If you adore cinnamon rolls but dream of something wildly fun and utterly delicious, then the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These vibrant blue swirls are not just eye-catching but packed with gooey cinnamon and the irresistible crunch of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips. Every bite offers a perfect blend of soft, sweet dough with bursts of chocolatey goodness and a luscious cream cheese icing that ties it all together beautifully. Trust me, once you try this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, it will quickly become the centerpiece recipe you share at brunches, celebrations, or anytime you need a little extra joy in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but essential to achieve the iconic blue color, soft dough, rich filling, and creamy icing that make these rolls unforgettable. Each one plays a crucial role in texture or flavor, so don’t skip any!
- ¾ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and tender.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: Enriches the dough for a tender crumb and slight richness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Melted to add moisture and flavor to the dough base.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The heart of the dough, giving structure and chew.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma to the dough.
- Blue gel food coloring: For the signature bright blue swirls inspired by our Cookie Monster friend.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates a creamy base to mix with sugar and spices in the filling.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (for filling): Adds deep caramel notes that marry beautifully with cinnamon.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling): The classic spice that elevates every roll.
- ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (for filling): Infuses crunchy, chocolaty bits right inside the rolls.
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (for filling): Adds extra melty chocolate pockets throughout.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing): The star of luscious, tangy frosting.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing): Makes the icing silky and smooth.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Adds depth and aroma to the icing.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency – for icing): Helps you achieve that perfect drizzle consistency.
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies (for topping): Adds crunch and extra cookie flavor on top.
- Extra mini chocolate chips (optional for topping): For an extra dose of chocolaty fun.
How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by warming the milk just enough so it feels comfortably warm to the touch but not hot; this temperature wakes up the yeast gently. Combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast in a mixing bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. You’ll notice it beginning to bubble and foam, which means the yeast is happily working and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the dough ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, add the sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and flour into the bowl. Mix everything until just combined. This combination brings sweetness, richness, and that classic soft texture that cinnamon rolls are loved for.
Step 3: Knead and color the dough
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead until it becomes soft and slightly sticky to the touch. This kneading action develops gluten and ensures your rolls will be tender yet chewy. Now comes the fun part—incorporate the blue gel food coloring evenly through the dough, stirring in that joyful Cookie Monster personality with every fold and press.
Step 4: Let the dough rise
Place your dough back in a clean, greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size. This rest time is when the yeast does its best work, creating all those irresistible air pockets inside.
Step 5: Prepare the filling
While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and mini chocolate chips. This filling is the heart and soul of the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, bringing warmth, sweetness, and texture with every single bite.
Step 6: Roll out and fill the dough
Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough’s surface with a spatula, ensuring every part will be filled with delight. Then, carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the long side, sealing the edge by pinching it shut.
Step 7: Slice and second rise
Cut the rolled log into 12 even slices. Arrange them cut-side up in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart to allow for expansion. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls stay fluffy and soft after baking.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up again, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are golden on top but still soft inside. The smell alone at this point will have you ready to dive right in.
Step 9: Make the cream cheese icing and finish
While the rolls bake, prepare the luscious cream cheese icing by blending softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. Once the rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the icing generously over them and sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies and extra mini chips if you wish.
How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe experience, consider sprinkling extra crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips right on top of the cream cheese glaze. This not only adds more texture and flavor but makes them look as playful and fun as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pairing these rolls with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, can balance the sweetness and add bright, refreshing flavors. A cup of rich coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk will complement the richness perfectly and round out your indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve these rolls on a fun, colorful platter or in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. You can pipe extra cream cheese icing onto each roll to create an even more decadent look or serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any extra Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe servings (which is rare!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining that soft, fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing or the fully baked rolls once cooled. To freeze before baking, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking. Baked rolls freeze well too; just thaw and gently warm them before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a roll in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes, covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Add a fresh drizzle of cream cheese icing for that just-baked decadence all over again.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives in the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute warm almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk alternative to keep the dough tender without compromising the rise or flavor significantly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly overnight in the fridge. Just take it out to warm slightly before rolling and filling the next day for best results.
What if I don’t have blue gel food coloring?
While blue gel coloring creates that signature Cookie Monster vibe, you can skip it or use any color you like to personalize your cinnamon rolls. Grease the dough well to help colors mix evenly.
Do I need to use crushed chocolate sandwich cookies in the filling?
The crushed cookies are what make this recipe stand out with that crunchy, chocolaty texture, but if you prefer, you can substitute with chopped nuts or add extra chocolate chips for similar texture and flavor.
How long will these rolls keep their freshness after baking?
For best taste and texture, enjoy your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe within two days of baking. After that, they may start to lose their soft chew, but reheating can help revive their freshness.
Final Thoughts
Baking the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is more than just making a sweet treat; it’s a joyful experience filled with fun color, fantastic flavors, and a little bit of childhood nostalgia. Whether you’re sharing them with family, impressing friends, or indulging yourself, these rolls are sure to bring smiles and happy moments. So grab your ingredients, get that dough rolling, and treat yourself to this wonderfully whimsical twist on a classic cinnamon roll today!
Print
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls combine classic cinnamon spice with a fun twist of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips, all tinted with vibrant blue food coloring for a playful, delicious treat. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a cinnamon-sugar cookie mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth cream cheese icing and extra cookie crunch.
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue gel food coloring (as needed for vibrant color)
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Topping
- ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active and ready to use.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, one large egg, one egg yolk, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the ingredients are well combined forming a sticky dough.
- Knead and Color Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is soft and slightly sticky. Incorporate blue gel food coloring gradually until the dough has a vibrant blue hue.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and mini chocolate chips thoroughly to create the filling mixture.
- Shape Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape.
- Second Rise: Cut the log into individual slices and place them in a greased baking pan. Allow them to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes to become puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and gradually add milk until the icing is smooth and pourable.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and extra mini chocolate chips if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use warm milk to properly activate the yeast; too hot or cold can affect rising.
- Adjust the amount of blue gel food coloring to achieve desired intensity without altering dough texture.
- Allow enough rising time for fluffy rolls; don’t rush.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for smooth icing without lumps.
- For extra indulgence, add a handful of mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container; reheat gently before serving.
