If you love warm cinnamon rolls and can’t resist cookie dough, these Cookie Dough Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds. They’re soft, fluffy, and swirled with buttery cinnamon-sugar—plus a safe-to-eat cookie dough filling that melts into the rolls as they bake. The result is a sweet, gooey center with little pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or whenever you want an over-the-top homemade dessert, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Makes 12 cinnamon rolls
For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/3 cup (75g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Edible Cookie Dough Filling
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (heat-treated*)
- 1/3 cup (75g) brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
*To heat-treat flour: spread flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, then cool completely.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes (total)
- Bake time: 22–26 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (by hand or mixer). Cover and let rise 60 minutes until doubled.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough Filling
In a bowl, mix heat-treated flour, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, and milk until thick and dough-like.
Fold in mini chocolate chips. Chill while you roll the dough (helps it stay in place).
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle about 16×12 inches on a lightly floured surface.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon + Cookie Dough
Spread softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Drop small spoonfuls of cookie dough across the surface and gently press them down.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Roll tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 22–26 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Spread over warm rolls and serve gooey!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with extra mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an even richer bite.
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.
- Make them holiday-ready with festive sprinkles.
- Enjoy as dessert or a special weekend breakfast.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 roll) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Total Fat | 16 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 56 grams |
| Sugars | 28 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 260 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Homemade rolls let you control sugar and portion size.
- Mini chocolate chips give big flavor without needing tons of candy.
- You can lighten the frosting by using less powdered sugar and more milk.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
- Chill cookie dough so it doesn’t smear too much when rolling.
- Don’t overbake—rolls should be soft and slightly gooey in the center.
- Use dental floss for clean, neat slices.
- Frost while warm so the frosting melts into the swirls.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate frosting.
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: Swap some butter for peanut butter in the cookie dough.
- Oatmeal Cookie Dough: Replace 1/4 cup flour with finely ground oats.
- No-Cream-Cheese Frosting: Use a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla).
- Mini Rolls: Slice into 18 smaller rolls and reduce bake time slightly.
These Cookie Dough Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate sweet mashup: classic cinnamon roll comfort with the fun indulgence of cookie dough baked right into the swirls. Soft, gooey, and packed with chocolatey pockets, they’re perfect for celebrations—or any day you want something extra special.
Whether you keep them simple or drizzle with caramel, this recipe guarantees a warm, gooey bite every time.
Leave a Reply