Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls With Dark Chocolate Caramel Swirl

Get ready to experience cinnamon rolls like never before! These aren’t your average rolls – we’re taking things to the next level with a decadent Oreo stuffing and a rich, dark chocolate caramel swirl. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the playful crunch of Oreos and the luxurious depth of dark chocolate. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply when you need a serious sweet treat, these Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour (250g / 2 cups): The foundation of our dough. All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for a soft and chewy cinnamon roll. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Granulated Sugar (30g / 2 Tbsp): Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Instant Yeast (5g / 1 tsp): Instant yeast, also known as rapid-rise yeast, doesn’t require proofing and can be added directly to the dry ingredients. This makes the process quicker and easier.
• Salt (2g / ½ tsp): Enhances the flavors and controls the yeast activity. Don’t skip the salt – it’s crucial for a balanced taste!
• Unsalted Butter, Melted (60g / ¼ cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Make sure the butter is melted but not hot, as hot butter can kill the yeast.
• Warm Milk (120ml / ½ cup): Provides moisture and activates the yeast. The milk should be warm to the touch (around 105-115°F / 40-46°C) – too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate properly.
• Large Egg (1): Adds richness, structure, and a beautiful golden color to the dough.
• Oreo Cookies, Crushed (100g / ½ cup): The star of the stuffing! We’re using classic Oreos for that iconic chocolatey crunch. Remove the cream filling before crushing for a less messy filling.
• Brown Sugar (60g / ¼ cup, for filling): Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness to the Oreo filling. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): The classic cinnamon roll spice! Adds warmth and aroma to the filling.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened (30g / 2 Tbsp, for filling): Helps bind the Oreo and brown sugar filling together, creating a spreadable consistency.
• Dark Chocolate Chips (70% cocoa, halal-certified) (80g / ½ cup): Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor to the caramel swirl. Using high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) will give you the best flavor. Halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• Heavy Cream (or Coconut Cream) (60ml / ¼ cup): Creates a smooth and creamy base for the caramel swirl. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
• Unsalted Butter (30g / 2 Tbsp, for swirl): Adds richness and shine to the caramel swirl.
• Light Brown Sugar (40g / ¼ cup, for swirl): Contributes to the caramel flavor and helps create a smooth, pourable swirl.
• Sea Salt (Pinch, for swirl): Enhances the sweetness of the caramel and balances the flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (30g / ¼ cup, for glaze): The base for our simple glaze.
• Milk (15ml / 1 Tbsp, for glaze): Helps create the right consistency for the glaze.
• Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (½ tsp, for glaze): Adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the glaze.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes (2 Tbsp, garnish): Adds a delightful texture and visual appeal.
• Extra Dark Chocolate Caramel Swirl (optional, for drizzling): For an extra decadent touch!

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Milk: You can substitute almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk for the dairy milk.
• Heavy Cream: Coconut cream works wonderfully as a dairy-free alternative.
• Oreos: While the Oreo flavor is unique, you could experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent rising and texture.
2. Add Wet Ingredients & Knead: Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a smooth and elastic dough – essential for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 6-8 minutes.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm environment encourages the yeast to activate and produce the gases that make the dough rise.
4. Prepare the Oreo-Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the crushed Oreo cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. Stir until well combined and forms a spreadable filling. The softened butter is key here; it binds the ingredients together and makes the filling easy to spread.
5. Make the Dark Chocolate Caramel Swirl: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and light brown sugar together, whisking constantly until dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Remove from heat and whisk in the dark chocolate chips until smooth. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors and let cool slightly. This swirl adds a decadent, gooey element to the rolls.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 in) rectangle. Ensure the dough is evenly rolled to create uniform rolls.
7. Assemble the Rolls: Spread the Oreo-cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, drizzle three long ribbons of the dark chocolate caramel swirl on top. Don’t overdo the swirl; you want it distributed throughout, but not overwhelming.
8. Roll, Cut & Arrange: Starting from the short edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Seal the seam by pinching it together. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 10 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish.
9. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the rolls rise for a second time for 30 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls are light and airy.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the caramel swirl is bubbling. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
11. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and alcohol-free vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
12. Glaze & Garnish: Once the rolls are done, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the warm rolls. Pipe extra dark chocolate caramel swirl in a decorative zig-zag pattern. Finish with a scattering of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.

The Science Behind the Swirl: Why Dark Chocolate & Caramel Work So Well

The combination of dark chocolate and caramel isn’t just delicious; it’s a flavor pairing rooted in complementary chemistry. The bitterness of dark chocolate cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, creating a balanced and complex flavor profile. The caramel’s buttery notes enhance the chocolate’s richness, while the salt in the caramel further elevates both flavors. In these cinnamon rolls, the dark chocolate caramel swirl isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the texture and flavor experience, creating pockets of gooey indulgence with every bite. The use of 70% cocoa dark chocolate provides a sophisticated depth that complements the playful sweetness of the Oreos and cinnamon.

Tips for the Perfect Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry rolls. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Warm Milk is Key: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
• Quality Chocolate Matters: Using high-quality dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher) will significantly impact the flavor of the caramel swirl.
• Toasting the Coconut: Toasting the coconut flakes enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Dough Isn’t Rising

Several factors can prevent dough from rising. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. The milk should be warm, but not hot. The room temperature should be warm enough for the yeast to thrive. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a warm appliance.

My Caramel Swirl is Too Thin

If your caramel swirl is too thin, you may have overcooked it. Reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure you’re using the correct measurements. Allowing the swirl to cool slightly before drizzling will also help it thicken.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap a roll in plastic wrap and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. Reheating will restore some of the gooeyness, but they are best enjoyed fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of warm milk?

While you can use regular milk, warm milk helps activate the yeast more effectively, resulting in a better rise.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator overnight and the filling in an airtight container. Assemble and bake the rolls the next day.

These Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls with Dark Chocolate Caramel Swirl are a truly decadent treat! If you loved this recipe, be sure to save it to your Pinterest board for later.

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