If you love the nostalgic crunch of chocolate sandwich cookies combined with soft, fluffy rolls, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe. Imagine tender, yeast-risen dough rolled around a luscious crushed cookie filling, then topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze that melts into every swirl. This recipe brings together classic flavors in a way that’s elegant yet so comforting, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet craving moment. Every bite is a little celebration of cookies and cream, transformed into a warm, irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each component plays a special role in crafting the perfect dough and that iconic cookies and cream flavor you crave.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and tenderness to the rolls.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and get beautifully fluffy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and filling for balance.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing any one taste from being too flat.
- Milk (warm): Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
- Water (warm): Joins milk to activate the yeast perfectly while controlling dough consistency.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness to the dough and is also part of the luscious filling.
- Egg: Improves the dough’s texture and adds softness and color.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed: The heart of the flavor, giving those signature bites of cookies and cream in every swirl.
- Cream cheese, softened: Central to the smooth glaze that makes these rolls extra indulgent.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze with a silky smooth texture.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze’s flavor.
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 to ensure even distribution. Slowly pour in the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and the egg, then stir gently until the mixture begins to come together into a soft dough. This dough is the foundation of your rolls, so take care to get a nice, cohesive ball.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is so rewarding because you’ll notice the dough transform from sticky and shaggy into a smooth, elastic ball that springs back when pressed. This texture is why your rolls will turn out tender and airy.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a large bowl and pop your dough in, covering with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This rise lets the yeast work its magic, creating those lovely air pockets that make every roll soft and pillowy.
Step 4: Prepare the Cookies and Cream Filling
While the dough rests, mix together the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, softened butter, and sugar until you get a spreadable paste. This filling is pure joy—its crunch is softened just enough to meld with the butter and sugar, creating a rich and flavorful contrast against the soft dough.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Roll your dough out on a floured surface until it forms a neat 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cookies and cream filling evenly over the surface, making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor. Then, carefully roll the dough up from the long edge to form a tight log. Slice this log into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for 30 to 45 minutes—this second rise is key to getting light, fluffy rolls.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then bake your rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden and irresistible. The smell alone is enough to have everyone gathered around, and visually these rolls are a feast.
Step 7: Whip Up the Creamy Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Adjust the milk to reach the perfect drizzling consistency. Once the rolls come out of the oven, generously drizzle this glaze over them while they’re still warm, so it melts down into every crevice. Serve immediately and prepare to be delighted.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of charm and texture, sprinkle a few extra crushed chocolate sandwich cookies on top of the cream cheese glaze. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or even sprinkle some mini chocolate chips for that surprise melty bite. These small additions bring visual appeal and deepen the cookies and cream vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the rich sweetness. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, pairs wonderfully by bringing a hint of tartness that balances the creamy richness of the rolls. For a brunch spread, light scrambled eggs or a simple green salad are great to keep the focus on the sweet centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, present your rolls on a pretty serving platter with edible flowers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also arrange them in individual ramekins for a charming, single-serve look. For a fun twist, serve alongside a dipping bowl of extra cookies and cream glaze to double down on indulgence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the glaze slightly creamy. If the glaze hardens, you can gently warm the rolls in the microwave to restore that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Freezing
Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, place your rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds. Add a little extra glaze or a fresh drizzle of milk if needed to refresh the creamy texture and ensure they taste like freshly baked treats.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your gluten-free flour blend is designed for baking and includes xanthan gum or another binder. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get delicious rolls.
Can I make the dough ahead and chill it overnight?
Yes! After the first knead, let the dough rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling and assembling your rolls.
What type of cookies works best for the filling?
Classic chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos are perfect because their creamy filling adds extra richness. Feel free to experiment with flavored sandwich cookies if you want a twist!
Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze with something else?
You can, though the cream cheese glaze is what gives this recipe its signature “cookies and cream” richness. A simple vanilla glaze or even chocolate drizzle works but won’t have quite the same depth.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
With a few ingredient swaps, yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter substitutes, and a cream cheese alternative to create a vegan version. You’ll need to find a suitable yeast dough recipe that fits vegan requirements.
Final Thoughts
You are in for such a joyful baking experience when making this Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe. Every step, from kneading the dough to that final drizzle of glaze, feels like a little celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch or a special treat to share, these rolls are bound to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead—grab those chocolate sandwich cookies and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these homemade Cookies and Cream Rolls, featuring a soft yeast dough filled with a sweet crushed chocolate sandwich cookie mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert treat, these rolls offer a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and fluffy textures.
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 warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 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.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, warm water, melted unsalted butter, and the egg. Stir the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it forms a paste-like consistency.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle.
- Apply Filling: Evenly spread the cookie filling over the rolled-out dough rectangle.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while the rolls complete their second rise.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls immediately after baking. Serve these delicious treats fresh for best flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the milk and water are warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- You can substitute chocolate sandwich cookies with any similar chocolate cream-filled cookies.
- Softening the butter and cream cheese ahead of time ensures a smoother filling and glaze.
- If you prefer sweeter rolls, increase the sugar slightly in the dough or filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American