If you have a sweet tooth and love a good twist on classic baked goods, this Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These soft, fluffy rolls are packed with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts in your mouth. Imagine warm, pillowy dough swirled with rich cookie filling, then drizzled with sweet frosting that perfectly balances the flavors. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, ideal for sharing with friends or brightening up any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible Cookies and Cream Rolls. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender dough base to the crunchy, chocolaty cookie filling and the creamy glaze that brings it all together with a silky finish.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a soft, elastic dough that holds the filling beautifully.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy, airy texture through proper rising.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough and filling.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s depth.
- 1/2 cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Works alongside the milk for ideal yeast activation and dough consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the dough while keeping it soft.
- 1 egg: Contributes to structure and a beautifully golden crust.
- 15 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed: The star ingredient—giving that unmistakable cookies and cream flavor inside every bite.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Used in the filling to create a smooth paste combined with cookie crumbs.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie filling perfectly.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Forms the creamy base of the decadent glaze topping.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to just the right consistency.
- 1–2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the glaze’s texture for drizzle or spread.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze’s flavor with a warm, comforting note.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then add warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and the egg. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. This initial mix is where the dough begins its magic journey to becoming delightfully fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Knead for Perfection
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This step develops the gluten to create a smooth, elastic dough that will rise beautifully and yield tender rolls. It’s a bit of arm work that’s totally worth the heavenly texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a warm cloth, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This resting period is crucial as it gives the dough a light, airy quality.
Step 4: Prepare the Cookies and Cream Filling
While the dough rests, mix your crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with softened butter and sugar until a paste forms. This decadent filling will seep into every bite, adding that classic cookies and cream goodness.
Step 5: Roll and Assemble
Roll out the dough into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cookie filling evenly over the surface, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor. Then, roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice this log into 12 equally sized pieces and arrange them in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover again, letting the rolls rest for another 30 to 45 minutes to rise once more.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn beautifully golden brown. The warm aroma of baking rolls combined with chocolate cookies will fill your kitchen and make waiting almost impossible.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your preferred glaze consistency—thick enough to hold some shape but runny enough to drizzle. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over them for that dreamy finishing touch.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair with garnish can elevate your Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe to a show-stopping dessert. Sprinkle crushed cookie crumbs on top of the glaze or add a few whole mini sandwich cookies for a playful look that hints at the delicious surprise inside.
Side Dishes
These rolls are sweet and rich, so pair them with something light and refreshing like a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch, they also go wonderfully with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual rolls on pretty plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also slice the roll loaf-style for a pull-apart presentation that’s perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls remain soft and just as flavorful, making for an easy snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual rolls or the entire batch in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your favorite treat any time with little prep.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated rolls back to life, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. Or microwave individual portions for 15 to 20 seconds. Reheat before glazing or drizzle glaze once they’re warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the filling?
Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies are classic, you can experiment with other cookies like chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies for a fun variation. Just make sure to crush them finely for easy spreading.
Do I need to use fresh yeast or can I substitute with instant yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Just reduce the liquid slightly, and mix the yeast directly into the flour. Instant yeast often speeds up rising time as well.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook makes kneading easier and faster. Mix the ingredients on low speed until the dough forms and then knead for about 7 minutes or until smooth.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough hasn’t risen properly, it might be due to water temperature being too hot or cold or expired yeast. Try proofing yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar next time to ensure it bubbles and activates before mixing.
Is there a way to make the glaze dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream and use a dairy-free milk alternative. The powdered sugar and vanilla will still give you that sweet, creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite as satisfying as pulling warm, gooey Cookies and Cream Rolls straight from the oven and tasting that first heavenly bite. This Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe has everything you want—soft, tender dough, rich cookie flavor, and a luscious glaze that ties it all together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, these rolls will bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to get a piece. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a delicious staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Cookies and Cream Rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a rich chocolate cookie mixture and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these sweet rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warm
- 1/4 cup water, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 15 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed (e.g., Oreos)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly to create the dry ingredients base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, warm water, melted unsalted butter, and the egg. Stir the mixture until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but manageable.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with softened butter and granulated sugar until a spreadable paste forms.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cookie filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut this log into 12 equal pieces to form the rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve the preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk and water are warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well is crucial to develop gluten for a soft, elastic texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm place to ensure proper fermentation.
- The glaze can be adjusted to be thicker or thinner depending on your preference by varying the milk amount.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheat rolls slightly before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
