Pin I once brought these to a potluck without telling anyone what they were. The look on peoples faces when they realized they were eating cookie sushi was priceless. Some thought I was joking, others grabbed seconds before I could even explain. It started as a rainy afternoon experiment with leftover Oreos and turned into my go-to party trick. Theres something oddly satisfying about slicing into a roll that looks savory but tastes like pure dessert chaos. Now I make them every time I need to surprise someone.
I made these for my nephews birthday once, and he insisted on calling them cookie maki for weeks afterward. He helped me roll them, got coconut everywhere, and ate half the banana before it made it into the filling. We lined them up on a wooden board like real sushi, and he served them to his friends with chopsticks. Watching a bunch of eight year olds try to pick up Oreo rolls with chopsticks was comedy gold. That batch didnt look perfect, but it tasted like victory.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: The base of the whole roll, blended into crumbs that hold everything together when mixed with cream cheese. Use regular Oreos, not the double stuffed kind, or the texture gets too sweet and sticky.
- Cream cheese: This acts like the glue that binds the cookie crumbs into a rollable dough. Make sure its softened to room temperature or it wont blend smoothly.
- Banana: The center filling that mimics the fish in real sushi rolls. Pick one thats firm and not too ripe, or it will mush up when you slice the roll.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a little tropical texture and sweetness. I once forgot this and the rolls still worked, but the coconut really does make them feel more interesting.
- Strawberry jam: A thin fruity layer that keeps things from being too chocolate heavy. You can swap this for raspberry or apricot if thats what you have open in the fridge.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted with cream to make a glossy dip that looks like soy sauce. I use semisweet because milk chocolate can be too sugary and dark chocolate fights with the Oreos.
- Heavy cream: Thins out the chocolate and makes it silky instead of thick and clumpy. A little goes a long way.
- Soy sauce (optional): Just a teaspoon gives the chocolate dip a deeper color and a hint of umami that surprises people. Its weird, but it works.
- Sprinkles or extra coconut: Pure decoration, but it makes the platter look playful and finished.
Instructions
- Crush the Oreos:
- Twist open the cookies, scrape out the filling, and toss the wafers into a food processor. Pulse until they turn into fine crumbs that look like black sand. Dont skip removing the filling or the dough will be too sweet and sticky to roll.
- Mix in the cream cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and blend until it forms a sticky dough that holds its shape when pinched. If its too dry, add a tiny bit more cream cheese.
- Shape the base:
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and press the dough into a rectangle about 8 by 6 inches and a quarter inch thick. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out evenly.
- Layer the fillings:
- Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam over the surface, then sprinkle the shredded coconut on top. Dont overdo it or the roll will be too thick to close.
- Roll it up:
- Place the banana along one edge of the rectangle and use the plastic wrap to lift and roll the dough tightly around it, like a burrito. Press gently as you go to seal the seam. Chill the log in the fridge for 10 minutes so it firms up and slices cleanly.
- Make the chocolate dip:
- Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 20 second bursts, stirring after each one, until smooth and glossy. Stir in the soy sauce if youre feeling adventurous.
- Slice and serve:
- Unwrap the chilled roll and use a sharp knife to cut it into one inch thick rounds. Arrange them on a platter with the chocolate dip on the side and sprinkle with coconut or sprinkles if you want.
Pin The first time I served these at a dinner party, someone asked if they were gluten free. I laughed so hard I almost dropped the platter. They werent mad, just hopeful. We ended up eating them with chopsticks and dipping them dramatically like actual sushi, and it became this whole bit. Now every time I make them, someone asks for chopsticks. Its not about the recipe anymore, its about the performance.
How to Store Leftovers
Wrap any leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. The banana will start to brown a little, but it still tastes fine. The chocolate dip can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently in the microwave when youre ready to serve again. I wouldnt freeze these because the banana gets mushy and weird when it thaws.
Fun Variations to Try
Swap the banana for hulled strawberries if you want a brighter, more tart center. You can also skip the fruit entirely and roll it around a strip of peanut butter or Nutella for a richer filling. I once added mini marshmallows with the coconut and it tasted like a campfire snack. If you want to go full dessert sushi, serve it on a wooden board with the chocolate dip in a small dish and garnish with sesame seeds (white sprinkles work too).
What to Serve It With
These are sweet enough to stand alone, but theyre even better with a glass of cold milk or a mug of green tea for balance. I like pairing them with fresh berries on the side to cut through the richness. If youre doing a full dessert sushi spread, add some fruit skewers or mochi for variety.
- Serve them on a sushi style platter for maximum visual impact.
- Pair with iced matcha or a vanilla latte for a cafe vibe.
- Let guests build their own with extra toppings like crushed nuts or caramel drizzle.
Pin These little cookie rolls have turned into my secret weapon for making people smile. Theyre silly, theyre sweet, and they prove that dessert doesnt have to be serious to be memorable.
Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the sushi rolls?
Oreo cookie crumbs mixed with softened cream cheese, layered with strawberry jam, shredded coconut, and a peeled banana.
- → How is the chocolate dipping sauce prepared?
Semisweet chocolate chips are melted with heavy cream and optionally combined with soy sauce for color and subtle flavor.
- → Can the banana be substituted?
Yes, strawberries or no fruit can be used to alter texture and taste.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
A food processor to blend Oreo crumbs, plastic wrap for rolling, a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate, and a sharp knife for slicing.
- → Are there common allergens involved?
Yes, wheat, dairy, and soy are present, with possible traces of nuts. Check labels accordingly.
- → How long does preparation take?
About 20 minutes total, with no actual cooking time needed.