Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your mornings, then these Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls are just the answer! Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked rolls filled with crunchy Oreos and warm cinnamon. This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it brings together the joy of cookies and the comfort of cinnamon rolls. Whether it’s a special occasion, a lazy weekend brunch, or even a busy weekday breakfast, these fluffy, gooey rolls will surely bring smiles to your table.

What makes these Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls even better is how simple they are to prepare. With an overnight option, you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh without any morning stress. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with family or friends at gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: No kneading is required! Just mix, rise, and bake.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids (and adults!) will love the delicious cookies and cream flavor.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare them the night before for a quick breakfast option.
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of Oreos, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting creates a truly indulgent treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful rolls!

For the Dough

• ½ cup water (warm)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 packet activated dry yeast (7g)
• 4 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (560g)
• ½ cup crushed Oreos (about 4 Oreos)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk (warm)

For the Filling

• ½ cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup crushed Oreos (about 7 Oreos)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) (113g)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a runnier frosting)
• 4 Oreos (crushed)

Variations

This recipe is flexible! You can easily customize these Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change the filling: Substitute crushed chocolate chips or peanut butter cookies for an exciting twist.
• Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder into the dough for rich chocolate-flavored rolls.
• Switch up the frosting: Try a vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter touch.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your water until it’s nice but not boiling. Combine this warm water with granulated sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly—this step ensures your yeast is active, giving those rolls their fluffy texture. In another bowl, whisk together flour, crushed Oreos, and sea salt. Once your yeast mixture is ready, mix in softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm milk until well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture until it forms a soft dough.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Now that you’ve mixed your dough, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—typically about an hour. This step is crucial because it helps develop the texture of the rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, let’s whip up that delicious cinnamon filling! In a bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth. Stir in those crushed Oreos for extra flavor. This filling will melt into every roll as they bake!

Step 4: Roll It Out

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread your Oreo cinnamon filling evenly over this rectangle to create layers of goodness.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll up your dough from one long edge to another to form a log shape. Cut this log into equal pieces—each about 1½ inches thick—and place them in a greased baking dish. They should be close together but not touching.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover those lovely rolls again with a cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This second rise gives them that irresistible fluffiness!

Step 7: Bake

Pop those rolls into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While they’re baking, prepare your cream cheese frosting by mixing softened butter with powdered sugar, sea salt, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with frosting. Top with more crushed Oreos if desired! Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite of these indulgent Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls!

Pro Tips for Making Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Baking these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can make it even better!

• Use warm water for yeast activation: This helps the yeast bloom properly, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully and become fluffy.

• Incorporate crushed Oreos evenly: By distributing the crushed Oreos throughout the dough and filling, every bite will be packed with that irresistible cookies and cream flavor.

• Let the dough rise in a warm place: A cozy environment allows the dough to rise more effectively. Consider placing it in an oven (turned off) with just the light on to create a warm atmosphere.

• Don’t skimp on resting time after baking: Allowing your rolls to cool slightly before frosting helps the frosting stay put instead of melting into a gooey mess.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature makes for a smoother batter and frosting, resulting in better texture.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

These cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they also make for a beautiful presentation perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some ideas to serve them up right.

Garnishes

• Crushed Oreos: Sprinkling extra crushed Oreos on top of the frosted rolls adds texture and ties in with the cookies and cream theme.

• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of dark chocolate or white chocolate shavings can enhance the visual appeal while complementing the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of berries and melons provides a light contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls. It’s perfect for balancing out sweetness!

• Scrambled Eggs: Creamy scrambled eggs add protein to your meal, making it heartier without overshadowing the star of the show—the cinnamon rolls.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a wholesome side that complements the indulgence of your cinnamon rolls while adding texture.

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these sweet rolls, enhancing their flavors while providing warmth on chilly mornings.

Now that you have all these wonderful tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious cookies and cream cinnamon rolls like never before! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh, gooey rolls even on your busiest mornings. With a bit of planning, you can prepare these delightful treats in advance, ensuring they’re ready when you crave something sweet!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you’d like them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Always ensure they are completely cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze the rolls, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before baking. Allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

Reheating

• To reheat cinnamon rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries about Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls that might help you out.

Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos for these Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! While Oreos provide a fantastic flavor, feel free to experiment with any chocolate sandwich cookies you love. The key is finding cookies that will blend well into the dough and frosting.

How do I make my Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls fluffier?

For fluffier rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Allow the dough to rise properly before baking. Also, don’t skip the resting time after mixing; this helps develop gluten without kneading!

Can I prepare Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these rolls ahead by either refrigerating or freezing them before baking. This makes brunch easy and stress-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these delightful Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls! They bring together the best of both worlds—fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with delicious cookies. Enjoy making these treats for yourself or share them with loved ones; either way, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy!