Little Debbie Cookies and Cream Honey Buns Recipe

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There’s just something special about recreating Little Debbie Cookies and Cream Honey Buns at home — the nostalgia, the joy, and, of course, the freshly baked aroma filling your kitchen.

How to make Little Debbie Cookies and Cream Honey Buns

Little Debbie Cookies and Cream Honey Buns are a flavor-twist variation of the classic Little Debbie Honey Bun — basically a soft, sweet pastry that combines the cozy, cinnamon-and-honey vibes of a regular honey bun with cookies-and-cream style elements (think cookie crumbs or chocolate + vanilla cream flavor), giving it that extra dessert-like punch.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup (60ml) warm water (110°F)
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the Cookies and Cream Filling:

• 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate sandwich cookies (finely crushed for a smooth texture)
• ½ cup (100g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired thickness)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp crushed Oreo cookies (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5–7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Cookies and Cream Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and crushed Oreo cookies. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Shape the Honey Buns:

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the cookies and cream filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
3. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch thick rolls.
4. Place the rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one for rising. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.

4. Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the honey buns for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Remove and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker glaze.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled buns. Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top to enhance the cookies and cream flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Proofing Yeast: Make sure your milk and water are warm (around 110°F or lukewarm to the touch) to activate the yeast. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and cold water won’t activate it properly.
• Even Filling: Crush the Oreo cookies finely so the filling spreads evenly across the dough. This prevents clumps and ensures every bite has that cookies and cream goodness.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For smooth, uniform rolls, you can chill the dough briefly after spreading the filling. This firms up the filling and makes slicing easier.
• Storage: Store leftover honey buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to restore their softness.
• Customize the Filling: Experiment with different cookies, like chocolate chip or vanilla sandwich cookies, for a fun twist!

What to serve with

Little Debbie Cookies and Cream Honey Buns are a decadent treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the flavor and experience even more!

• Hot Coffee: A bold coffee or espresso (like a cappuccino or latte) balances the sweetness of the buns.
• Hot Chocolate: Double down on the chocolatey, comforting vibe by pairing the buns with a velvety hot cocoa. Add whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte complements the buns with its warm cinnamon, cardamom, and clove notes.
• Herbal Tea (Mint or Chamomile): For a lighter pairing, try an herbal tea to refresh the palate after the sweet treat.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Little Debbie Cookies and Cream Honey Buns are the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday indulgence.