Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for playful treats, these Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are going to be your new obsession. Imagine the classic cinnamon roll upgraded with a fun, vibrant blue dough and packed with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips, creating an irresistibly gooey, cinnamon-spiced, chocolaty bite every time. This recipe brings together the warm comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and the nostalgic twist of Cookie Monster’s favorite cookies, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role, whether it’s building the fluffy, tender dough or contributing to the luscious filling and icing. These straightforward essentials come together to create texture, flavor, and that signature blue color that makes these rolls extra fun.

• Warm milk (¾ cup): The perfect temperature activates the yeast for a light, airy dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Gives the dough the rise and fluffiness that make cinnamon rolls irresistible.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just enough sweetness to balance the spices and chocolate.
• Egg + egg yolk (1 large egg + 1 yolk): Contributes richness and structure to the dough.
• Melted unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds moisture and a tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base that creates that soft yet sturdy dough.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon and chocolate.
• Blue gel food coloring: Brings the iconic Cookie Monster blue to life without affecting flavor.
• Softened unsalted butter for the filling (½ cup): Makes the filling spreadable and rich.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup): Gives the filling a deep caramel sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The soul of any cinnamon roll – warm and aromatic.
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (½ cup): Adds crunch and the unmistakable cookie flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips (¼ cup): Little pockets of melty chocolate joy inside the rolls.
• Cream cheese (4 oz): Creates the luscious, tangy icing that pairs perfectly with the sweet rolls.
• Softened unsalted butter for icing (¼ cup): Gives the icing its creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the icing beautifully.
• Vanilla extract for icing (½ teaspoon): Lends warmth and depth.
• Milk for icing (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts the icing to your desired drizzling consistency.
• Extra crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips for topping (optional): Adds an extra cookie crunch and an enticing finish.

How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by waking up the yeast with warm milk – it should turn foamy within five minutes, ensuring your dough will rise beautifully. Mix in sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then combine with flour and salt until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Adding the blue gel coloring here is so fun—it transforms the dough into Cookie Monster’s signature hue, making the baking process even more exciting. Set it aside in a greased bowl to rise until doubled, about 1 to 1½ hours. Patience here always pays off with soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While your dough is rising, whip up the filling by blending softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a smooth, aromatic paste. Stir in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips – this combo injects crunch and pockets of chocolate that perfectly contrast with the tender dough.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, flour your work surface lightly and roll the dough out into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread your cookie and cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, then roll it up tightly from the long side like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 even slices, each promising layered cinnamon, cookie, and chocolate goodness.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes—this second proofing is crucial for those pillowy soft rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and smelling like sweet comfort in your kitchen.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to reach a creamy, drizzle-ready consistency. This icing adds the perfect tangy-sweet topping that balances the cinnamon and cookie flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the cream cheese icing, then sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies and extra mini chocolate chips for added texture and extra wow factor. Serve these warm for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

To make your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls pop, consider adding a few more crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and extra mini chocolate chips on top right after icing. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a delicate touch and makes them look totally irresistible. For extra fun, a drizzle of melted white chocolate can bring a sweet contrast that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because these cinnamon rolls are rich and indulgent, pairing them with something light helps balance the meal. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples provides brightness and a refreshing bite. A simple glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or chai latte also complements the cinnamon and chocolate flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your friends? Serve the rolls on a colorful platter with a bowl of cream cheese icing for extra drizzling. For parties, individual rolls can be wrapped in parchment paper tied with a ribbon—the perfect edible gift! You could even hollow out the center of each roll just slightly and fill it with extra cookie crumbles or a dollop of whipped cream for an unexpected delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls will stay soft and delicious in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge, but bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to bring back their signature softness.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before icing and serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Reheat just enough to make the rolls soft again without drying them out. After warming, add the cream cheese icing for that fresh-baked indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best because it delivers vibrant color without thinning the dough, but if you only have liquid food coloring, use sparingly to avoid affecting the dough’s texture.

Can I substitute the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with something else?

Absolutely! You could try crushed chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or even cookie butter for a different twist, but the classic cookie crunch is definitely part of the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls’ charm.

Do I need to let the rolls rise twice?

Yes, the first rise develops the dough’s flavor and texture, while the second rise ensures the rolls bake up fluffy and tender—skipping either can affect the final softness.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

With a few ingredient swaps like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer, you can definitely make vegan Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls. Just watch for subtle texture differences.

What’s the best way to crush cookies for the filling?

Place cookies in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush them evenly to avoid overly fine crumbs – you want little crunchy bits throughout the filling.

Final Thoughts

Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a treat—they’re a joyful experience for your taste buds and your kitchen. With every bite, they’re packed with warm cinnamon, rich chocolate, and a playful pop of blue that brightens any morning or dessert table. I can’t wait for you to try these and see how a classic favorite can be transformed into something delightfully fun and delicious. Happy baking, friend!

Print