Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and gooey chocolate chip cookies. Crafted with a tangzhong yeast dough for an ultra-soft texture, these rolls are generously filled with chocolate chip cookie dough and baked to perfection. Topped with a creamy vanilla bean glaze, each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:
For the Tangzhong:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup water

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ⅓ cup heavy cream, room temperature

• ⅓ cup whole milk, room temperature

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Tangzhong (prepared above)

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cookie Dough Filling:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ⅛ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Vanilla Bean Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ounce cream cheese, cold

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

Directions:

1. Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the ¼ cup flour and ¾ cup water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a paste-like consistency, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the 3½ cups flour, ⅓ cup sugar, instant yeast, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Add the heavy cream, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled tangzhong. Mix on low speed until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough: Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding the next. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.

4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.

5. Prepare the Cookie Dough Filling: In a medium bowl, cream together the 8 tablespoons butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and ⅛ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the 1¼ cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder, mixing until just combined. Stir in the ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup mini chocolate chips.

6. Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 15×21-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cookie dough filling over the surface of the dough, leaving a ½-inch border at the top.

7. Roll and Slice: Starting from the bottom edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into twelve 1¾-inch slices. Place the slices into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

8. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.

9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the center roll reads 170°F (77°C).

10. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, make the frosting by combining the 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1 ounce cold cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

11. Frost and Serve: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before drizzling the vanilla bean frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, chocolate-filled goodness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

• Protein: 6 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 55 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 30 g

• Sodium: 300 mg

• Cholesterol: 45 mg

• Potassium: 150 mg

• Calcium: 50 mg

• Iron: 2 mg