Why Make This Recipe
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they are a fun adventure in baking! These rolls are swirled with blue, inspired by the beloved character from Sesame Street. They are perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or even a special breakfast at home. The combination of soft, sweet dough with a creamy filling makes them irresistible. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of cookie crunch in their cinnamon rolls?
How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
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
- 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
- Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar, egg, yolk, melted butter, and vanilla. Add 2 cups of flour and salt, then mix. Slowly add the remaining flour. Add blue food coloring and knead until smooth and the color is even. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours.
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Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in crushed cookies and chocolate chips.
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Roll & Fill: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14"x9" rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll it tightly from the long side and slice it into 12 rolls.
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Second Rise & Bake: Place the rolls in a greased 9"x13" dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
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Make Icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.
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Assemble & Serve: Drizzle the icing over warm rolls. Sprinkle with crushed cookies and extra mini chocolate chips. Serve warm.
How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these delightful rolls warm, straight from the oven for the best taste. You can enjoy them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
How to Store Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
Tips to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot. Too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which helps the rolls rise nicely.
- Allow the rolls to rise properly during both rising times; this is key for a fluffy texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of blue food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
Variation
You can customize these rolls by adding your favorite fillings. Try adding nuts, different chocolates, or even fruity flavors. Also, consider making the icing with different extracts, like almond or lemon, for a unique twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients.
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
3. What if I don’t have blue food coloring?
If you can’t find blue food coloring, you can skip it or use a different color. The rolls will still taste delicious!
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in sugar, egg, yolk, melted butter, and vanilla. Add 2 cups of flour and salt, then mix.
- Slowly add the remaining flour. Add blue food coloring and knead until smooth and the color is even.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Stir in crushed cookies and chocolate chips.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14"x9" rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll it tightly from the long side and slice it into 12 rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9"x13" dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.
- Drizzle the icing over warm rolls.
- Sprinkle with crushed cookies and extra mini chocolate chips.
- Serve warm.
