Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for playful, colorful treats, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy cinnamon rolls tinted a fun, vibrant blue that’s perfect for brightening your morning or impressing friends at brunch. These rolls combine a classic cinnamon-sugar filling with the delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness of crushed sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese icing. It’s a whimsical twist on a beloved classic that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an essential role: the warm milk and yeast create the perfect rise for the dough, the blue gel food coloring brings that iconic Cookie Monster look, and the crushed cookies add irresistible texture and flavor to every bite.

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough texture.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic that makes the rolls rise beautifully fluffy.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to nurture the yeast and flavor the dough.
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dough tender and moist.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the perfect cinnamon roll dough.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
• Blue gel food coloring: The defining touch that makes these rolls so fun and visually stunning.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates a luscious base for the cinnamon sugar blend.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Delivers rich caramel notes in the filling.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Classic spice that’s the heart of every cinnamon roll.
• ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): Adds crunch and surprise bursts of chocolate.
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips: More chocolate for extra indulgence.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing): Gives the icing that tangy, creamy finish.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing): Ensures smooth, spreadable icing texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing perfectly without graininess.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Infuses the icing with warmth.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (for icing): Adjusts consistency for drizzle-perfect icing.
• ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies (for topping): Adds extra crunch and playful texture after baking.
• Extra mini chocolate chips (optional): For a finishing flourish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining warm milk and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let this sit until it becomes foamy—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic. Next, stir in sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to build richness. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. Now comes the fun part: add a few drops of blue gel food coloring and knead until the dough is an even, bright blue. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. Stir in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips for that signature Cookie Monster crunch and chocolaty surprise inside every roll.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a 14 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread the delicious cookie and cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, keeping those layers intact. Cut the log into 12 even rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange your rolls in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown around the edges but still keep their softness inside.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk a little at a time, mixing until your icing reaches a creamy, drizzle-ready consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once your cinnamon rolls come out of the oven warm and irresistible, generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. For that extra delightful crunch and visual punch, sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies and a few more mini chocolate chips. Serve them fresh and warm—the perfect start to any day.

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

The crushed cookies and mini chocolate chips on top do more than add texture; they also create a playful, crunchy contrast to the soft roll and melty icing. For an extra whimsical touch, you can dust a tiny pinch of edible glitter or add colorful sprinkles to embrace the fun spirit of the Cookie Monster.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine brightest with simple sides like a fresh fruit salad or a cup of bold coffee. The fruity brightness balances the sweetness, while the coffee’s bitterness beautifully complements the rich cinnamon and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on a vibrant blue or white platter to highlight their signature color. For parties, you can stack them in a pyramid or place each roll in cute cupcake liners for easy grabbing. These rolls also make adorable gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, no worries! Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the rolls soft and the icing fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to prevent any spoilage.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping but before the second rise. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let rise before baking as usual. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls by wrapping them tightly and thaw at room temperature when needed.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the rolls in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or bake them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. Adding a dab more icing after reheating brings that fresh-from-the-oven delight right back!

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best because it adds vibrant color without thinning your dough, but you can use regular liquid food coloring; just add less liquid elsewhere to maintain the dough’s consistency.

Do I need to use blue food coloring for this recipe?

While the blue color is part of the Cookie Monster charm, you can skip it or try other fun colors, but the classic blue really makes this cinnamon roll special and instantly recognizable.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia egg alternatives. Note that yeast activation and texture might vary slightly.

What if I don’t have crushed chocolate sandwich cookies?

If you don’t have sandwich cookies, finely chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks can add a nice texture. You can also try chocolate chips alone, but the cookie crunch is a favorite part of this recipe.

Can these rolls be made gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free flour blend that’s suited for yeast baking and may need to adjust rising times. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking up a batch of these whimsical Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that just can’t be beat. They bring color, flavor, and a bit of nostalgia all wrapped in one perfect bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve a fun indulgence, these rolls will not disappoint. So grab your ingredients, turn on some good music, and get ready to fall in love with cinnamon rolls all over again!

Print