Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that will delight both kids and adults alike, you’ve come to the right place! This Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about turning an ordinary day into something special. With soft, pillowy rolls filled with cinnamon and crushed chocolate cookies, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family brunch, a festive gathering, or simply want to brighten up a busy weeknight, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion. The vibrant blue dough adds a playful twist that makes them irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making them again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the fun color and cookie crunch! These rolls are sure to bring smiles at the breakfast table.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a quick bake in the morning.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, chocolate cookies, and cream cheese icing creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 rolls, there’s plenty to share with friends or neighbors—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. You’ll find everything you need right here to create these delightful treats.
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 recipe is flexible and lends itself to various tasty adaptations. Feel free to get creative with these ideas:
- Change Up the Flavor: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist!
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for some extra crunch.
- Try Different Fillings: Experiment with peanut butter or Nutella spread instead of chocolate cookies for a new flavor experience.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
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 foamy—this step helps activate the yeast for those fluffy rolls we love. Next, stir in sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add 2 cups of flour along with salt until mixed well. Slowly add in the remaining flour while kneading until your dough is soft and slightly sticky. Now comes the fun part: add a few drops of blue food coloring! Knead until the color is evenly distributed. Transfer your vibrant dough to a greased bowl, cover it up snugly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While waiting for your dough to rise, mix up that irresistible filling! In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Then gently fold in the crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips. This filling is what takes your cinnamon rolls from good to spectacular!
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen beautifully, lightly flour your work surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring about 14×9 inches. Spread that delicious filling evenly over your rolled-out dough—don’t leave any spot behind! Now roll it up tightly from one long side to create that classic cinnamon roll shape. Cut your rolled dough into 12 even slices; use dental floss if you want clean cuts without squishing your rolls.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
Place those beautiful rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those lovelies in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown—we want that perfect balance of soft inside and slightly crisp outside!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth as silk. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired icing consistency—it should be creamy but still drizzle-able!
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once those glorious cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled but still warm (the best time!), drizzle that luscious cream cheese icing over them generously. Finish off by sprinkling some crushed chocolate cookies or extra mini chocolate chips on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent! Serve them warm with joy—trust me; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Making these colorful, delightful cinnamon rolls can be a breeze with just a few helpful hints. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time!
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Use warm milk: Ensuring your milk is warm (not hot!) is crucial for activating the yeast. This step helps the dough rise beautifully and achieve that fluffy texture we all love.
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Don’t rush the rising: Allowing the dough to rise until it has doubled in size makes a significant difference in texture. Patience here means soft, pillowy rolls rather than dense ones.
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Roll tightly: When rolling the dough, make sure to roll it tightly. This helps create those beautiful layers and ensures that the filling stays inside during baking.
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Adjust icing consistency: Depending on personal preference, you might want your cream cheese icing thicker or thinner. Start with less milk and add gradually until you achieve your desired consistency for drizzling.
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Cool slightly before icing: Letting the cinnamon rolls cool for just a few minutes before adding the icing prevents it from melting away completely and allows it to set slightly, creating a lovely glaze.
How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Presenting your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls in an inviting way can make them even more enjoyable. Here are some fun ideas for serving these delightful treats!
Garnishes
- Colorful sprinkles: Adding some colorful sprinkles on top of the icing not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a playful touch that resonates with both kids and adults alike.
- Mint leaves: A fresh mint leaf placed on top of each roll offers a pleasant contrast in flavor and adds a pop of green that beautifully complements the blue dough.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls while providing a burst of flavor and color on your plate.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that pairs perfectly with the indulgent rolls, adding both texture and nutrition.
- Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors of cinnamon beautifully, making it an ideal beverage choice for breakfast or brunch alongside these sweet rolls.
- Breakfast hash: A savory breakfast hash with potatoes, peppers, and onions creates an excellent contrast to the sweetness of the rolls, offering a well-rounded meal experience.
With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your vibrant Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh and warm whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.
Storing Leftovers
- Place leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, consider refrigerating them.
Freezing
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, remove from the freezer and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until heated through.
- For a crispy bottom, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about our Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe!
Can I use a different type of cookie for the filling?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with any chocolate sandwich cookies you love. Just ensure they are crushed well before adding them to the filling.
How can I make the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute all dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream cheese. The rolls will still turn out delicious!
Can I prepare the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Just let it rise overnight in the fridge and bake them fresh in the morning.
What if I don’t have blue gel food coloring?
No problem! If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can skip it altogether. The rolls will still taste amazing without it!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this journey into baking these delightful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls! They’re not just visually fun but also incredibly delicious and comforting. Whether for a special occasion or just because, I invite you to try making these treats at home. Enjoy every gooey bite, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy!
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the whimsical delight of our Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe! These vibrant, soft rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of cinnamon and crushed chocolate cookies, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family brunches to festive gatherings—these colorful rolls not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a playful touch to your dessert table. Drizzled with creamy icing and topped with extra cookie crumbs, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
- Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in sugar, egg, yolk, melted butter, and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt until combined.
- Knead the dough until soft and slightly sticky; add blue food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled.
- Prepare filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, crushed cookies, and mini chocolate chips.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle; spread filling evenly and roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into 12 slices and place in a greased baking dish; let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- For icing, mix cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and milk to desired consistency.
- Drizzle icing over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
