Hey there! Let's talk about one of my all-time favorite treats - cookies and cream cinnamon rolls. These delectable pastries are the perfect combination of two beloved classics: cinnamon rolls and cookies and cream. Trust me, once you try these, you'll be hooked! In this guide, I'll walk you through the process of making these heavenly rolls step by step. So, grab your apron and let's get baking!

Why You'll Love These Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

I make these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls whenever I want to indulge in a sweet and comforting treat. My family goes crazy for them because they are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. The addition of crushed cookies and a creamy glaze takes these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, the aroma of warm cinnamon filling the air is simply irresistible. So, get ready to treat yourself to a batch of these mouthwatering cookies and cream cinnamon rolls!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let's gather all the ingredients we'll need:

- 2 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour

- ¼ cup granulated sugar

- 2 and ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

- ½ teaspoon salt

- ½ cup milk

- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- ½ cup crushed cookies and cream cookies

- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

- ½ cup brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons milk

- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's start making these irresistible cookies and cream cinnamon rolls:

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.

2. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk until warm. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the warm milk. Whisk together.

3. Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, crushed cookies, and ground cinnamon.

7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.

8. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

9. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.

10. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

11. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

12. Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

13. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

14. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

15. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

16. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

17. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the crevices.

18. Serve the cookies and cream cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy every gooey, delightful bite!

Notes

Through trial and error, I've discovered a few tips that can make your cookies and cream cinnamon rolls even more incredible:

- Feel free to experiment with different types of cookies. I've tried using chocolate sandwich cookies, and they work wonderfully too!

- If you're short on time, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of making it from scratch. Just follow the package instructions and add the cookies and cream filling.

Variations

I love getting creative in the kitchen, and here are a couple of variations I've tried with these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls:

- Instead of using crushed cookies, try adding a layer of chocolate chips to the filling for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.

- For a fruity twist, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the dough before sprinkling the cookies and cream filling.

Storage

Although these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before indulging.

Serving Suggestions

I personally love serving these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls with a tall glass of cold milk. The combination of warm, gooey rolls and refreshing milk is simply divine. However, feel free to enjoy them however you like - they are delicious on their own too!

Pro Tips

After making these cookies and cream cinnamon rolls multiple times, I've learned a few valuable lessons:

- It's essential to let the dough rise until doubled in size. This ensures a light and fluffy texture.

- Don't be afraid to generously sprinkle the cookies and cream filling over the dough. The more, the merrier!

- If you're short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This way, you can pop the rolls in the oven first thing in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze the cookies and cream cinnamon rolls?

A: Absolutely! Once the rolls have cooled completely, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up in the microwave.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Of course! If you want to make a larger batch of these delicious rolls, simply double all the ingredients. Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish to accommodate them.

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls without the cookies and cream filling?

A: Definitely! If you prefer classic cinnamon rolls, you can omit the crushed cookies and follow the same recipe. They will still turn out incredibly tasty.

Alright, my friend, now that you have all the information and guidance you need, it's time to embark on your cookies and cream cinnamon roll adventure. I hope you enjoy every bite of these heavenly treats. Happy baking!