Introduction

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and colorful twist on a classic favorite. Swirled with blue dough, filled with cinnamon-sugar, crushed cookies, and chocolate chips, they are as delicious as they are eye-catching. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
2¼ tsp 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 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Blue gel food coloring
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (filling)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (icing)
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
½ cup crushed chocolate cookies (for garnish)
Extra mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Stir in granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add 2 cups of flour and salt, mixing well. Gradually add the remaining flour until a dough forms.
Step 4: Add blue gel food coloring and knead the dough until smooth and evenly colored.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips.
Step 7: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
Step 8: Spread the filling evenly over the dough surface.
Step 9: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 equal rolls.
Step 10: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 12: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 13: While baking, make the icing by beating cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until creamy.
Step 14: Drizzle the icing over warm rolls and sprinkle with crushed cookies and extra mini chocolate chips if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense blue color, add gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach the desired shade.
Use different crushed cookies in the filling for unique flavors and textures.
Substitute mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps speed up the process.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat warmed rolls in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.

What can I substitute for blue gel food coloring?

If you don’t have blue gel food coloring, you can use liquid food coloring, but you may need to add more to achieve vibrant color. Natural alternatives like butterfly pea flower powder can also be used, though they may affect flavor and shade.

Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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5 from 106 reviews

Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and colorful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring vibrant blue dough and a delicious mixture of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips in the filling. Topped with a creamy cream cheese icing and sprinkled with more cookie crumbles and chips, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for a whimsical breakfast or dessert treat that will delight kids and adults alike.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
2¼ tsp 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 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Blue gel food coloring

Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Icing

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Stir in granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add 2 cups of flour and salt, mix well, then gradually add the remaining flour until the dough begins to form. Add blue gel food coloring and knead until the dough is smooth and evenly colored. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until combined. Fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
Roll & Fill: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×9 inch rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough surface. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
Second Rise & Bake: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow the rolls to rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Icing: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing well to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency for the icing.
Assemble & Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle with additional crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and extra mini chocolate chips if desired. Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
Blue gel food coloring provides vibrant coloring without adding extra liquid, crucial for dough consistency.
If dough is sticky, add a little more flour during kneading, but avoid adding too much to keep rolls soft.
For best results, allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding icing but serve warm for ultimate taste.
Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cookie monster cinnamon rolls, blue cinnamon rolls, chocolate sandwich cookie filling, cream cheese icing, fun breakfast recipe