Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm dough swirled with crushed cookies and cinnamon, topped with a rich, creamy frosting that melts into every nook and cranny. These Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers and breakfast aficionados alike. A delightful spin on the classic cinnamon roll, this version brings in the beloved flavors of cookies and cream — making each bite an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch, need a show‑stopping treat for holiday mornings, or simply crave a comforting homemade pastry, this recipe brings joy to every table. It pairs soft, tender dough with crunchy cookie pieces, a sweet cinnamon layer, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze that elevates the everyday cinnamon roll to extraordinary heights.

In this article, you’ll find not just the step‑by‑step recipe, but also tips for perfection, creative variations, serving suggestions, and fun cultural insights that make these rolls more than just a breakfast food — they become a cherished tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved classic around the world, but giving them a cookies and cream makeover turns the familiar into the sensational. This recipe adds crushed cookies into the filling and the glaze, creating a texture contrast that’s soft, chewy, and slightly crunchy in every bite.

Here’s what makes these rolls stand out:

Sweet and Familiar: The comforting combination of cinnamon and creamy frosting is universally adored.
Cookies and Cream Twist: The addition of crushed cookies gives a delightful texture and rich flavor.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for weekday breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or dessert boards.
Fun to Make: Rolling the dough and creating swirls is as enjoyable as eating the final product.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather these ingredients for your Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls:

Dough Ingredients

‑ All‑purpose flour
‑ Granulated sugar
‑ Instant yeast
‑ Warm milk
‑ Unsalted butter (softened)
‑ Salt
‑ Large egg

Filling Ingredients

‑ Softened unsalted butter
‑ Brown sugar (packed)
‑ Ground cinnamon
‑ Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)

Cream Cheese Glaze

‑ Cream cheese (softened)
‑ Unsalted butter (softened)
‑ Powdered sugar
‑ Vanilla extract
‑ Crushed cookies for topping

Instructions

Creating these heavenly rolls is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect cookies and cream cinnamon rolls:

Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add the sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead to Perfection:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Stir in the crushed cookies until well distributed.
Roll the Dough:
Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
Form the Rolls:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice into equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Rise:
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake to Golden:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze:
While baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until glossy and dip‑worthy.
Add Finishing Touches:
Spread the glaze over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with extra crushed cookies for texture and visual appeal.
Serve Warm:
Let cool just slightly so the glaze sets, then serve warm and enjoy the indulgent layers of flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Baking the best cookies and cream cinnamon rolls takes a few insider tricks:

Use Fresh Yeast

Fresh yeast that blooms ensures your dough rises light and fluffy. If the yeast doesn’t foam in warm milk, it may be inactive — start again with new yeast.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can leak and make the rolls soggy. Spread a thin, even layer to keep the swirl defined and beautiful.

Warm Dough Is Easier to Roll

Room temperature dough responds best when rolling and shaping. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.

Crushed Cookies Texture

Pulse cookies just enough so there are still small chunks — this gives textural contrast without becoming paste.

Delicious Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Try one of these fun spins:

Double Chocolate Cookies and Cream Rolls

Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base. Use both dark and white cookie crumbs for a dramatic swirl.

Mocha Glaze

Mix instant coffee powder into the cream cheese glaze for a coffee‑kissed version perfect with morning coffee.

Nutty Twist

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or hazelnuts into the filling for a satisfying crunch.

Berry Cream Version

Swirl in a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam before cinnamon filling for fruity notes that cut through the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls are stunning when paired with:

A steaming mug of coffee or espresso
Chilled milk or hot chocolate for kids
Fresh berries or fruit compote on the side
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert time

Serve them straight out of the oven or gently warmed — either way, they make every morning feel like a celebration.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls have deep roots in European baking traditions, with variations found in Sweden (known as kanelbullar) and across Scandinavia. These spiced bread swirls were originally enjoyed as a weekday treat and quickly transitioned into a beloved holiday indulgence.

The “cookies and cream” flavor profile gained popularity in the late 20th century, especially in ice cream. Combining this flavor with cinnamon rolls is a modern twist that bridges classic baking with beloved dessert nostalgia.

Both cinnamon rolls and cookies and cream have cult followings. Merging the two shows how creativity in kitchens continues to evolve, celebrating both tradition and innovation.

Storage and Make‑Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare ahead of time or store leftovers:

Make Ahead:

Prepare and assemble the rolls the night before. Refrigerate covered overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next morning.

Freeze for Later:

Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Keep Fresh:

Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.