Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

When I first made these Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls, I knew I was in for something special. As a family that adores both cinnamon rolls and cookies, I was excited to combine the two into a fun and festive treat. The vibrant blue frosting and cookie crumbles were an instant hit with my kids, who couldn’t wait to dig in. The soft, fluffy rolls packed with cookies-and-cream flavor made for a delightful breakfast that left everyone smiling. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten up a weekend morning. If you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply indulge yourself, these rolls are a must-try!

Ingredients

For the 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 🥚

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon 🍂
• 1/2 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies 🍪

For the Cookie Monster 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 💙
• 1/2 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cookies 🍪

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, melted butter, and water until warm (about 110°F). Pour the warm liquid and the egg into the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

1. Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon, sugar, and crushed chocolate chip cookies evenly over the butter.

1. Assemble the Rolls:

• Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.

1. 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, or until golden brown.

1. Make the Cookie Monster Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. Mix in blue food coloring until the frosting reaches a vibrant hue.

1. Frost and Decorate:

• Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the blue frosting over the top. Sprinkle crushed chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cookies on top for a fun Cookie Monster look!

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• These Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and packed with cookie flavor—perfect for a fun breakfast or dessert!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 320

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 1/2 hours
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Top with additional crushed cookies for extra crunch.
• Pair with a glass of milk or coffee for a delightful treat.
• Serve as a fun breakfast or dessert option.
• Perfect for brunch gatherings or birthday parties.

Additional Tips

1. Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is not too sticky. Add flour gradually as needed during mixing.
2. Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal results.
3. Cookie Variety: Use a mix of chocolate chip cookies and Oreos for a unique flavor profile.
4. Frosting Thickness: Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting for your desired thickness—thicker for spreading, thinner for drizzling.
5. Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after assembling; let them rise in the morning before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Different Fillings: Swap out the chocolate chip cookies for peanut butter cookies or snickerdoodles for a different flavor twist.
• Frosting Options: Use different colored frosting for various themes or occasions (pink for a baby shower, green for St. Patrick’s Day, etc.).
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

• Accompaniments: Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Drinks: Pair with a sweet iced coffee or a smoothie for a refreshing contrast.
• Breakfast Buffet: Present as part of a larger breakfast spread alongside pancakes, fruit salad, and granola.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These cinnamon rolls can be frozen after baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

• Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but you can skip the proofing step.

1. What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?

• Mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative works well.

1. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

• It should double in size and feel light and airy to the touch.

1. Can I make the dough the night before?

• Yes, prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

1. Is it necessary to add blue food coloring?

• No, it’s optional. You can leave the frosting white or color it any shade you like.

1. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

• Ensure your yeast is active and that the liquids were warm enough. If not, your dough may need more time in a warm area.

1. Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?

• Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts can be a great addition.

1. How do I store leftover frosting?

• Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

1. What’s the best way to serve these rolls?

• They are best served warm with a side of milk or coffee.

1. Can I prepare the rolls in advance and bake later?
   • Yes, assemble them and refrigerate overnight, then let them rise before baking.

Conclusion

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the flavors of cookies and cream in a fun and vibrant package. Perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to weekend brunch, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet cookie flavors, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!

Print