Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that will make everyone smile, my Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is just the thing! These soft, cinnamon-filled rolls have a delightful blue dough and are packed with crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your loved ones with something extra special. Trust me, these colorful rolls are bound to become a favorite in your household!

The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet cream cheese icing makes every bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up! Let’s dive in and create some magic in the kitchen together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Unique: The vibrant blue dough adds a playful twist that kids (and adults!) will adore.
• Delicious Flavor: With layers of cinnamon, brown sugar, and chocolate goodness, each roll is a taste sensation.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and manageable.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake these rolls for brunch or a potluck, and watch them disappear!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re using simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful treats. Gather everything you need before we start baking!

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:

• Add Different Mix-Ins: Mix in nuts or other types of candy for added texture and flavor.
• Change Up the Frosting: Try a vanilla glaze or chocolate icing instead of cream cheese icing.
• Make Them Mini: Roll out smaller versions for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.

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 activates the yeast, which is crucial for making your rolls rise beautifully! Stir in the sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Next, add 2 cups of flour along with the salt; mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour while kneading until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. Don’t forget to add a few drops of blue food coloring; knead until evenly distributed. Transfer the dough 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

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This filling will give our rolls that ooey-gooey goodness we crave! Stir in the crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips so they’re ready when we roll out our dough.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has risen nicely, lightly flour your surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring about 14×9 inches. Spread your filling evenly over this colorful canvas! Then roll up your dough tightly from one long side and cut it into 12 even rolls. This part is like crafting little treasures!

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Place those beautiful rolls in 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). Once they’ve puffed up nicely again, pop them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While those rolls are baking away perfectly golden brown, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and just enough milk to reach your desired creamy consistency. This icing will be drizzled on top when they come out warm!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

As soon as your cinnamon rolls come out of the oven (and cool slightly), drizzle that luscious icing over them generously! Finish off by sprinkling crushed chocolate cookies and extra mini chocolate chips on top if you like—there’s no such thing as too much chocolate here! Serve warm because that’s when they’re best enjoyed.

And there you have it—a delightful batch of Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to bring joy to any gathering! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These fun and colorful cinnamon rolls are sure to impress, so let’s ensure they come out perfectly every time!

• Use Warm Milk: Starting with warm milk helps activate the yeast effectively, ensuring your dough rises beautifully for soft, fluffy rolls.

• Knead Until Soft and Slightly Sticky: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. A slightly sticky dough is a good sign that you’ve achieved the right consistency.

• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: Yeast loves warmth! Allowing your dough to rise in a cozy spot speeds up the process and helps it double in size for that perfect fluffiness.

• Roll Tightly: When forming your rolls, make sure to roll tightly from one end to another. This creates even layers of filling that will be perfectly swirled in each roll.

• Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Giving your cut rolls a second rise allows them to expand even more, resulting in lighter and fluffier cinnamon rolls when baked.

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These whimsical cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also visually striking, making them perfect for special occasions or cozy breakfasts at home. Here are some delightful ways to present them:

Garnishes

• Crushed Chocolate Cookies: Sprinkling extra crushed chocolate cookies on top adds texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: A few extra mini chocolate chips can give the rolls a festive look while adding richness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls while adding a burst of color to your plate.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries provides a wonderful contrast in texture and balances the sweetness of the rolls.

• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Pairing these sweet treats with a warm beverage like coffee or hot cocoa creates a delightful experience perfect for brunch gatherings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every gooey bite of this fun twist on a classic favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep those delicious rolls fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to a week.

Freezing

• After baking, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• Remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Drizzle with cream cheese icing before serving for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use a different type of flour for the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the final taste and texture.

How can I make my Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe even more fun?

You can add colorful sprinkles or customize your filling with other cookie varieties. Try using chocolate chip cookies or even peanut butter cookies for a unique twist!

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm milk, it may not be viable. Additionally, make sure your environment is warm enough; sometimes placing the dough near a warm oven helps!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they bring joy and a touch of whimsy to any occasion, whether it’s breakfast or dessert. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll love sharing these fun rolls with family and friends. Happy baking!