Description
Indulge in these fun and delicious Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are filled with cinnamon sugar and crushed chocolate chip cookies, baked to golden perfection, and topped with vibrant blue Cookie Monster-inspired cream cheese frosting and cookie crumbles for a playful twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- Blue food coloring
Decoration
- 1/2 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Heat the milk, melted butter, and water until warm, about 110°F. Add the warm liquid and egg to the flour mixture and mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, stirring until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon, sugar, and crushed chocolate chip cookies evenly over the butter to create the filling layer.
- Assemble the Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Cookie Monster Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Stir in blue food coloring until the frosting is a vibrant blue color.
- Frost and Decorate: Allow the baked cinnamon rolls to cool slightly, then spread the blue cream cheese frosting over the top. Sprinkle crushed chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cookie crumbles on top for that signature Cookie Monster look.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these soft, sweet, and cookie-packed cinnamon rolls warm for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat that’s sure to bring smiles.
Notes
- Ensure the milk mixture is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For best results, let dough rise in a draft-free, warm environment.
- You can adjust the amount of cookie crumbles in the filling and decoration to taste.
- If desired, use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free (note this changes texture).
- Frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk.
- Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave before serving to restore softness.
