Cinnamon rolls are a classic dessert that everyone loves. However, why settle for the traditional version when you can take them to the next level with these delicious cookies and cream cinnamon rolls?
This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making these mouth-watering treats in just a few simple steps. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day, these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Follow our step-by-step instructions to create these mouthwatering treats in just a few easy steps. Perfect for beginners or experienced bakers looking to try something new. So, let’s get started!
What are Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls?
Cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are a delicious variation of the classic cinnamon rolls. This roll incorporates crushed oreo cookies into the traditional filling, giving it an extra crunch and chocolate flavor.
The cream cheese icing on top adds a tangy and creamy element that perfectly balances out the sweetness of the rolls. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or looking to switch up their usual breakfast routine.
They also make a great dessert option for any occasion. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for busy mornings or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls?
There are many reasons to love these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls. For starters, they are incredibly delicious and offer a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon roll.
The added oreo cookies in the filling provide a satisfying crispy and chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft dough. And with the addition of cream cheese icing on top, they make for an indulgent yet satisfying treat.
Moreover, the combination of ingredients used in this offers some health benefits as well. Oreo cookies contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon is also a great source of antioxidants and has been linked to improved heart health and blood sugar control. And let’s not forget the added benefits of the cream cheese icing, which provides calcium and protein. So you can enjoy these cinnamon rolls guilt-free!
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Ingredients
- Oreo Cookies: These cookies are the star of this, adding a deliciously creamy and chocolatey flavor to the cinnamon rolls.
- Cocoa Powder: Adding cocoa powder to the filling gives it an extra boost of chocolate flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: The classic spice in cinnamon rolls, this adds warmth and depth to the flavors.
- Cooking Spray: Used for greasing your baking dish or sheet to ensure the rolls don’t stick.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for rolling out the dough, preventing it from sticking to your surface.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances out the chocolate flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture to both the filling and icing.
- Frozen Bread or Pizza Dough: This is a quick and easy shortcut for making cinnamon rolls. You can also make your own dough from scratch if you prefer.
- Milk: Adds richness to the icing and helps to thin it out for drizzling.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings added flavor and depth to the cream cheese icing.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this is used for sweetness and thickening of the icing.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the icing, balancing out the sweetness of the confectioners’ sugar.
Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the crushed oreo cookies, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Set aside for later use in the cinnamon rolls.
Step 2
Preheat and Prep your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or sheet with cooking spray.
Step 3
Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the frozen bread or pizza dough into a large rectangle until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Make sure the dough is evenly rolled out and not too thin in any areas.
Step 4
Spread the Filling
- Using a pastry brush, spread the melted butter over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5
Roll Up and Cut
- Starting from one of the longer ends, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
- Cut the log into 12 even slices or floss, removing the uneven ends.
Step 6
Place in Baking Dish
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in your greased baking dish or sheet, leaving space between each roll for them to rise and expand.
- If desired, you can brush some additional melted butter over the tops of the rolls for added richness and moisture.
Step 7
Bake in Oven
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- You can also test if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of one roll. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Step 8
Make the Icing
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, make the cream cheese icing by mixing together butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
- Slowly add in confectioners’ sugar and mix until well combined and thick enough to drizzle.
Step 9
Add Cookie Topping
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top of the warm rolls and sprinkle with crushed oreo cookies before serving.
Notes
- For an even quicker and easier option, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of bread or pizza dough.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, decrease the amount of milk in the cream cheese icing.
- To easily cut the cinnamon rolls without squishing them, use a piece of floss and slide it under the dough before crossing it over the top to slice through.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to your personal preference.
Storage Tips
Once prepared, these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To do so, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven until warm. If you have leftover baked cinnamon rolls, they can also be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as desired. This is a great option for meal prepping or saving some for later indulgence.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas for serving these delicious cookies and cream cinnamon rolls:
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Pair with hot chocolate or coffee for an extra special treat.
- Enjoy as a breakfast or brunch dish alongside some fresh fruit.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with other savory items like quiches, frittatas, or breakfast meats.
- Make a batch for your next potluck, party, or gathering.
What other substitute can I use in Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls?
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
- Instead of cream cheese icing, you can top these cinnamon rolls with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- If you don’t have oreo cookies on hand, you can use any other type of chocolate cookie for the filling.
- For a vegan option, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese and swap in almond or soy milk in the icing.
- To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free bread or pizza dough and check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Bowl
- a surface
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 6 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray as desired
- All-purpose flour for rolling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 pounds of frozen bread or pizza dough
- For Vanilla Cream Icing and Cookie Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp oreo cookies crushed
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the filling for your cookies and cream cinnamon rolls. In a small bowl, combine crushed Oreo cookies, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon until well-mixed. Set this mixture aside for later use in the recipe.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or sheet with cooking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your frozen bread or pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. It is important to make sure the dough is evenly rolled out without any thin spots.
- Using a pastry brush, spread melted butter over the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle an even layer of the sugar mixture over the butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up the dough tightly from one of the longer ends to create a log shape. Then cut the log into 12 even slices or floss, removing any uneven ends.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in your greased baking dish or sheet, leaving room for them to expand. For an extra touch of richness, brush some melted butter over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through. You can test if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of one roll – if it comes out clean, they are ready.
- While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese icing by combining butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cream cheese in a bowl. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar until the desired thickness is reached.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are finished baking, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top. For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle crushed oreo cookies on top of the icing before serving.
Notes
- For an even quicker and easier option, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of bread or pizza dough.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, decrease the amount of milk in the cream cheese icing.
- To easily cut the cinnamon rolls without squishing them, use a piece of floss and slide it under the dough before crossing it over the top to slice through.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to your personal preference.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk as a substitute for buttermilk in this. Simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Is this safe for pregnant women?
Yes, this is safe for pregnant women as long as they consume it in moderation and do not have any food allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients used. As always, consult with a doctor if you have any concerns.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins. Some ideas include chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying out this guide on cookies and cream cinnamon rolls. We hope you enjoy the combination of rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and creamy icing in every bite.
Please share this article with your family and friends, and don’t forget to leave us a review or comment below.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more