Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Who doesn’t love the combination of cookies and cream? Now, imagine that delicious flavor packed into soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. Sounds dreamy, right? In this recipe, we’re bringing you the ultimate fusion of two comfort foods—Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls. This sweet, slightly spiced treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable, detailed, and foolproof. We’ll walk you through each step of the process and offer tips to make the baking experience even more fun and rewarding.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have mastered these rolls and wowed your friends and family with your culinary skills!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: Traditional cinnamon rolls are amazing, but adding crushed Oreos to the filling and the dough takes them to the next level.
- Easy-to-Follow: This recipe is beginner-friendly with detailed instructions and helpful tips for perfect results every time.
- Perfect Texture: Fluffy, gooey rolls with a creamy, sweet filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress at any gathering or family breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/2 tsp yeast (instant or active dry)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup butter (75 grams, melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed Oreos
For the Cookies and Cream Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 56 grams butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup crushed Oreos
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough rises well.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Then slowly incorporate the flour, about one cup at a time. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Add Crushed Oreos: Once the dough has formed, fold in the crushed Oreos for that extra cookies-and-cream flavor. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Prepare the Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and crushed Oreos.
- Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the dough without causing it to tear.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the Filling: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the cookie cream filling over the dough, leaving about 1/4 inch border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into about 12 even rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Let Them Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and touching each other.
Step 5: Baking the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Be careful not to over-bake as you want them soft and gooey.
Tips for Success
- Measuring Flour Correctly: Scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t pack it down, as this can result in denser rolls.
- Rolling the Dough: Keep it even and tight, but don’t over-stretch. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
- Using Dental Floss to Cut: Floss ensures clean cuts without squishing your rolls. Slide the floss under the roll log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
The Vanilla Glaze
While the rolls bake, it’s time to make the glaze.
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. The perfect glaze should be thick enough to coat the rolls but thin enough to drizzle.
Finishing Touches
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the vanilla glaze generously over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: These Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, with gooey centers and a delicious glaze oozing into every bite.
FAQs
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls through the second rise, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze both baked and unbaked cinnamon rolls. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble them in a dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions. For baked rolls, freeze individually and reheat when needed.
Customizations and Variations
Add Some Crunch
If you’re a fan of texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added crunch.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a tangier finish, replace the vanilla glaze with a classic cream cheese frosting. Simply mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a delicious alternative.
Nutritional Information
Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Warm milk (1 cup) | 103 | 2.4 | 12 | 8 |
Yeast (2 1/2 tsp) | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Sugar (1/2 cup) | 387 | 0 | 100 | 0 |
Eggs (2 large) | 143 | 9.9 | 1 | 12 |
Butter (1/3 cup) | 611 | 67 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
All-purpose flour | 455 | 1.2 | 95.4 | 12.9 |
Crushed Oreos | 250 | 12.5 | 35 | 2.5 |
Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on individual portion sizes and specific ingredient brands used.
Conclusion
There you have it—an indulgent and unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll! Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a special dessert, or simply treating yourself, these Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls are bound to be a hit. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. We love hearing from fellow bakers and cook lovers. Happy baking!