Name: Oreo Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 5-count can of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls; 1/2 cup (119 g) heavy cream; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cream cheese, softened (optional); 10 Oreo cookies, crumbled; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/4 cup powdered sugar for additional sweetness (optional)

Delicious homemade Oreo cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting and cookie crumbles on a white plate | lonerecipes.com

I discovered these Oreo Cinnamon Rolls during a rainy weekend when I wanted to create something special but didn't have much time. I had a can of cinnamon rolls in the refrigerator and some Oreos in the pantry, and thought, 'why not combine them?' The result was absolutely magical! The flaky, buttery layers of the cinnamon rolls provide the perfect base, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness. But what really makes these rolls special is the crushed Oreo topping that adds both texture and that distinctive chocolate cookie flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms store-bought ingredients into something that feels homemade and special. Everyone who tries them thinks I spent hours in the kitchen, when really it's just a clever hack that takes minutes to prepare.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Oreo Cinnamon Rolls recipe because it combines convenience with impressive results. As someone who loves to entertain but doesn't always have hours to spend in the kitchen, this recipe has saved me countless times when I need something special without the fuss. The contrast between the soft, warm cinnamon rolls and the crunchy Oreo crumbles creates a texture experience that's truly satisfying. I also love how customizable it is - sometimes I add a bit of cocoa to the frosting or mix in some mini chocolate chips. The heavy cream trick makes store-bought rolls taste like they came from a bakery, and the addition of cream cheese to the frosting gives it that perfect tangy note. But what I appreciate most is the joy on people's faces when they take that first bite - it's like they're experiencing something familiar yet completely new at the same time.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls: The base of our recipe that provides the flaky, doughy texture
Heavy cream: Creates a gooey, moist texture that makes the rolls taste homemade
Cream cheese: Adds tanginess to the frosting for a more bakery-style flavor
Oreo cookies: Provides the distinctive chocolate cookie crunch and flavor
Butter: Adds richness and helps the Oreo crumbs adhere to the dough
Powdered sugar: Optional ingredient that adds extra sweetness to the frosting

Let's Make These Together

Prep your ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven according to the package directions (usually 350°F). Crush your Oreo cookies by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin to break them into small pieces. Set aside the icing packet from the cinnamon rolls.
Prepare the baking pan: Pour the heavy cream into the bottom of your 9-inch round baking pan, making sure it covers the entire bottom surface. This will create a caramelized, gooey texture underneath the rolls as they bake.
Arrange the rolls: Place the uncooked cinnamon rolls on top of the heavy cream, arranging them with a small amount of space between each. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle half of the crushed Oreo cookies over the tops.
Bake to perfection: Bake according to the package directions, usually 18-20 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The heavy cream will create a delicious sauce at the bottom of the pan.
Create the frosting: While the rolls are baking, mix the icing packet with the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add the optional powdered sugar.
Finish with toppings: When the rolls come out of the oven, immediately spread the frosting over them in a swirl pattern, then sprinkle with the remaining crushed Oreo cookies while the frosting is still warm so they stick well.

Recipe picture — Easy semi-homemade Oreo cinnamon rolls using Pillsbury dough with cream cheese frosting and cookie crumbles | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first made these Oreo Cinnamon Rolls when my niece came to visit for the weekend. She loves both Oreos and cinnamon rolls, so I thought combining them would be fun. I was right! Now they're our special tradition whenever she visits. I've experimented with different variations - sometimes adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the frosting for extra chocolate flavor, or using different flavored Oreos like mint or golden. The original version is still our favorite though, with that perfect balance of cinnamon and chocolate crunch.

Perfect Pairings

These Oreo Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk to complement the sweetness of the rolls. For an adult brunch, serve them with a rich coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness. If serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm roll creates a delightful contrast of temperatures. For a complete breakfast spread, balance the sweetness with some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries and a protein option like yogurt or scrambled eggs.

Golden flaky cinnamon rolls topped with creamy frosting and crushed Oreo cookies - perfect weekend treat | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Oreo Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?: Yes! You can prepare these rolls the night before up to the baking step. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
→ Can I use a different brand of cinnamon rolls?: Absolutely! While Pillsbury Grands work best because of their size, you can use any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Adjust the amount of heavy cream and baking time accordingly if using smaller rolls.
→ What if I don't have heavy cream?: If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the result won't be quite as rich. You could also use 1/4 cup of melted butter mixed with 1/4 cup of milk as an alternative.
→ Can I use other cookies instead of Oreos?: Yes! This recipe works well with other cookies too. Try chocolate chip cookies, Biscoff cookies, or even chocolate-covered graham crackers. Just make sure to crush them to a similar consistency as the Oreo crumbs.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds until warm. For best results, only add the frosting and Oreo topping to the rolls you plan to eat immediately.
→ Can I make these without the cream cheese?: Yes, you can use the icing packet as is without adding cream cheese. The rolls will still be delicious, but the frosting won't have that tangy bakery-style flavor.

Conclusion

These Oreo Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect fusion of two beloved treats - cinnamon rolls and Oreo cookies. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they make an impressive breakfast or dessert that everyone will love. The flaky layers of pastry combined with the creamy frosting and crunchy cookie bits create a delightful texture experience that will have you coming back for seconds. Enjoy them warm from the oven for the ultimate indulgence!