If you adore cinnamon rolls but crave something a bit more playful and packed with cookie goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls burst with the perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced sweetness and crunchy cookie crumbs, all crowned with a luscious blue cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of mini cookies and chocolate chips. It’s like having your favorite cookies and cinnamon rolls all rolled into one delightful, fun bite that’s perfect for celebrations, weekend brunch, or whenever you want to bring some joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving these fluffy, flavorful rolls. Each element plays a key role, from the soft dough to the cookie-studded filling and the dreamy frosting that gives these rolls their signature blue charm.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the cinnamon and cookie flavors.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast: Essential for making your dough rise beautifully light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and controls yeast activity.
- ½ cup whole milk: Creates a rich, tender crumb in the dough.
- ¼ cup water: Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough moist.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds softness and a lovely buttery flavor to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and gives the dough a slight richness.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): For the sweet, caramel notes in the cinnamon filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The soul of these rolls, offering warm spice and aroma.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy base to spread for the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- ½ cup crushed chocolate chip cookies: Adds delightful crunch and cookie flavor inside each roll.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): The base for the tangy, luscious frosting.
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened): Makes the frosting silky and rich.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts frosting texture for smooth spreading.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the frosting flavor.
- Blue gel food coloring: Gives that iconic Cookie Monster blue frosting color.
- Mini chocolate chip cookies, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies (optional toppings): Create that fun, playful Cookie Monster vibe.
How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rise the Dough
Start by mixing 2 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Warm your milk, water, and butter together until about 110°F, just warm enough to wake up the yeast without killing it. Pour this warm mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Then, add the egg and mix well. Slowly fold in the remaining flour until you have a soft dough that isn’t too sticky. Knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 6 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and leave it in a warm spot to rise for an hour or until doubled in size. This rise is crucial for those fluffy, cloud-like rolls that melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the dough is resting, blend brown sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple duo creates the signature spicy-sweet swirl that cinnamon rolls are famous for. Keep your softened butter handy, as it’s the key to spreading the filling evenly and ensuring your rolls stay moist and flavorful. Toss in those crushed chocolate chip cookies for that surprise crunchy texture and cookie flavor that make these rolls unique.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls
After your dough has doubled, gently punch it down and roll it out into a 14 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly on top, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and cookie crumbs across the entire surface. Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge, creating a long log. Slice this log into 9 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Carefully arrange the rolls in a greased 9 by 9-inch pan, leaving little space for them to grow. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise gives you those perfectly soft and puffy rolls.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the cinnamon rolls have puffed up beautifully, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a warm golden brown on top. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible—the telltale aroma of cinnamon and butter inviting you to get ready for the best part: frosting and decorating!
Step 5: Make and Frost with Blue Cream Cheese
While the rolls cool just slightly (warm but not hot), whip together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to get a luscious, spreadable frosting. Stir in blue gel food coloring until you achieve that perfect Cookie Monster hue. Generously frost each roll, letting the frosting cascade over the edges for maximum indulgence.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Top each roll with mini chocolate chip cookies, extra mini chocolate chips, and some crushed cookies if you like. These toppings add texture and playfulness, making the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a feast for both your eyes and taste buds. Now you’re ready to enjoy whimsical, cookie-packed cinnamon rolls that bring the fun to any table.
How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To really bring out the playful vibe of these rolls, garnishing with mini chocolate chip cookies and a scatter of mini chocolate chips is a must. You can even add edible candy eyes on top to channel Cookie Monster’s famous look, instantly delighting kids and adults alike. These additions not only amplify the cookie appeal but also add a lovely mix of textures to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet rolls with a simple glass of cold milk for a classic combo, or serve alongside fresh fruit to balance out the richness with natural brightness. For brunch, they’re fabulous with a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to bring some savory contrast. The Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe works wonderfully with just about any companion, whether you’re aiming for indulgence or a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the rolls on a bright blue platter to match the frosting, or serve them inside mini cupcake liners for individual portions that look adorable and keep things tidy. You can also create a Cookie Monster-themed brunch spread with matching blue napkins, plates, and mugs, making your kitchen feel like a whimsical bakery straight out of a children’s show. Presentation is part of the fun, and these rolls shine with a bit of imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish them all fresh), store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to three days. The frosting might firm up a bit in the fridge, but a quick warm-up will restore that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing and placing them in the pan. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and allow to rise before baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and cooled rolls in an airtight container, then thaw before reheating. Freezing means you can enjoy your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If refrigerated, letting them sit at room temperature a bit before reheating helps prevent the frosting from cracking. Enjoy these warm, gooey rolls as if they were freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for this Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-made cinnamon roll dough can save you time without sacrificing much flavor. Just add the cookie filling and blue frosting for that signature Cookie Monster twist.
What kind of cookies work best for the filling?
Classic chocolate chip cookies are perfect because they add sweetness and texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like Oreos or sugar cookies for a fun variation.
Is the blue frosting made entirely from cream cheese?
Yes! The frosting is a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk, tinted with blue gel coloring. It’s tangy, sweet, and velvety—just what these rolls need.
Can these rolls be made vegan?
With some substitutions like plant-based butter, milk alternatives, and vegan cream cheese, you can definitely adapt this recipe. Just be sure to use vegan cookies for the filling and topping.
How do I make the Cookie Monster look more authentic on the rolls?
Add edible candy eyes on top of each roll after frosting, and use extra mini cookies and chocolate chips to create a playful “fur” texture. It’s a cute touch that kids especially love!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe; it combines nostalgia, fun, and irresistible flavor all in one delightful pastry. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to brighten up a weekend morning, these rolls promise smiles and happy taste buds. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make memories with every sweet, cookie-filled bite.
Print
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are a fun and whimsical twist on classic cinnamon rolls, filled with cookie crumbs and topped with vibrant blue cream cheese frosting, mini cookies, and chocolate chips. These playful rolls are perfect for themed parties, kids’ birthdays, or anyone who loves cookies and cinnamon rolls in one sweet bite.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup crushed chocolate chip cookies
For the frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- blue gel food coloring
For topping:
- Mini chocolate chip cookies
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm milk, water, and 3 tablespoons butter until about 110°F. Add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, then add 1 large egg. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5–6 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Mix ½ cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the risen dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread with ¼ cup softened butter. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and ½ cup crushed chocolate chip cookies over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Slice and second rise: Cut the log into 9 equal rolls. Place them into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons softened butter until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1–2 tablespoons milk to reach desired consistency. Mix in blue gel food coloring until vibrant blue color is achieved.
- Decorate: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the blue cream cheese frosting generously over them. Decorate with mini chocolate chip cookies, mini chocolate chips, and optional crushed cookies to emulate Cookie Monster’s fur and cookie-loving personality.
Notes
- You can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough for a shortcut.
- Add edible candy eyes on top for a true Cookie Monster look.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
