Name: Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8–10 rolls); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/2 cup prepared chocolate chip cookie dough (homemade or store-bought); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Blue gel food coloring; 1/2 cup crushed chocolate chip cookies (for topping); Optional: edible candy eyes for decoration

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of soft cinnamon roll dough, gooey cookie dough filling, and playful blue frosting makes this a dessert or breakfast that’s impossible to resist. They’re unique, customizable, and guaranteed to spark joy—perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to bake something fun and different.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (or homemade dough)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Mini chocolate chips
Prepared chocolate chip cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
Cream cheese
Butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Blue food coloring
Crushed chocolate chip cookies (for topping)
Optional: edible candy eyes for decoration

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Unroll each cinnamon roll and gently flatten. Spread a layer of cookie dough over the dough strip, then roll it back up.
Arrange the rolls in the baking dish, slightly spaced apart.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add blue food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
Once the rolls are slightly cooled, spread the frosting generously on top.
Sprinkle with crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, and candy eyes if using.
Serve warm and enjoy the Cookie Monster fun.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8–10 cinnamon rolls. Prep time is about 15 minutes, bake time is 20–25 minutes, and cooling/decorating time is 10–15 minutes.

Variations

Oreo Version: Use crushed Oreos instead of chocolate chip cookies for the topping.
Stuffed Version: Insert a small cookie dough ball into the center of each roll before baking for extra gooeyness.
Glaze Drizzle: Add a drizzle of white or chocolate glaze over the blue frosting.
Mini Rolls: Cut dough into smaller sections for bite-sized party treats.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cinnamon rolls, cookie dough, and frosting alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes. Frosted rolls can also be frozen (without candy eyes) for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Yes, homemade dough works great and makes the rolls even more flavorful.

What type of cookie dough should I use?

Any prepared chocolate chip cookie dough will work. You can use store-bought or homemade.

Will the cookie dough cook properly inside the rolls?

Yes, it will melt into the cinnamon roll layers and create a delicious gooey filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake fresh in the morning.

How do I prevent the cookie dough from leaking out?

Don’t overfill, and make sure to roll the dough tightly to keep the filling inside.

What’s the best blue food coloring for the frosting?

Gel food coloring gives the brightest color without watering down the frosting.

Can I use the frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls?

You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting provides a richer, more stable base for coloring and decorating.

Are these rolls too sweet?

They’re definitely a dessert-style treat, but you can reduce the sugar in the frosting if desired.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely—try mini cookies, sprinkles, or drizzle with chocolate for extra flair.

Do I need to let the dough rise?

Not if you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls. If using homemade yeast dough, follow the rising instructions.

Conclusion

Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are a playful and decadent spin on the traditional cinnamon roll, blending cookie dough, rich frosting, and eye-catching blue decorations. Perfect for parties, special breakfasts, or fun baking days, they deliver both on taste and visual appeal. Once you try them, you’ll be looking for every excuse to bake a batch and share the joy.