Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls (Printable Version)

Fluffy cinnamon rolls with blue dough, chocolate cookie filling, and a creamy cheese icing for sweet fun.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 180 ml warm milk (approx. 43°C)
02 - 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 50 g granulated sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 egg yolk
06 - 60 g unsalted butter, melted
07 - 375 g all-purpose flour
08 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Blue gel food coloring

→ Filling

11 - 115 g unsalted butter, softened
12 - 135 g brown sugar
13 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
14 - 60 g crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
15 - 40 g mini chocolate chips

→ Cream Cheese Icing

16 - 115 g cream cheese, softened
17 - 60 g unsalted butter, softened
18 - 120 g powdered sugar
19 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
20 - 30–45 ml milk (as needed for consistency)

→ Topping

21 - 60 g crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
22 - Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Add granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix in 250 grams of flour and salt. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add a few drops of blue gel food coloring and knead until the color is evenly blended.
02 - Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in volume.
03 - In a small bowl, blend softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips.
04 - Lightly flour a work surface. Roll dough into a 36 x 23 cm rectangle. Evenly spread the cookie cinnamon filling over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border along one long edge.
05 - Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
06 - Place the rolls, cut side up, into a greased 23 x 33 cm baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until noticeably puffy.
07 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
08 - In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
09 - Drizzle icing over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with extra crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips. Serve warm.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For optimal yeast activation, use milk heated to approximately 43°C and ensure the yeast becomes foamy after five minutes before proceeding.
02 - If dough feels too dry during kneading, incorporate warm milk one teaspoon at a time; if too sticky, add a small amount of flour.
03 - Gel food coloring produces a vibrant blue hue without altering dough texture. Add gradually until the desired color is achieved.
04 - Roll dough evenly to promote uniform baking. Use unflavored dental floss to slice rolls without compressing the dough.
05 - Letting the dough rise in a slightly warm oven can expedite proofing in cooler kitchens.
06 - If icing is too thick, adjust by adding milk in small increments; if too thin, incorporate extra powdered sugar until desired consistency.
07 - Best served warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated. Reheat before serving.
08 - For make-ahead convenience, assemble rolls the night before, refrigerate covered, and allow to come to room temperature prior to baking.