Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

By Kimberly Booker RD | Published on March 1, 2024

As I stirred the warm water and sugar together, watching the yeast activate and transform the mixture into a frothy cloud, my anticipation grew. 

Today, I was embarking on a culinary adventure that promised the perfect marriage of two beloved flavors: cookies and cream with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. The scent of freshly baked goods wafted through my kitchen, enveloping me in a cloud of sweetness and nostalgia. 

Little did I know that these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls would soon become a staple in my baking repertoire, capturing the hearts and taste buds of everyone who tried them.

Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Table of Contents

What is cookies and cream cinnamon rolls?

Cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll recipe. Combining the rich, creamy goodness of crushed Oreos with the warm, gooey indulgence of cinnamon-laced dough, these rolls offer a unique and decadent flavor profile that is sure to impress. 

Each bite is a tantalizing blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it a treat that is perfect for any occasion.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other cookies and cream cinnamon rolls?

What sets this cookies and cream cinnamon roll recipe apart from others is the perfect balance of flavors and textures it offers. 

By incorporating crushed Oreos into both the dough and the filling, every bite is infused with a rich, chocolatey taste that complements the buttery softness of the cinnamon-infused dough.

 The addition of a creamy Oreo cream cheese glaze takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level, adding a luscious finishing touch that will have you coming back for more.

How Does It Taste Like?

The first bite was a revelation. The warm, pillowy softness of the cinnamon roll dough gave way to a burst of chocolatey crunch from the crushed Oreos, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. 

The Oreo cream cheese glaze added a tangy sweetness that perfectly complemented the richness of the rolls, leaving me craving another bite before I had even finished the first. Each mouthful was a delightful journey of contrasting textures and flavors, making this treat a true delight for the senses.

Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls Copycat Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the No Knead Dough:

  • Water: Water serves as the primary liquid in the dough, hydrating the flour and activating the yeast. It helps create the dough’s desired consistency and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough, enhancing its flavor and contributing to its tender texture. It also provides food for the yeast to help with fermentation and rise.
  • Activated Dry Yeast: Yeast is essential for leavening the dough, causing it to rise and develop a light and airy texture. Activated dry yeast activates when mixed with warm water and sugar, fermenting the dough and creating carbon dioxide bubbles that expand the dough.
  • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and stability. It contains gluten, which gives the dough its elasticity and helps it rise during baking.
  • Crushed Oreos: Crushed Oreos add a unique twist to the classic cinnamon roll dough, infusing it with the delicious flavor of chocolate cookies and cream. They contribute to the dough’s flavor and texture, creating a delightful contrast of crunchy cookie bits.
  • Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the flavor of the dough, balancing out the sweetness and adding depth. It also strengthens the gluten structure of the dough and helps regulate the fermentation process.
  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it tender and flavorful. It also contributes to the dough’s texture and helps with browning during baking.
  • Eggs: Eggs enrich the dough, adding richness and a tender crumb. They also provide structure and stability, contributing to the dough’s overall texture and helping it rise.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a subtle and aromatic flavor to the dough, enhancing its overall taste profile. It complements the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter, adding depth to the flavor.
  • Milk: Milk adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it tender and flavorful. It also contributes to the dough’s texture and helps with browning during baking.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the dough, making it soft and luxurious. It enhances the flavor and texture of the dough, creating a decadent treat.

For the Filling:

  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is spread over the rolled-out dough before adding the filling ingredients. It adds richness and flavor to the filling, helping it adhere to the dough and creating a deliciously gooey center.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and caramel notes to the filling, complementing the flavors of the crushed Oreos and cocoa powder. It creates a sticky and indulgent filling that melts in your mouth.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the filling, enhancing its flavor and aroma. It complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and adds depth to the overall taste profile.
  • Crushed Oreos: Crushed Oreos are scattered over the buttered dough to create a layer of chocolatey goodness in the cinnamon rolls. They add texture and flavor to the filling, making each bite a delightful experience.
  • Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Dutch process cocoa powder adds rich and intense chocolate flavor to the filling, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar and the crunchiness of the crushed Oreos. It creates a decadent and indulgent filling that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced dough.

For the Oreo Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the glaze, creating a smooth and creamy texture. It enhances the overall taste profile of the glaze and adds a luxurious touch to the finished cinnamon rolls.
  • Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the glaze and helps thicken it to the desired consistency. It adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the glaze, making it perfect for drizzling over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  • Sea Salt: Sea salt balances out the sweetness of the glaze, adding depth and complexity to its flavor. It enhances the overall taste profile of the glaze and helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds tanginess and richness to the glaze, creating a smooth and creamy texture. It complements the sweetness of the powdered sugar and adds a deliciously creamy flavor to the glaze.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a subtle and aromatic flavor to the glaze, enhancing its overall taste profile. It complements the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the richness of the cream cheese, adding depth to the flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the glaze, making it smooth and luxurious. It enhances the flavor and texture of the glaze, creating a decadent topping for the cinnamon rolls.
  • Crushed Oreos: Crushed Oreos are sprinkled over the glaze as a garnish, adding a final touch of chocolatey goodness to the finished cinnamon rolls. They add texture and flavor to the glaze, making it visually appealing and deliciously indulgent.

Step by Step Directions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and the packet of activated dry yeast. Stir well until the yeast dissolves completely. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until a foamy layer forms on top, indicating that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, crushed Oreos, and sea salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the softened unsalted butter, eggs, pure vanilla extract, and warm milk, along with the activated yeast mixture.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a cohesive dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.

