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Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls

These playful cinnamon rolls feature bright blue dough, a gooey cinnamon and cookie filling, and a creamy frosting, making them a fun centerpiece bake for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup Warm milk (can substitute with plant-based milk for vegan)
  • 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 large Egg (for vegan, use flax egg)
  • 1 large Egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (melted, can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative)
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use a 1:1 mix with xanthan gum)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • a few drops Blue gel food coloring (or alternatives like butterfly pea powder)
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
  • 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips
Frosting Ingredients
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Crushed chocolate cookies
  • to taste Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. Activate the yeast in a large mixing bowl by stirring together the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit until the surface looks foamy.
  2. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a few drops of blue gel food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted.
  3. Add the flour and salt, then mix until you have a shaggy, thick dough with no big dry pockets of flour.
  4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, aiming for a soft dough that holds together.
  5. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until puffy and doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it becomes a spreadable paste. Stir in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips.
Roll and Shape
  1. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly on top, then roll the dough into a log and slice into individual rolls.
  2. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish and let them rise again until plump.
Bake the Rolls
  1. Bake the rolls until lightly golden and cooked through.
Prepare the Frosting
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, mix in powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold in crushed chocolate cookies.
Frost and Serve
  1. Spread frosting over warm rolls and top with additional mini chocolate chips if desired.

Notes

Serve these warm for the best experience. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.