Name: Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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, as needed; 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)

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 (for 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 (for icing)

1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)

½ cup crushed chocolate cookies (for topping)

Extra mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.

Step 2: Stir in granulated sugar, the large egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 3: Add 2 cups of the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix well, then gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Step 4: Add blue gel food coloring and knead the dough until it is smooth and the color is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot 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.

Step 7: Stir in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips until evenly combined.

Step 8: On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a 14×9 inch rectangle.

Step 9: Spread the filling evenly over the rolled dough.

Step 10: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice it into 12 even rolls.

Step 11: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 12: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 13: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 14: While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

Step 15: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy and smooth, adjusting milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 16: Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Step 17: Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies and, if desired, extra mini chocolate chips on top before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

To deepen the blue color, add gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach your preferred shade.

If you don’t have cookie crumbs, try substituting with chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for a different texture.

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives and use plant-based milk.

Adding a pinch of salt to the icing helps balance the sweetness and enhances flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling to achieve the best rise and texture.

What type of cookies work best in the filling?

Classic chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos work best for their crunch and flavor, but you can experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even chocolate wafer cookies.