Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Tacos

Make these easy chocolate chip cookie tacos with store-bought cookie dough, Cool Whip, and fun toppings! Perfect for parties, taco nights, and family desserts.

What happens when you take an ordinary chocolate chip cookie, bend it into the shape of a taco, and fill it with fluffy whipped topping and all sorts of delicious goodies? You end up with one of the cutest, easiest desserts imaginable!

These easy chocolate chip cookie tacos start with refrigerated cookie dough, which means you don't have to mix up a single ingredient to make the shells. Add some whipped topping, a few colorful candies, sprinkles, or crushed cookies, and you've got a dessert that's almost too cute to eat.

Almost.

And if your family loves taco night as much as mine does, you're going to love the idea of hosting a cookie taco party!

A Little Texas Hospitality (and a Whole Lot of Cookie Tacos)

I have to tell you how these little cookie tacos came about.

I spotted a video online showing chocolate chip cookies transformed into tiny taco shells using the back of a muffin tin. I thought it was the cutest thing I'd seen in ages, and naturally, I had to give it a try.

I bought store-bought cookie dough (something I rarely use) and the following day I got a text from a friend with the very same video. She had seen it online and thought I should make it. I texted back, "I know you won't believe this but I'm about to make these!"

As luck would have it, some of my family members were moving that very day. I was already planning to pick up a big batch of Texas barbecue to take over to the house, so I decided these cookie tacos would make the perfect dessert.

And here's the funny part: One of my college granddaughters was home helping with the move, and she'd brought her roommate along. Her roommate is from Pennsylvania, so she was getting quite the introduction to Texas.

• Warm October weather? Check.
• A big spread of Texas barbecue? Check.
• Chocolate chip cookies shaped like tacos for dessert? Double check!

I don't know how much more Texas you could get!

I delivered a big platter of these colorful little treats to the grands, and they were ready to dig in.

But let's talk about how to make them, because there's one little trick that makes all the difference.

What Are Chocolate Chip Cookie Tacos?

Chocolate chip cookie tacos are exactly what they sound like: soft chocolate chip cookies shaped into little taco shells while they're still warm from the oven.

Once the cookies cool, they hold their curved shape, creating a little pocket that's perfect for filling with whipped topping, frosting, mousse, or even ice cream.

You can decorate them with chocolate chips, colorful candies, sprinkles, chopped nuts, crushed sandwich cookies, or just about anything else you have on hand.

They're like a cross between a cookie sandwich, a dessert taco, and a miniature ice cream sundae.

And they're so much fun!

Why You're Going to Love These Easy Cookie Tacos

First, they're ridiculously easy to make. You can start with store-bought refrigerated cookie dough, which takes most of the work out of the recipe.

Second, they're adorable! There's something about a tiny taco filled with sweet cream and colorful toppings that makes people smile.

Third, they're completely customizable. You don't have to buy a dozen different toppings. Use whatever you have in your pantry.

And finally, they're the perfect size for a handheld dessert. I originally expected my cookies to bake up quite a bit larger, but I was actually glad they stayed relatively small. They were easier to shape, easier to fill, and just the right size for enjoying a sweet treat without committing to a giant dessert.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Tacos

You won't need much to make these fun little treats.

For the Cookie Shells

• 1 package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough

For the Filling

• Prepared whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, thawed

Optional Toppings

• Mini chocolate chips
• Mini or regular M&M's candies
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Rainbow nonpareils
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Hot fudge sauce
• Caramel sauce

That's it!

And don't feel like you need every topping on this list. I happened to have a tiny bit of several different things in my pantry, so I decided to use them all.

A couple of leftover sandwich cookies? Perfect.

A tablespoon of sprinkles? Wonderful.

A handful of chocolate chips? You get the idea!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Tacos

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your package of refrigerated cookie dough.

Cut parchment paper into individual squares large enough to hold each cookie after it spreads during baking.

Arrange the parchment squares on your baking sheet, leaving enough space between the cookies for them to spread without touching.

Place one portion of refrigerated cookie dough on each parchment square. This little trick is going to save you a lot of trouble later!

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies according to the package directions, watching carefully toward the end of the baking time.

You want the cookies baked through, with set edges, but still soft enough to bend while they're hot.

Don't overbake them! Cookies that become too crisp will be difficult to shape without cracking.

