Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious twist on your classic cinnamon rolls, you’ve come to the right place! This Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon with a playful blue dough that’s sure to delight everyone. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these rolls are not just a treat; they are an experience! Plus, who can resist the combination of crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips?

Baking these cinnamon rolls is a joyful way to spend your time in the kitchen, and they make for an irresistible breakfast or dessert. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, anyone can whip up these delightful treats!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love getting involved in making the colorful dough and rolling up the sweet filling.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare your dough ahead of time! Let it rise in the fridge overnight for a hassle-free morning.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, chocolate cookies, and cream cheese icing makes every bite heavenly.
• Fun Presentation: The vibrant blue dough makes for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! Each item plays a vital role in creating these mouthwatering cinnamon rolls.

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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Swap the Chocolate Cookies: Use different flavors of sandwich cookies like peanut butter or mint for a unique twist.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your filling.
• Try Different Frostings: Experiment with different types of icing like vanilla glaze or even caramel drizzle.
• Go Fruity: Add fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries into the filling for a fruity surprise.

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 is crucial because it activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully. Once foamy, stir in sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add 2 cups of flour along with salt. Mix until everything is combined before slowly adding more flour until you have a soft but slightly sticky dough. Don’t forget to knead in some blue food coloring until evenly distributed—this is what makes them so much fun!

Step 2: Let It Rise

After kneading your vibrant dough, transfer it to a greased bowl. Cover it up and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size. This step allows your dough to become fluffy and light—perfect for those soft cinnamon rolls we all crave!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. Stir in crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips. This filling is where all those delightful flavors come together!

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has risen perfectly, lightly flour your surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring about 14×9 inches. Spread that delicious filling evenly over your rolled-out dough. Now comes the fun part—roll it up tightly from one long side and slice into 12 even rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Place those lovely rolls into a greased 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). Baking them will turn them golden brown—a beautiful sight! Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re just right.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired icing consistency. The creaminess of this icing perfectly balances out the sweetness of your rolls!

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Once baked, drizzle that luscious icing over warm cinnamon rolls while they’re still fresh from the oven. Sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies and extra mini chocolate chips if you like an extra touch! Serve them warm—because trust me; that’s when they’re at their best.

Enjoy making this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe! Your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Making these delightful treats can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with a few handy tips!

• Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If it doesn’t foam after mixing with warm milk, it’s time to get a new packet.

• Be patient with rising: Don’t rush the rising process! Allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for light and fluffy rolls. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a warm spot.

• Don’t overfill: When spreading the filling, avoid going to the edges of the dough. This prevents overflow during baking and keeps your rolls neat and tidy.

• Adjust icing consistency: The cream cheese icing should be smooth and drizzle-able. Adding milk gradually helps you achieve the perfect consistency without it becoming too runny.

• Serve warm: These cinnamon rolls are at their best when served warm out of the oven. If you need to make them ahead, simply reheat them lightly before serving.

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Presenting your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls can turn an ordinary treat into an extraordinary experience! Here are some ideas to make them shine.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for a festive touch that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate adds extra decadence and visual appeal.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream next to each roll provides a creamy contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness, adding freshness and color to your plate.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these rolls with a warm beverage enhances their flavor and makes for a comforting breakfast or snack.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully while introducing some tanginess.
• Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie can round out your meal. Opt for one packed with greens and fruits for an energizing boost!

With these serving suggestions, your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls will not only taste amazing but also look fabulous on any table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are not only a fun treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, store them properly, and enjoy fresh rolls whenever you like.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, microwave individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
• Drizzle with icing after reheating if desired.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use regular food coloring instead of blue gel food coloring?

Yes! You can use any food coloring you prefer. Just keep in mind that gel food colorings tend to provide more vibrant colors than liquid ones.

How can I make this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use non-dairy milk options like almond or oat milk. The cream cheese icing can also be made with dairy-free cream cheese.

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

Dough that doesn’t rise may be due to old yeast or too cold of an environment. Ensure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date and make sure to let it sit in a warm place during the rising time.

Can I customize the filling of this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even swap out the crushed cookies for your favorite variety. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these whimsical Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. With their soft texture and delightful cookie-filled twist, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations—happy baking!