Rolo Cookies

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Imagine biting into a soft, golden cookie only to discover a gooey chocolate-caramel surprise inside. That’s exactly what Rolo Cookies deliver. These chewy delights have crisp edges and a molten Rolo center that creates the perfect contrast of texture and flavor.

Perfect for any time you crave an indulgent treat, Rolo Cookies are especially popular during holidays, bake sales, and cozy weekends. They look simple on the outside but hide a candy-stuffed secret that delights anyone who takes a bite.

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What Kind of Rolo Candy Should I Use?

Classic Rolo candies are ideal for this cookie. Their chocolate shell and caramel core hold up well during baking, melting just enough to become a gooey pocket of sweetness inside each cookie. Unwrapped Rolos from a bag are the most convenient option, though individually wrapped ones work too—just be sure to unwrap them all before starting.

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Ingredients for the Rolo Cookies

Peanut Butter: It adds rich flavor and creaminess to the cookie dough, pairing beautifully with the chocolate and caramel.

Unsalted Butter: Brings moisture and tenderness to the dough while allowing better control over the saltiness.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper molasses flavor and chewiness to the cookies.

Granulated Sugar: Helps with structure and gives the cookie edges a crisp texture.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to round out the taste.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough that provides structure.

Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just the right amount.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.

Rolo Candies: The gooey surprise in the center of each cookie that makes this recipe unique.

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How To Make the Rolo Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Shape and Stuff

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one Rolo candy in the center, then wrap the dough around it to completely enclose the candy. Roll the dough ball gently in your hands to seal and smooth it.

Step 5: Coat and Chill

Roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar for a slightly crisp exterior. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent too much spreading while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft—that’s okay. They will set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for that gooey Rolo center experience.

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Serving and Storing Your Rolo Cookies

Rolo Cookies are best served slightly warm, when the center is still soft and the caramel inside the Rolo candy is melty. They pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm latte. These cookies also make a thoughtful addition to dessert platters or holiday gift boxes.

For storing, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, you can place a slice of bread in the container—it helps keep them moist. If you want to freeze them, store the unbaked, Rolo-stuffed dough balls in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen by adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the cookies from spreading. Also, avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you can. It will add a bit more texture to the cookies but won’t alter the baking process significantly.

What if I don’t have Rolos?

You can substitute with other soft-centered chocolates, like mini Snickers or caramels wrapped in chocolate. Just be sure they’re roughly the same size.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Results may vary slightly, but it should work well.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze well. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Should I flatten the dough balls before baking?

No need. They naturally spread slightly in the oven. Keeping them in a ball shape helps maintain the gooey center.

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Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

You might also like the Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie, a rich, fudgy classic that’s impossible to resist. Or try the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fun, no-bake chocolate-strawberry combo.

For something even simpler, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars Recipe brings together layers of sweet and salty indulgence. If you’re feeling like something fancier, the Chocolate Pistachio Tart could also be right up your alley.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did your caramel stay gooey? Did you try using another candy? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others put their own spin on it.

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