Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie that melts in your mouth, revealing a delightful surprise of rich caramel and chocolate. That’s exactly what these Rolo Cookies deliver. They are a decadent treat that brings together the classic flavors of chocolate cookies with the irresistible sweetness of Rolo candies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!
Why It’s My Go-To

These Rolo Cookies are not just about the taste; they embody comfort and nostalgia. The combination of soft chocolate cookie dough and melted caramel-filled Rolos creates a heavenly flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just because I need a sweet treat, this recipe never disappoints. Plus, the process is straightforward, making it a go-to for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Gather These Ingredients
To create these delicious Rolo Cookies, you’ll need the following 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
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on cookies
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to great cookies.
- Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugars efficiently.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
Make Rolo Cookies: A Simple Method

Follow these easy steps to create your very own Rolo Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the cookies once they are baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the base of your cookie dough.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 7: Fold in the Rolo Candies
Gently fold in the unwrapped Rolo candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a beautiful finish.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 10: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the Rolos.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Rolo Cookies warm or at room temperature!
How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to make these Rolo Cookies a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor, consider the following tips:
- Use half the butter and replace it with unsweetened applesauce.
- Substitute half the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.
- Try using whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrition.
- Consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce fat content.
Slip-Ups to Skip
Baking can be tricky, and there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you find your dough too sticky; refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven.
- Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results; too much flour can make cookies dry.
- Ensure your baking soda is fresh; expired leavening agents can lead to flat cookies.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
Once you’ve made these delectable Rolo Cookies, you might be wondering how to store them:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQ
Can I use other candies instead of Rolo?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite chocolate candies or even chopped nuts for a different flavor profile.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Rolo Cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to moisten it. Mix until you achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
If you love these Rolo Cookies, you might also enjoy:
Next Steps
Now that you have this incredible recipe for Rolo Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Share these cookies with your loved ones, and watch their faces light up with joy as they experience this delightful treat. Don’t forget to save any leftovers for an indulgent snack later, or be kind and package some up as gifts for friends. Happy baking!

Rolo Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. - Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the cookies once they are baked. - Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the base of your cookie dough. - Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes. - Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. - Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. - Step 7: Fold in the Rolo Candies
Gently fold in the unwrapped Rolo candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Step 8: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a beautiful finish. - Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. - Step 10: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the Rolos. - Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Rolo Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- If dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
