Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Introduction
Imagine waking up to the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. The warm, gooey sweetness that awaits you is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But what if we told you there was a way to take this beloved breakfast treat to a whole new level? Enter cookies and cream cinnamon rolls, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that combines the rich flavors of chocolate sandwich cookies with the comforting warmth of cinnamon. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delectable rolls from scratch, sharing tips and tricks along the way to ensure your baking success.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets cookies and cream cinnamon rolls apart from their traditional counterparts? For starters, the addition of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies adds a delightful crunch and a burst of chocolatey goodness to every bite. The combination of sweet cream filling and warm cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. These rolls are perfect for those with a sweet tooth, as they offer a delightful balance of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and basic baking skills.
Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering cookies and cream cinnamon rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of mouthwatering cookies and cream cinnamon rolls:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about a minute, until it comes together into a smooth ball.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle that is approximately ¼ inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a cinnamon sugar filling.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies over the cinnamon sugar filling, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a small amount of space between each roll to allow for rising.
- Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by combining the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
- Serve the cookies and cream cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to help you achieve cinnamon roll perfection:
- Make sure your butter is cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough. Stir until just combined to prevent the rolls from becoming tough.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- To make the rolls ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then refrigerate them separately. In the morning, simply roll out the dough, assemble the rolls, and let them rise before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
While cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are delicious as is, there are a few ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences:
- If you prefer a different type of cookie, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Oreo-style cookies work particularly well, but you can also try chocolate chip cookies or even peanut butter cookies for a unique twist.
- For a vegan version of this recipe, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) in place of the buttermilk.
- If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough and the brown sugar in the filling. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute that is suitable for baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are simply irresistible on their own, but if you’re looking to take your breakfast or brunch spread to the next level, consider serving them with a few complementary dishes:
- A piping hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk
- Sliced fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, for a burst of freshness
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before they rise. Simply assemble the rolls, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let them rise in a warm place before baking as usual.
Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls without yeast?
A: This recipe requires yeast to achieve the fluffy texture that cinnamon rolls are known for. However, if you prefer a yeast-free alternative, you can try making cinnamon roll cookies instead. Simply roll out the dough, spread the cinnamon sugar filling, and cut it into cookie-sized pieces. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon with the irresistible crunch of chocolate sandwich cookies. With their fluffy texture and indulgent cream cheese glaze, these rolls are sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch gathering or simply treat yourself to a special breakfast, this recipe is a winner. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls fill your home.
Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Take your classic cinnamon rolls to the next level with the addition of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, creating a delightful twist on a beloved breakfast treat. These rolls are sweet, indulgent, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
-
Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Combine buttermilk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
-
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth ball.
-
Roll out the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
-
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create a cinnamon sugar filling.
-
Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough.
-
Sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies over the filling, pressing them gently into the dough.
-
Roll up the dough tightly into a log shape.
-
Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
-
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll for rising.
-
Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Prepare the cream cheese glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
-
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.