Step 4: Allow the Dough to Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, then cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 45 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and additional crushed Oreos. Mix everything together until well combined and set the filling aside.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, roughly about 18 inches by 24 inches in size.

Step 7: Add the Filling

Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle some extra crushed Oreos over the filling for added flavor and texture.

Step 8: Roll Up the Dough

Starting from the long edge without the border, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.

Step 9: Arrange and Let Rise

Place the cut rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each roll. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until they have doubled in size once again.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the rolls have finished rising, pour heavy cream evenly over the top of the rolls and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and sea salt until light and fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese in batches, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pure vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking and still warm, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls. Finish by sprinkling some additional crushed Oreos on top for garnish. Serve the cookies and cream cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the delicious, indulgent treat!

Tips & Tricks On Making Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls:

– Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired to ensure a good rise of the dough.

– Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to promote yeast activity.

– When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.

– For a gooier filling, add a bit of cream cheese to the filling mixture.

– To prevent the rolls from over-browning, tent the baking dish with foil halfway through baking.

How to Make Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Nutrition Information:

Based on a serving size of one cinnamon roll:

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 5g

How Do I Store This Dish?

Store leftover cookies and cream cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, wrap the rolls individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, microwave a frozen roll for 20-30 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What other substitute can you use in cookies and cream cinnamon rolls?

1. White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, replace crushed Oreos with white chocolate chips in the dough and filling.

2. Almond Extract: Add a nutty flavor by using almond extract instead of vanilla in the dough.

3. Nutella: Swap out the cinnamon filling for a layer of Nutella and chopped hazelnuts for a decadent variation.

4. Marshmallow Fluff: Mix marshmallow fluff with crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-inspired filling.

5. Peanut Butter: Incorporate creamy peanut butter into the dough for a rich and nutty taste that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

How to Make Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD
As I stirred the warm water and sugar together, watching the yeast activate and transform the mixture into a frothy cloud, my anticipation grew. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls (medium-sized)
  • Electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For Dough

  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup luke warm milk
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup luke warm water
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup crushed oreos 4 oreos
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whipping cream
  • 560 g all purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 7 g activated dry yeast

For Filling

  • 1 tablespoon Dutch process cocoa powder
  • Oreo Cream Cheese Glaze
  • 1 cup crushed oreos about 7 oreos
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • cup unsalted butter softened

For Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 tablespoon heavy cream or milk for a runnier frosting
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened 113g
  • 4 oreos crushed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  • Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and the packet of activated dry yeast. Stir well until the yeast dissolves completely. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until a foamy layer forms on top, indicating that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, crushed Oreos, and sea salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the softened unsalted butter, eggs, pure vanilla extract, and warm milk, along with the activated yeast mixture.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

  • Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a cohesive dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.

Step 4: Allow the Dough to Rise

  • Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, then cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 45 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

  • While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and additional crushed Oreos. Mix everything together until well combined and set the filling aside.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

  • Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, roughly about 18 inches by 24 inches in size.

Step 7: Add the Filling

  • Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle some extra crushed Oreos over the filling for added flavor and texture.

Step 8: Roll Up the Dough

  • Starting from the long edge without the border, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.

Step 9: Arrange and Let Rise

  • Place the cut rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each roll. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until they have doubled in size once again.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the rolls have finished rising, pour heavy cream evenly over the top of the rolls and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and sea salt until light and fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese in batches, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pure vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

  • Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking and still warm, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls. Finish by sprinkling some additional crushed Oreos on top for garnish. Serve the cookies and cream cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the delicious, indulgent treat!

Notes

  • Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired to ensure a good rise of the dough.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to promote yeast activity.
  • When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
  • For a gooier filling, add a bit of cream cheese to the filling mixture.
  • To prevent the rolls from over-browning, tent the baking dish with foil halfway through baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal
Keyword Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

A1: Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before, then cover and refrigerate them. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature before baking the next day for fresh, warm cinnamon rolls.

Q2: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A2: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. However, instant yeast does not require proofing, so you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour for a healthier option?

A3: While you can use whole wheat flour, keep in mind that it may result in denser rolls. You can try a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier twist without compromising texture.

Q4: How can I make a dairy-free version of these cinnamon rolls?

A4: You can use dairy-free alternatives such as plant-based butter, almond milk, and vegan cream cheese to make a delicious dairy-free version of cookies and cream cinnamon rolls.

Q5: Can I omit the cocoa powder in the filling?

A5: Yes, you can omit the cocoa powder if you prefer a more traditional cinnamon roll flavor without the chocolate undertones. The rolls will still be delicious with the classic cinnamon sugar filling.

Conclusion:

As I savored the last bite of my cookies and cream cinnamon roll, I was filled with a sense of contentment and satisfaction. The melding of flavors, the perfect balance of textures, and the comforting warmth of each bite had made this baking endeavor a triumph. 

I was already looking forward to sharing this delightful treat with friends and family, knowing that its irresistible charm would win them over just as it had won me.

Cookies and cream cinnamon rolls had become more than just a recipe; they were a symbol of creativity and indulgence, a testament to the joy that baking can bring. 

So, the next time you find yourself craving a sweet and decadent treat that is sure to impress, give these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls a try. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a world of pure delight and culinary bliss.

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