If you’re craving a dessert that brings together the best of rich, chocolatey cake and the irresistible nostalgia of your favorite cookies, you need to try this Cookies and Cream Cake Roll. This stunning dessert combines a soft cocoa sponge with heaps of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, all rolled around a fluffy, tangy cream cheese filling flecked with even more cookies. Every bite is luscious, creamy, and dotted with crunchy cookie bits, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply when you want to wow your friends and family!

Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this indulgent treat is how straightforward the ingredient list is! Each component—simple as it might seem—brings out the flavors, texture, and gorgeous swirls that make this Cookies and Cream Cake Roll stand out as a showstopping dessert.

4 large eggs: Create the fluffiest and most tender cake texture—don’t skip the extra whipping time!
¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps the cake structure hold its lovely roll.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate and cookie flavor for an irresistible bouquet.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps your cake moist and soft so it rolls perfectly, no cracks.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s light, flexible base—sift to avoid lumps!
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers classic chocolate flavor and that rich, dark color.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the sponge a nice lift and makes it airy.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and cookie notes.
½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (plus extra for topping): Adds bits of crunchy cookie goodness throughout the cake and makes each bite unforgettable.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Prevents sticking while rolling and gives a pretty finishing touch.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): The backbone of that silky, tangy filling—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Merges with cream cheese for a creamy, spreadable filling.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the filling texture, making it dreamy and smooth.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Echoes the flavor in the cake roll for a balanced overall taste.
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Makes the filling extra fluffy and easy to spread, with a hint of sweetness.
½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies: Studs the filling with even more cookie crunch!

How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This helps the cake release easily and ensures a beautiful, crack-free roll that’s picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Whip Your Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, beat your eggs for 3–4 minutes until they’re thick, pale, and almost tripled in volume. This step is key for giving your Cookies and Cream Cake Roll its delicate, sponge-like structure.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add in your granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the whipped eggs. Mix until everything’s smooth—the oil gives the cake a moist crumb that rolls so easily without fracturing.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this mix into your egg mixture, being careful not to overmix. A soft, airy batter will keep your roll flexible and tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Crushed Cookies

Now comes the fun part—fold in the ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. They’ll add a playful crunch and that classic cookies-and-cream flavor right into the chocolate cake, making the roll irresistibly delicious and visually stunning when sliced.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back when gently touched. The cake should be set but still fluffy, which is perfect for rolling.

Step 7: Dust, Flip, and Roll

As soon as it’s done, dust the top with powdered sugar. Quickly turn the cake out onto a clean, lint-free kitchen towel (also sprinkled with powdered sugar), peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up from the short end. Rolling while warm helps prevent cracks and sets the iconic swirl for your Cookies and Cream Cake Roll.

Step 8: Make the Luxurious Filling

Beat your room-temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until cloud-like. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping and the remaining ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Hello, creamy clouds studded with cookie chunks!

Step 9: Fill and Reroll

Carefully unroll your cooled cake, then generously spread the filling all over, right to the edges. Gently re-roll (without the towel this time), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to help it set and slice cleanly.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

When it’s time to wow your crowd, unroll the cake, dust with extra powdered sugar, and shower the top with more crushed cookies. Slice into thick, gorgeous spirals and get ready to bask in compliments!

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Roll

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, I love to cascade extra crushed chocolate sandwich cookies across the top and add a final dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A few whole cookies stuck gently on each slice or a playful swirl of whipped cream will take the look (and taste) over the top.

Side Dishes

The Cookies and Cream Cake Roll really shines all by itself, but for a truly decadent dessert spread, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries. That burst of fruit or cold creamy ice cream adds both color and a lovely contrast to every forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Cookies and Cream Cake Roll party-ready, try slicing it into mini pinwheels and arranging them on a platter, or serve it upright for a dramatic swirl effect. For birthdays or celebrations, consider drizzling with a chocolate ganache or piping rosettes of whipped cream for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cookies and Cream Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and soft for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Need to make it ahead? You can freeze the entire cake roll (filled and rolled) by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then foil. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and serving. This also means you can always have a sweet treat ready for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.

Reheating

The Cookies and Cream Cake Roll is at its best served cold or at room temperature—there’s no need to reheat. Simply allow chilled slices to sit at room temp for a few minutes to soften and release their full flavor before digging in.

FAQs

Why did my cake roll crack?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is the secret to avoiding cracks! If it cools too much, it becomes rigid. Also, be sure to dust generously with powdered sugar so it doesn’t stick to the towel during rolling.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works beautifully; just be sure to whip it until stiff peaks form to match the stability of store-bought whipped topping, so your filling stays fluffy.

What kind of chocolate sandwich cookies work best?

Classic Oreos are a favorite for their dreamy flavor, but any brand of chocolate sandwich cookie will work. You can even experiment with flavored options (like mint or peanut butter) for a fun twist.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free sandwich cookies, and you’ll have a cake roll everyone can enjoy.

How do I get clean, pretty slices?

Chill the Cookies and Cream Cake Roll until firm, then use a sharp, serrated knife. Wiping the knife with a damp towel between cuts keeps the spirals clean and defined for a showstopping presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little wow-factor to your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a homemade Cookies and Cream Cake Roll. It’s surprisingly simple, always crowd-pleasing, and there’s nothing quite like that first spiraled slice. Give it a go, and I know you’ll be hooked on the magic of cookies and cream in cake roll form, too!