Panda Express is reimagining one of its most recognizable American Chinese appetizers into an indulgent, warm holiday dessert. The Rosemead, California-based fast-casual giant unveiled its first-ever dessert rangoon innovation: Triple Chocolate Rangoons. Developed in an exclusive brand partnership with the historic San Francisco-based Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, the limited-time release takes the chain's beloved savory cream cheese rangoon format and transforms it into a rich, molten chocolate pastry designed to sweeten the end of any meal.
Three Distinct Chocolate Formats Create Molten Brownie Filling
The culinary creation incorporates three distinct layers of Ghirardelli chocolate to deliver contrasting textures and layered cocoa depth. Inside the crispy wonton pastry shell, a sweet chocolate cream cheese filling is blended directly with Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Ghirardelli Chocolate and Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder. Once fried to a delicate golden brown, the warm interior melts into a gooey consistency reminiscent of a molten lava cake or fudgy brownie. To finish each serving, kitchen crews drizzle the warm pastry with Ghirardelli Black Label Chocolate Sauce and a light dusting of sweet powdered sugar, providing a decadent balance of crunch and creamy sweetness.
Historic Partnership Marks Asian Quick Service Debut For Ghirardelli
The high-profile menu partnership marks a historic milestone for both legacy California companies. While Panda Express previously teamed up with spicy Korean noodle brand Buldak for its viral Dynamite Sweet and Sour Chicken, this launch represents Ghirardelli’s inaugural collaboration within the Asian quick-service restaurant sector.
Panda Express culinary developers aimed to deliver a comforting, unexpected treat that feels native to American Chinese takeout culture while leveraging Ghirardelli’s century-old chocolate craftsmanship to establish a compelling dessert category across its fast-casual ecosystem.
Ten City Pilot Program Evaluates National Expansion Potential
Triple Chocolate Rangoons officially launched on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, across ten designated test markets, including Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and West Palm Beach.
Available through January 11, 2027, or while supplies last, the confections are sold as a two-piece order starting at $2.55, as well as a 48-piece catering platter priced between $34 and $40. Customer response and ordering velocity throughout the two-month regional pilot will determine whether Panda Express expands the sweet rangoon to its more than 2,600 locations nationwide.
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