Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe

The Best Homemade Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet, indulgent cookies and cream rolls tantalize taste buds with their decadent fusion of classic flavors.

Soft, pillowy dough upgrades into a canvas for rich, creamy filling that promises pure dessert bliss.

Crumbly chocolate sandwich cookies bring unexpected texture and depth to this irresistible treat.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping dessert will find these rolls effortlessly elevate any gathering or special occasion.

The delicate balance between tender pastry and intense cookie crunch creates a memorable culinary experience.

Layers of contrasting flavors meld together, creating a harmonious bite that leaves you craving more.

Cookies and Cream Rolls That Feel Like Dessert Breakfast

  • Savor Unique Cookie Fusion: These rolls brilliantly transform classic Oreo cookies into a delightful pastry, blending crunchy cookie bits throughout soft, pillowy dough for an unexpected breakfast or dessert treat.
  • Enjoy Effortless Decadence: The recipe offers a straightforward method even novice bakers can master, requiring basic ingredients and simple techniques to create an impressive, bakery-quality result that looks and tastes professionally crafted.
  • Indulge in Textural Wonderland: Each bite delivers a delicious contrast between tender, yeasted dough, creamy frosting, and crunchy cookie pieces, creating a multilayered sensory experience that keeps taste buds excited and engaged throughout the entire pastry.

Ingredients That Go Into Cookies and Cream Rolls

Yeast and Flour Base:
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and adding light, airy texture to rolls.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates soft, tender dough for rolls.
  • Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Warm Water: Creates ideal environment for yeast activation.
  • Warm Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Provides richness, color, and helps bind ingredients together.
Flavor and Filling Ingredients:
  • Softened Butter: Adds richness and creates tender texture in dough and filling.
  • Oreo Cookies: Provides signature cookies and cream flavor, adds crunch and visual appeal.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy frosting with rich texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes cream cheese frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Rolls From Scratch

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Sprinkle a touch of sugar and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

In a stand mixer, blend:
  • Activated yeast mixture
  • Warm milk
  • Remaining sugar
  • Whole egg
  • Egg yolk

Separately, mix salt into flour.

Step 3: Develop the Dough

Add flour gradually to the mixer:
  • First 2 cups of flour
  • Use dough hook attachment
  • Mix in additional cup of flour
  • Knead on low speed
  • Slowly incorporate softened butter, one tablespoon at a time
  • Add final cup of flour
  • Knead until dough becomes smooth and pulls away from bowl sides

Step 4: Fold in Cookies

Mix chopped cookies evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for about an hour until volume doubles.

Step 6: Roll and Prepare Filling

Punch down risen dough. Roll into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread with:
  • Softened butter
  • Sugar
  • Chopped cookies

Gently press filling into dough.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Roll dough into a long log from the lengthy side. Slice into 12 equal sections. Place rolls in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover rolls with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap. Bake for 30-33 minutes until golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 185°F. Rest for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Powdered sugar

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Finish and Garnish

Spread frosting over warm rolls. Sprinkle with additional chopped Oreo cookies.

Tips for Getting That Swirl Just Right

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast. Use a thermometer to check temperature between 100-110°F for optimal activation.
  • Knead Dough Strategically: Add butter gradually while kneading to create a smooth, elastic texture. Stop mixing when dough pulls away cleanly from bowl sides.
  • Control Dough Rising: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area for consistent rising. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture and even temperature.
  • Slice Rolls Evenly: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, uniform roll cuts. Mark the dough into sections before slicing to ensure equal sizes.
  • Frost with Finesse: Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting. Apply cream cheese frosting while rolls are still warm for maximum flavor absorption and creamy texture.

How to Store and Rewarm Cookies and Cream Rolls

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Freeze: Wrap unfrosted rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add fresh frosting after reheating for the best taste and texture.

What Pairs Well With Cookies and Cream Rolls

  • Crunch and Cool Flavor Fusion: Pair these cookies and cream rolls with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic, nostalgic combination that highlights the cookie's sweet crumbles and creamy texture.
  • Sweet and Smooth Beverage Match: Complement the rich dessert with a warm cup of vanilla latte, where the coffee's boldness cuts through the sweetness and enhances the Oreo cookie notes.
  • Unexpected Taste Adventure: Try a scoop of cookies and cream ice cream on the side to double down on the dessert's primary flavor profile, creating an indulgent and playful eating experience.
  • Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Serve alongside a light, crisp sparkling water with a hint of lemon to balance the rolls' dense, sweet nature and provide a refreshing contrast.

Sweet Variations for This Oreo-Inspired Treat

  • Chocolate Chunk Sensation: Replace Oreo cookies with rich dark chocolate chunks, creating a decadent chocolate-studded roll with intense cocoa flavor and delightful texture.
  • Nutty Cookies and Cream Fusion: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans alongside crushed cookies, adding a crunchy element and nutty undertone to the classic recipe.
  • Berry Cream Swirl: Blend cream cheese frosting with raspberry or strawberry preserves, drizzling a fruity ribbon through the rolls for a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet cookie base.
  • Salted Caramel Cookie Blast: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the frosted rolls, complementing the cookies and cream profile with a luxurious, salty-sweet finish.
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Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe

Cookies and Cream Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 53 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cookies and cream rolls bring nostalgic dessert magic to classic pastry lovers. Sweet cream cheese filling wrapped in buttery dough creates delightful swirls perfect for weekend indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup (114 g) whole milk, room temperature
  • ½ cup warm water, about 110°F
  • 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter, softened

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Additional Ingredient:

  • ½ cup finely chopped Oreo cookies

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup finely chopped Oreo cookies
  • ⅓ cup (76 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 4 ounces (113 g) brick-style cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch kosher salt

Garnish:

  • Finely chopped Oreo cookies

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Combine the activated yeast with warm milk, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk in a stand mixer bowl, creating a smooth liquid base.
  3. Separately season flour with salt, then gradually incorporate it into the liquid mixture using the dough hook attachment, mixing at low speed.
  4. Knead the dough while incrementally adding softened butter, ensuring each tablespoon is fully integrated before the next addition.
  5. Fold chopped cookies into the elastic dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, covering it with plastic wrap and allowing it to rise in a warm environment until doubled in volume.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape, stretching it to approximately 20 x 14 inches.
  8. Generously spread softened butter across the dough’s surface, then sprinkle sugar and crushed cookies, gently pressing the filling into the dough.
  9. Roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log, then slice into 12 equal portions.
  10. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, providing space for expansion, and let them rest to encourage a second rise.
  11. Heat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls until they transform into a golden-brown delicacy, approximately 30-33 minutes.
  12. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky, then gradually incorporate vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar.
  13. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the frosting and garnish with additional crushed Oreo cookies for a decorative finish.

Notes

  • Activate yeast carefully by using warm water and a pinch of sugar to ensure proper rising and soft, fluffy texture.
  • Knead dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and creates a perfect tender roll consistency.
  • Room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk blend more easily and create a more uniform dough structure.
  • Allow sufficient rising time for the dough, giving it space to expand and develop rich, complex flavors.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check internal roll temperature, ensuring perfectly baked rolls that are moist and not overcooked.
  • Frost rolls while still warm to help the cream cheese topping melt slightly and distribute evenly across the surface.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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