Cookies-and-Cream Rolls Recipe: Decadent Dessert Rolls with Oreo & Cream Cheese
A creamy cheese filling and crunchy Oreo bits elevate a classic brunch favorite.
Introduction: The Ultimate Dessert Roll
Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls are a classic, but for those who crave something even richer, cookies-and-cream rolls offer a decadent twist. Inspired by The Pioneer Woman, this recipe transforms classic cinnamon roll dough into a dessert roll studded with cream cheese and Oreos, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze and even more crushed Oreos. This recipe is a showstopper for brunches, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, creamy, and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
- 1 package active dry yeast (0.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 stick salted butter, melted and cooled slightly (1/2 cup)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Nonstick spray for pans
For the Filling
- 14 chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
For the Topping
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 5 chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until heated but not boiling.
- Add 1 Tbsp. of granulated sugar to the warm milk, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy—this indicates the yeast is active.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar with the yeast mixture. Add the eggs and melted butter, whisking until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes, adding a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. The dough should be soft, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.
Making the Filling
- Crush the 14 Oreo cookies into fine bits, either using a food processor or by hand.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, remaining butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Rolling Out and Assembling the Rolls
- Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface and roll into a large rectangle (about 12 inches by 18 inches).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
- Sprinkle the crushed cookies evenly over the cream cheese.
- Start at a long edge and tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
- Slice the log into 12 rolls, about 1.5 inches thick each.
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise until nearly doubled, about 45–60 minutes.
Baking the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown.
- Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before icing.
Making the Icing
- Whisk together powdered sugar and salt in a large bowl.
- Add butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Crush the remaining 5 Oreos into small pieces.
- Pour the icing over the warm rolls, then sprinkle with the crushed Oreos.
Tips for Perfect Cookies-and-Cream Rolls
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure milk, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Kneading the Dough: Don’t overflour the dough—it should stay soft and slightly sticky.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the dough evenly to ensure even baking and creamy bites throughout.
- Rising Time: Allow plenty of time for both rises for light, fluffy rolls.
- Crushing Oreos: Use a food processor for uniformly smooth or chunky crumbs, depending on your preference.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
For a twist, try using different cookie flavors (mint Oreo, lemon, or peanut butter) or add chocolate chips, caramel, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve fresh from the oven for gooey, irresistible rolls, or reheat gently in the microwave before serving leftovers (if you have any!).
What others are reading
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate, then roll out and assemble in the morning.
- Storing: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast; no need to activate it first—just add directly to the flour.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese delivers the best flavor and texture, but you can use low-fat as a lighter alternative if preferred.
Q: Can I freeze cookies-and-cream rolls?
Absolutely! Wrap the assembled but unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger rolls?
Cut the logs thicker or thinner to adjust the size, but note that baking times may vary.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 roll | approx. 350 | approx. 16g | approx. 53g | approx. 28g | approx. 6g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies-and-Cream Rolls
These rolls are a sensory delight: sweet, tangy cream cheese offsets the crunchy, chocolatey Oreos, all wrapped in a classic yeasted dough and topped with a velvety vanilla glaze. They’re simpler than you’d think to make, impressively decadent, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them as a weekend treat, for brunch gatherings, or during the holidays, these cookies-and-cream rolls are sure to become a new favorite.
Conclusion
The Cookies-and-Cream Rolls recipe from The Pioneer Woman is a delightful departure from ordinary cinnamon rolls, combining a homemade dough with creamy, chocolatey flair and a sweet finish. With detailed step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and creative variations, this recipe is both approachable and impressive—perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Let the aroma fill your kitchen and enjoy the oohs and aahs from friends and family as they dig into these decadent dessert rolls.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11914/cinammon-rolls/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37158006/cookies-and-cream-rolls-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45792098/cinnamon-roll-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbsnIyWV0Q4
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