two until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. You want the consistency to be loose enough to spread easily over the dough.

2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Carefully unroll the can of crescent roll dough. If you’re using the standard pre-cut triangles, separate the dough into two large rectangular sections. Gently press the perforations together on each rectangle to create a solid, sealed sheet. Each rectangle should be roughly 12×4 inches. If you’re using the “Crescent Recipe Creations” dough, simply unroll the single sheet and cut it lengthwise into two equal rectangles, then press each into approximately a 12×4-inch shape.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Once your dough rectangles are ready, evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of both dough pieces, leaving a small border (about half an inch) around the edges. This helps prevent the filling from oozing out during rolling. After spreading the cream cheese, generously sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top of the filling, ensuring they are distributed as evenly as possible.

4. Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from one of the shorter sides of each dough rectangle, carefully and tightly roll up the dough into a log. Once rolled, gently pinch the seam to seal it completely. Using a sharp serrated knife (this helps prevent squishing the rolls), cut each log into 6 even slices. The thickness of each slice should be consistent for even baking. Place the slices, cut side down, onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie for expansion.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top and around the edges. During baking, you might notice the cookies puffing up significantly, similar to cinnamon rolls. This is completely normal! Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. They will flatten out a bit as they cool.

6. The Finishing Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the simple glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick, yet drizzleable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar. Once the cookies are completely cool, artfully drizzle the glaze over the tops. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Success

While these cookies are inherently easy, a few insider tips can help ensure your batch is absolutely perfect every time:

• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Don’t skip softening the cream cheese! Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling that’s hard to spread evenly. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to bake.
• Seal Those Perforations: If using traditional crescent rolls, make sure to thoroughly press the perforations together. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking and keeps your cookies neatly contained.
• Mini Chips for Maximum Flavor: As mentioned, mini chocolate chips are superior here. Their smaller size ensures they integrate perfectly into the thin dough layers, providing chocolate in every bite without tearing the dough. If you only have regular-sized chips, roughly chop them into smaller pieces.
• Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pile on the cream cheese and chocolate, too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to messy cookies. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
• The Serrated Knife Advantage: For clean, even slices, a serrated knife is your best friend. It cuts through the layers of dough and filling without squishing them.
• Puff and Flatten: Don’t be alarmed if your cookies puff up quite a bit in the oven; it’s part of the crescent roll magic. They will settle and flatten as they cool, achieving that lovely cookie shape.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue when it comes to glazing! If you drizzle the glaze onto warm cookies, it will melt and disappear, rather than set into a beautiful, opaque finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Suggestions

• Freshness is Best: These cookies are undeniably at their absolute peak when served fresh, ideally warm from the oven or shortly after cooling. The flakiness of the crescent roll is most pronounced then.
• Airtight Storage: If you have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be aware that the glaze may become a little sticky over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
• Refrigeration: For slightly longer storage, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze remarkably well! Once completely cooled and glazed, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
• Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also roll and slice the cookies, then arrange them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This is a great trick for fresh-baked cookies with minimal morning effort.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic chocolate chip version is a guaranteed hit, these crescent roll cookies are incredibly adaptable. Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful variations:

• Nutty Additions: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cream cheese filling alongside or instead of the chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Fruity Twists: A thin layer of your favorite fruit preserve (raspberry, apricot, cherry) can be spread over the cream cheese before adding chocolate chips, or even used as the sole filling for a fruit-forward treat.
• Spice It Up: Introduce warm spices like a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling for a cozy, aromatic flavor profile.
• Different Chocolates: Experiment with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a mix of different chocolate varieties. Remember to roughly chop larger chunks for better distribution.
• Salty Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the simple milk glaze, drizzle cooled cookies with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce, perhaps even with a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Cream Cheese & Nutella: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of Nutella with the cream cheese for a hazelnut chocolate dream.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these crescent roll cookies:

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

A: While puff pastry offers flakiness, it behaves differently than crescent roll dough. Crescent rolls have a distinctive buttery flavor and slightly softer, more pillowy texture due to the yeast, which is key to this recipe’s specific charm. We recommend sticking with crescent roll dough for the intended results.

Q: My cream cheese filling is too stiff to spread. What should I do?

A: Your cream cheese likely wasn’t softened enough. You can try microwaving it for 10-15 seconds (without its foil wrapper) to gently soften it, then beat again until smooth. Alternatively, add a tiny splash of milk (half a teaspoon at a time) to help loosen it, beating after each addition.

Q: Can I make these without the glaze?

A: Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty finish, but it’s entirely optional if you prefer a less sweet option or are short on time.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure the slices are even?

A: After rolling the dough into a log, you can use a ruler to mark where to cut for even slices. For 6 slices from a 12-inch log, you’d mark every 2 inches. A serrated knife used with a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down also helps.

Q: Can I prepare the dough and filling ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble and slice the cookies, then cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12-24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

More Crescent Roll Delights to Explore

Crescent rolls are a true kitchen hero, capable of transforming into an incredible variety of sweet and savory treats. If you’ve enjoyed these cookies, you’ll love discovering even more ways to use this versatile dough:

• Pepperoni Pinwheels
• Crescent Raspberry Brie Bites
• Mini Pumpkin Pies
• Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish

Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies

These Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies couldn’t be any easier. Just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes are all you need to create flaky crescent rolls combined with a sweet cream cheese and chocolate filling that everyone will adore.

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 12 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls (or crescent recipe creations dough)
• 1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar and vanilla and beat to combine until light and fluffy.
3. Unroll the crescent roll dough. If using standard crescent rolls, separate into 2 long rectangles and press the perforations to seal, shaping each into a 12×4-inch rectangle. If using recipe creations dough, cut lengthwise into 2 rectangles and press each into a 12×4-inch rectangle.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of both dough rectangles. Sprinkle the miniature chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese filling.
5. Starting on a short side, tightly roll up each rectangle into a log and press the edge to seal. With a serrated knife, cut each roll into 6 even slices. Place the cut side down on an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 cookie

Calories: 148 kcal (7%)

Carbohydrates: 16 g (5%)

Protein: 1 g (2%)

Fat: 6 g (9%)

Saturated Fat: 4 g (25%)

Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g

Trans Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 10 mg (3%)

Sodium: 179 mg (8%)

Fiber: 0 g

Sugar: 12 g (13%)

Keywords: crescent roll cookies, chocolate chip, easy dessert, cream cheese cookies, quick cookie recipe

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies truly embody the spirit of effortless baking – delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a delightful and rewarding experience. The combination of warm, flaky pastry, creamy sweet cheese, and melty chocolate chips, all finished with a glossy glaze, creates an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, grab a can of crescent rolls and whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth!