Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious twist on a classic treat, then this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is just what you need! These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with warm cinnamon goodness, crushed chocolate cookies, and mini chocolate chips, all wrapped in a playful blue dough. It’s a favorite in our household because it’s perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to cozy family gatherings. Plus, they make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly while baking!

There’s something truly special about pulling these colorful rolls out of the oven, drizzling them with a creamy icing, and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. Trust me; these cinnamon rolls will bring joy to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love the fun blue color and chocolatey flavor, making it a hit with everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Deliciously indulgent: The combination of cinnamon, cookies, and sweet icing creates irresistible flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is simple! You likely have many of these wholesome items in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 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

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese 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)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
• Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)

Variations

This Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Change up the filling: Swap in your favorite cookie crumbs or add nuts for extra crunch.
• Add some fruit: Incorporate diced apples or bananas into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Experiment with icing flavors: Try adding cocoa powder or even peanut butter to your cream cheese icing for a unique taste.
• Make them mini: Roll smaller versions for cute bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing!

How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully. Next, stir in the sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Then add 2 cups of flour along with salt—mix until combined. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour while kneading until you achieve a soft and slightly sticky dough. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to give your dough that signature hue! Knead until evenly colored. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. This fragrant mixture will be spread over your rolled-out dough later. Stir in crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips—this adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon!

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring about 14×9 inches. Evenly spread that delicious filling across the entire surface of the dough. Now comes the fun part—roll up the dough tightly from one long side! Once rolled, cut into 12 even pieces so each roll can soak up all that goodness.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Place those beautifully cut rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After they’ve puffed up nicely, bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While those rolls are baking away in their warm embrace, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and milk—mixing until creamy perfection is achieved! If needed, adjust with more milk for desired consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle that luscious cream cheese icing over top generously! To finish off this indulgence sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies and extra mini chocolate chips if you like. Now serve them warm—watch as everyone digs in eagerly!

Enjoy making memories around these delightful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls!

Pro Tips for Making Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh for the best rise. Old or expired yeast may not activate properly, leading to denser rolls.

• Knead the dough well: Kneading develops gluten, which gives your cinnamon rolls structure. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough that springs back when poked.

• Don’t skip the second rise: Allowing the rolled dough to rise again before baking helps create light and fluffy rolls. Patience is key here!

• Adjust icing consistency: Depending on how thick you want the cream cheese icing, add milk gradually. A thicker icing will sit nicely on top, while a thinner one will drizzle beautifully.

• Experiment with colors: Feel free to adjust the amount of blue food coloring based on your preference. You can even try other fun colors for different occasions!

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Presenting your delicious Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make your dish even more appealing.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the top can enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles provide a playful touch, especially if you’re serving these rolls for a party or special occasion.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and adds a vibrant color to your breakfast or brunch table.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that pairs perfectly with warm rolls.
• Coffee or tea: Serving a hot cup of coffee or tea alongside your cinnamon rolls enhances the experience and complements their flavors beautifully.
• Scrambled eggs: For a heartier meal, serve fluffy scrambled eggs on the side to round out this delightful breakfast spread.

Now you’re all set to impress family and friends with these fun and delicious Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring a sweet start to your day or a fun dessert option whenever you need one.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls. They will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, remove from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20 seconds on high for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other flavors of cookies in the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of chocolate sandwich cookies or even try adding your favorite candy pieces for a unique twist.

How long does it take to make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls?

The total time is around 2 hours and 15 minutes, which includes rising time. However, most of that is hands-off while the dough rises!

Can I use gluten-free flour for the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

What is the best way to store leftover Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious!

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator after its first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling out.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls soon! Their soft texture, fun blue color, and sweet filling make them extra special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out!