If you’ve ever dreamed of a cinnamon roll that’s not only bursting with gooey cinnamon sugar goodness but also packed with chocolatey delights and fun, the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls dyed a whimsical blue, swirled with a melty mixture of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of cookie crumbles. This recipe takes a classic favorite and kicks it up to playful, indulgent new heights that will wow your friends and family every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the irresistible Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you only need a handful of simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and that signature vibrant blue hue. From the warm milk that wakes up the yeast, to the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies that add crunch and richness, every element is thoughtfully chosen to bring this fun treat to life.
- ¾ cup warm milk: Warms the yeast and activates it for the perfect dough rise.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic behind the dough’s fluffy, airy texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and fuels the yeast’s action.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: Contributes richness and tenderness to the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Provides moisture and buttery flavor that makes the rolls soft.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base of the dough that gives it form.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts depth in both dough and icing flavors.
- Blue gel food coloring: Adds that iconic Cookie Monster blue for fun and flair.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (filling): Makes the cinnamon cookie filling rich and spreadable.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (filling): Gives caramel notes and sweetness to the swirl.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (filling): The classic warm spice that defines cinnamon rolls.
- ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (filling): Adds crunch and chocolate cookie flavor inside the rolls.
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (filling): Melts into pockets of gooey goodness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (icing): The base for the smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (icing): Makes the icing creamy and spreadable.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (icing): Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (icing): Adds aromatic warmth to the icing.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (icing): Adjusts icing consistency for perfect drizzle.
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies (topping): The finishing touch that amps up texture and chocolate flavor.
- Extra mini chocolate chips (optional topping): For a fun sprinkle that makes these rolls even more festive.
How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast and Begin the Dough
Start by combining the warm milk and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough will rise beautifully, giving you those soft, fluffy rolls we all crave.
Step 2: Mix in the Rest of the Dough Ingredients
Next, add the granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Use a mixer or your hands to blend everything until a dough starts to form. This combination brings moisture, flavor, and structure, setting the foundation for your cinnamon rolls.
Step 3: Knead the Dough and Add the Blue Color
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s soft and slightly sticky but manageable. At this point, mix in the blue gel food coloring thoroughly to give your dough that vibrant Cookie Monster shade that’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough back in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This patient rise is what creates those fluffy, tender layers in your rolls.
Step 5: Prepare the Cookie-Filled Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and mini chocolate chips. This filling is the indulgent heart of the recipe — gooey, sweet, and packed with cookie crunch.
Step 6: Roll Out and Spread Filling
After the dough has risen, gently roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cookie cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure every bite has that perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness and chocolate cookie texture.
Step 7: Roll, Cut, and Let Rise Again
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape starting from the long edge, then slice it into 12 equal rolls. Place them cut side up in a greased baking dish or lined sheet pan. Cover and let the rolls rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes, allowing those spirals to puff up and prepare for baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and tempting. The aroma of cinnamon, melting chocolate, and buttery dough will fill your kitchen—pure bliss!
Step 9: Prepare and Drizzle the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the icing is smooth and creamy. As soon as your rolls come out warm from the oven, generously drizzle the icing over the top, letting it melt into every crevice. Sprinkle additional crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips on top if desired for that extra cookie magic.
How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the playful presentation, scatter some crushed chocolate cookies and a handful of mini chocolate chips over the icing just before serving. These garnishes add delightful texture and enhance the cookie theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are rich and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a tall glass of cold milk provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet rolls—perfect for a cozy brunch or a decadent breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party or want to impress, arrange the rolls on a fun platter shaped like Cookie Monster’s face and scatter blue edible glitter for sparkle. You could also package individual rolls in clear boxes tied with blue ribbons for adorable take-home gifts that will have everyone talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside the container, which preserves moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you have more rolls than you can eat, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe anytime you crave a special treat.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the rolls and warm them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Adding a little extra icing or a dab of butter helps revive their gooey, freshly-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but gel food coloring provides a much deeper and more vibrant blue without adding extra liquid, which helps keep the dough texture perfect. If using regular food coloring, add it sparingly.
Are the chocolate sandwich cookies necessary?
Yes! The crushed chocolate sandwich cookies are essential to that signature Cookie Monster twist, adding crunchy, chocolaty surprise throughout the rolls. They really take these cinnamon rolls from classic to extraordinary.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Definitely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook can save time and effort in kneading without changing the final texture. Just be sure not to over-knead—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Is cream cheese icing necessary or can I substitute it?
Cream cheese icing complements the flavors beautifully with its tangy richness, but you can substitute a simple vanilla glaze if preferred. Keep in mind the cream cheese adds moisture and balances the sweetness.
How long do the rolls need to rise before baking?
The initial dough rise takes about 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size, and after shaping into rolls, a second rise of 30 to 45 minutes ensures fluffy, tender spirals. Both are important for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is such a delight because it combines familiar comfort with playful creativity. Whether you’re baking for family breakfast, a sweet brunch, or a special occasion, these rolls will bring smiles and happy taste buds all around. Grab your ingredients, turn on some upbeat tunes, and let the magic of cinnamon, chocolate, and that iconic blue color fill your kitchen and your heart. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become one of your all-time favorite homemade treats!
Print
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are colorful, fun, and irresistibly delicious cinnamon rolls featuring a vibrant blue dough, rich cinnamon-cookie filling, and cream cheese icing topped with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a whimsical breakfast or dessert that kids and adults will love.
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
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)
Toppings
- 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. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Knead Dough and Add Color: Knead the dough until it becomes soft and slightly sticky. Incorporate blue gel food coloring evenly throughout the dough for the Cookie Monster look.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, then roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Cut and Second Rise: Slice the log into individual rolls. Place them in a baking pan and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing on top. Garnish with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and extra mini chocolate chips if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Adjust blue gel food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of blue.
- For best results, cover dough with a damp towel during rising to prevent drying out.
- The icing consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
