Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever wished your cinnamon rolls were a little more playful, this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to make your morning feel like a trip to a whimsical bakery. Soft spirals of pillowy, blue-tinted dough, swirled with brown sugar, cinnamon, crushed chocolate cookies, and mini chocolate chips, then topped with a dreamy cream cheese icing and extra cookie crumbles—it’s dessert and breakfast rolled into one! Whether you’re baking for a birthday brunch or just craving a break from the ordinary, these vibrant, cookie-studded treats will put an irresistible twist on the classic cinnamon roll.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in the simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and a pop of color. Every component plays a starring role, from the pillowy dough to the playful toppings.

• Warm milk: The perfect base for activating yeast, creating a soft, fluffy dough.
• Active dry yeast: Gives the rolls their irresistible rise and airy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and jumpstarts the yeast.
• Egg + egg yolk: Enriches the dough, making it tender and rich.
• Unsalted butter: Used in dough, filling, and icing for max flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it body and structure.
• Salt: Brings out all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth to both the dough and icing.
• Blue gel food coloring: The ingredient that transforms your rolls into an eye-catching, Cookie Monster-inspired treat.
• Brown sugar: Melts into the filling for gooey, caramelized sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that cozy, spicy note essential to any good cinnamon roll.
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): The key to that classic Cookie Monster vibe, tucked into the filling and topping.
• Mini chocolate chips: Scattered in the filling and over the top for bursts of melty chocolaty goodness.
• Cream cheese: The base for that swoon-worthy tangy icing that pairs so perfectly with sweet rolls.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing while keeping it silky-smooth.
• Milk: Loosens up the icing just enough to easily drizzle over warm rolls.

How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the warm milk and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl, letting it sit for about five minutes until foamy—this tells you your yeast is alive and ready to go! Stir in the sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix in two cups of flour and the salt, blending until smooth. Add the remaining flour a little at a time, kneading until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Now for the magic: knead in a few drops of blue gel food coloring until the color is vibrant and even. Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for one to one and a half hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is working its rising magic, whip up the delicious filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Stir in the crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips—this is where those Cookie Monster flavors start to shine!

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Once your dough has puffed up, lightly flour your work surface and roll it out into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the cookie-packed filling evenly across the entire surface. Roll the dough tightly from the long side—this gives you those perfect cookie swirl layers—and cut into twelve even rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Set the rolls, swirl side up, into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they’re extra puffy. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and the delicious aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a thick, pourable consistency. This icing is the crowning glory that brings every bite together!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

As soon as the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe comes out of the oven, generously drizzle the warm rolls with the cream cheese icing. Sprinkle over extra crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips for an irresistible finish. Serve them warm for the ultimate gooey pull-apart experience.

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on finishing touches! Top your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with a hefty sprinkle of crushed chocolate cookies and a good handful of mini chocolate chips. For extra fun, consider a few candy eyes to make each roll look like a true Cookie Monster treat—kids and adults alike love this whimsical detail.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a tall glass of cold milk, a classic hot coffee, or even a creamy vanilla latte. For a full brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or a platter of crispy bacon balances out the sweetness and makes these rolls the standout star.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a party vibe by serving each roll in a colorful cupcake wrapper or on a blue-themed platter. If you’re hosting a Cookie Monster birthday or themed brunch, tuck a mini chocolate chip cookie on top of each roll for a delightful surprise. You can even arrange them in a circle on a cake stand for a pull-apart centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and ready for snacking morning, noon, or midnight!

Freezing

If you want to save some for a rainy day, let the cinnamon rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Simply thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a roll in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. If you want to revive a whole batch, cover with foil and bake in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different food coloring for the dough?

Absolutely! While blue is signature for this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you can use any color gel food coloring for a different theme or celebration.

Do these cinnamon rolls need a stand mixer?

Not at all! Mixing and kneading by hand works just fine. The dough is soft and easy to work with, so you won’t miss a mixer if you don’t have one.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

No worries! You can chop regular chocolate chips or chocolate bars into small pieces, or even swap them out for white chocolate chips if you fancy a twist.

Can I prep the rolls the night before?

Definitely. After arranging the sliced rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30–45 minutes before baking in the morning.

What’s the best way to crush the cookies?

Seal them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to smash them up. You want a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger bits for the ultimate texture in your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to surprise your family or just treat yourself to something irresistibly fun, give this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a try. Every bite is a hug of nostalgia, creativity, and buttery sweetness—guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Enjoy baking and don’t forget to share the joy!

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