Step 3: Flatten and Shape the Cookies

Now comes the important part! As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently flatten them slightly with a spatula. Then work quickly!

Lift each warm cookie using the parchment paper underneath it and carefully position it between the raised cups of an upside-down muffin tin. The parchment paper acts like a little hammock, supporting the cookie while it bends into a taco shape.

Here's what I learned the hard way: You can't let those cookies sit around on the baking sheet for several minutes before shaping them. I discovered that the first few cookies were already starting to firm up by the time I got around to moving them. After that, I worked at lightning speed!

If you're making these for the first time, I strongly recommend baking in small batches so you have plenty of time to shape each cookie before it cools.

Step 4: Let the Cookie Shells Cool

Leave the cookies nestled between the muffin cups until they're completely cool. As they cool, they'll firm up and hold their taco shape.

Once they're cool, carefully remove the parchment paper. You now have adorable little chocolate chip cookie taco shells!

Step 5: Fill the Cookie Tacos

Transfer your thawed whipped topping to a piping bag fitted with a small piping tip. I originally reached for my trusty Wilton 1M piping tip, but it was much too large for these little cookie shells! I ended up switching to a considerably smaller tip, which made the filling much easier to control.

Gently pipe whipped topping into the opening of each cookie taco.

You want enough filling to make the tacos look full and fluffy without forcing the cookie shells apart.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookie Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the whipped topping with your favorite goodies.

I made several different varieties using mini chocolate chips, colorful candies, rainbow sprinkles, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and chopped nuts.

You can make every taco different or decorate them all the same way. There's no wrong answer here!

The Secret to Perfect Cookie Taco Shells

If there's one thing I want you to remember about this recipe, it's this: Have everything ready before the cookies come out of the oven!

Turn your muffin tins upside down, clear a space on the counter, and make sure your spatula is handy. The cookies need to be shaped while they're still hot and flexible.

Even a couple of minutes can make a difference. The individual parchment squares are especially helpful because you don't have to slide a spatula underneath a delicate, freshly baked cookie and risk breaking it.

You simply lift the parchment, cookie and all, and lower everything into place. It's such a simple trick, but it makes the process so much easier. And once you've made a batch or two, you'll get the hang of it!

Use What You Have on Hand!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doesn't require a long shopping list. In fact, it's a wonderful way to use up those little odds and ends left over from other baking projects.

• Maybe you've got a couple of chocolate sandwich cookies hiding in the pantry. Crush them up!
• Maybe there's a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles left in the bottom of a container. Use them!
• A handful of chocolate chips, a few chopped pecans, or some leftover candy will work beautifully.

I happened to have small amounts of several toppings on hand, which is why my platter ended up looking like a little cookie taco buffet. And I loved every minute of it!

Host a Cookie Taco Party!

Now here's an idea that really got me excited. In our family, taco night has always been a favorite tradition. We set out all the fixings, and everyone goes down the line building their tacos exactly the way they like them.

Some want extra cheese. Some want salsa. Some want all the toppings. Everybody gets to make their own perfect taco.

Well, why should the fun stop with dinner? These chocolate chip cookie tacos would be the perfect ending to a family taco night!

Prepare the empty cookie shells ahead of time and set them out alongside a bowl of whipped topping and several small bowls of toppings. Let everyone build their own dessert taco!

Kids will especially love choosing their favorite candies and sprinkles. And because the cookies are small, guests can try more than one combination.

This would be such a fun idea for birthday parties, sleepovers, family gatherings, or even a casual dessert night with friends.

Fun Cookie Taco Variations

Once you learn how to shape the cookie shells, there are so many possibilities!

Cookies and Cream Cookie Tacos

Fill the chocolate chip cookie shells with whipped topping and sprinkle generously with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. You could even stir some cookie crumbs into the filling for extra cookies-and-cream flavor.

Chocolate Lover's Cookie Tacos

Fill the shells with whipped topping and finish with mini chocolate chips and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Candy Shop Cookie Tacos

Use colorful candy-coated chocolates and rainbow sprinkles for a bright, cheerful dessert. These would be especially fun for birthday parties.

Nutty Cookie Tacos

Top the whipped filling with chopped walnuts or pecans. Add a little caramel sauce if you like.

