Name: Rolo Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 32 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, (at room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Rolo candies, (unwrapped); Granulated sugar, (for rolling the cookie dough balls in); Flaky sea salt, (for sprinkling on cookies)

These soft Rolo cookies hide a gooey caramel center inside rich chocolate dough. An easy homemade cookie recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Try them today!

I bought a bag of Rolo candies to make Rolo Pretzels and had a handful left over. So I wrapped each candy in a scoop of chocolate cookie dough and baked them. The Rolo melts into a gooey pocket of chocolate caramel that's even better when the cookie is still warm. These soft chocolate cookies with a caramel surprise have become a favorite in my house.

Why You’ll Love This Rolo Cookies

A hidden caramel center that stays soft and gooey
Made with basic pantry ingredients you probably have on hand
The contrast between rich chocolate cookie and sweet caramel is irresistible

Key Ingredients for Rolo Cookies

Unsweetened cocoa powder, Use natural cocoa, not Dutch-process. It gives the cookies a deep chocolate flavor and reacts with the baking soda to help them rise.
Unsalted butter, At cool room temperature, it creams properly with the sugars. Salted butter can be used if you reduce the added salt.
Rolo candies, Original Rolos work best because they have a thick chocolate shell that holds up during baking. Unwrapping them is the most time-consuming part.

Kitchen Tools for These Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Electric mixer (hand or stand) for creaming butter and sugar
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
Wire cooling rack for cooling cookies without soggy bottoms
Small bowl of granulated sugar for rolling dough balls

Tips for the Best Rolo Cookies

Make sure your butter is at cool room temperature, if it's too warm, the cookies will spread flat. Cream the butter and sugars until smooth but not fluffy. When you wrap the dough around each Rolo, pinch the seams well so no caramel leaks out during baking. Bake just until the tops start to crack, about 8 to 10 minutes, and don't overbake if you want that soft, chewy texture. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar gives them a sparkly finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Surprise Cookies

If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough balls in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter and helps the cookies hold their shape, so the caramel stays contained. To get an even bake, use a cookie scoop so every ball is the same size. If a crack appears in the dough before baking, patch it with a bit more dough, otherwise the caramel may burst out.

You can use dark chocolate Rolos for a less sweet version, or swap in caramel-filled chocolate candies like Caramello if you can't find Rolos. For a nutty crunch, press a pecan half into the top of each cookie right after baking. To make a gluten-free batch, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, the cookies may spread a little more, so chill the dough first.

What to Serve with Rolo Cookies

Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. They're also great on a dessert platter alongside brownies and chocolate chip cookies. For an over-the-top treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two warm cookies for a Rolo ice cream sandwich.

How to Store Leftover Rolo Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you stack them, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep the caramel from sticking. The cookies stay soft and chewy, but the caramel will firm up a bit after a day.

How to Freeze Rolo Cookies

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the gooey center.

Best Ways to Reheat Rolo Cookies

To restore that soft, melty caramel, heat a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. For a larger batch, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Let them rest a minute before eating, the caramel gets extremely hot.