Chocolate Cookie Tacos

Try the same technique with refrigerated chocolate cookie dough. Just remember that different cookie doughs may spread and firm up differently, so you might need to experiment with the shaping time.

Ice Cream Cookie Tacos

Oh, my goodness. I think this variation could be amazing! Instead of whipped topping, fill the cooled cookie shells with softened vanilla ice cream. Then add your favorite toppings and place the finished tacos in the freezer until the ice cream firms up.

Can you imagine a chocolate cookie taco filled with vanilla ice cream? It would be like a little taco-shaped ice cream sandwich! I haven't tried that version yet, but it's definitely on my list.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookie Tacos

This was actually the first question my grandkids asked when I dropped off their platter of cookie tacos.

Should they go in the refrigerator or stay on the counter?

Because these cookies are filled with whipped topping, they need to be refrigerated until serving time.

Place the filled cookie tacos in a covered container and refrigerate promptly. For the best texture, enjoy them within a day or two, although the filling may gradually soften the cookies.

One thing to remember: Cold cookies can become quite firm.

I suggested letting the tacos sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so the cookie shells wouldn't be quite so hard.

Don't leave them sitting out for extended periods, though. Keep the filled cookies refrigerated except when serving.

If you're preparing these for a party, you can make the empty cookie shells ahead of time and store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill and decorate them closer to serving time.

For the ice cream variation, store the filled cookie tacos in the freezer instead of the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade chocolate chip cookie dough?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that different recipes spread and firm up differently. You'll want cookies that are flexible enough to shape immediately after baking but sturdy enough to hold their shape once cooled.

Can I make cookie tacos without parchment paper?

You could try transferring the cookies with a wide spatula, but I strongly recommend using individual parchment squares. They make the shaping process much easier and reduce the chance of breaking the warm cookies.

Why did my cookie tacos crack?

Most likely, the cookies cooled too much before you shaped them, or they were baked too long. Work quickly while the cookies are still hot and flexible, and avoid overbaking.

Can I use frosting instead of whipped topping?

Of course! Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a fluffy chocolate frosting would all be delicious. Just be careful not to overfill the shells.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! I recommend preparing the cookie shells ahead and storing them in an airtight container once completely cool. Add the filling and toppings closer to serving time for the best texture.

Can I freeze cookie tacos?

You can experiment with freezing them, especially if you're using ice cream as the filling. For the whipped topping version, I prefer refrigeration because freezing and thawing may change the texture of the cookies and filling.

What other cookie flavors could I use?

Chocolate, peanut butter, sugar cookie, and even snickerdoodle dough might be fun to experiment with. Just remember that not every cookie dough will bend and hold its shape the same way.

More Fun Cookie Recipes from Out of the Box Baking

If you love getting creative with cookies, I've got plenty of other ideas for you!

My Original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are a wonderful place to start if you enjoy classic chocolate chip cookies. You can also experiment with your favorite homemade chocolate chip cookie dough once you've mastered this shaping technique.

And if you enjoy cookies that hold delicious fillings, be sure to check out my cookie cup recipes. They're another fun way to transform ordinary cookie dough into something extraordinary.

I've also made decorated sugar cookies in just about every shape imaginable over the years, from flowers and flip-flops to surfboards and more.

But these little cookie tacos are something different. Instead of decorating a cookie to look like something else, we're actually changing its shape and turning it into an edible dessert shell!

Final Thoughts

I had so much fun making these easy chocolate chip cookie tacos! What started as a cute idea I spotted online turned into a colorful platter of desserts for a family moving day, complete with Texas barbecue and an out-of-state visitor getting her first taste of our family's version of Texas hospitality.

I especially loved how easy they were to customize. A little whipped topping, a handful of candy, a few cookie crumbs, and suddenly you've got something special.

And now that I've figured out the parchment paper trick, I can see myself making these again and again. Especially for taco night!

Whether you make them for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just because you want to try something fun, I hope you'll give these adorable cookie tacos a try. And if you come up with a delicious new filling or topping combination, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Thanks so much for spending a little time with me here at Out of the Box Baking.

If you enjoyed this fun dessert idea, be sure to check out some of my other easy cookie recipes and creative baking projects.

And remember, sometimes the simplest ingredients can turn into the most delightful treats.

Happy baking!

Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?

Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →