Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls – The Ultimate Blue Swirl Treat You Can Bake at Home
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just a dessert they’re a colorful, playful explosion of flavor that combines childhood nostalgia with grown-up indulgence. Inspired by everyone’s favorite googly-eyed cookie fan, these bright Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls swirl together cinnamon, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips into soft, homemade dough. Once baked, they’re topped with silky cream cheese icing and even more cookie crumbles.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to make these treats from scratch, how to get that electric blue hue without artificial dyes, and which toppings take these over the top. You’ll also discover fun variations and storage hacks for making them ahead.
Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls take your classic cinnamon roll recipe and give it a bold, blue makeover think of it as a dessert that brings your inner child out to play. These rolls are made with soft, enriched dough dyed Cookie Monster blue, then filled with a mix of cinnamon sugar, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips. Once baked, they’re finished with a thick drizzle of cream cheese icing and a cascade of extra cookie crumbles.
What sets them apart? While traditional cinnamon rolls rely solely on cinnamon and brown sugar for their filling, this wild twist incorporates crushed cookies and chocolate, turning each bite into a warm, chewy, gooey blast of dessert flavor.
These vibrant blue cinnamon rolls are social media gold. From TikTok bakers to Pinterest boards, Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are stealing the spotlight for good reason. The eye-popping blue hue makes them instantly memorable, while the combo of flavors satisfies both breakfast and dessert lovers.
Cookie Dough Meets Cinnamon – The Flavor Explosion
Why the Flavor Combo Just Works
The real magic of Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls lies in how it marries two beloved treats: cinnamon rolls and cookies. When you blend the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of chocolate chips and the crunch of crushed Oreos, you create a flavor that hits every nostalgic nerve. It’s the dessert version of childhood joy wrapped up in a swirly, gooey, soft roll.
Cinnamon provides that familiar spiced base, but the sweetness is amped up by brown sugar and softened butter. Then, enter the cookie mix: crushed chocolate sandwich cookies add a crumbly crunch and an extra cocoa kick, while mini chocolate chips melt into the dough for gooey pockets of indulgence.
If you’ve ever dreamed of cookies and cinnamon rolls having a baby this is it.
A Balanced Bite in Every Layer
Each component serves a purpose:
Ingredient
Flavor Role
Texture Impact
Cinnamon sugar
Warmth and spice
Slight crunch when baked
Crushed Oreos
Bold cocoa flavor + nostalgia
Crumbly, soft bite
Mini chocolate chips
Rich sweetness, slight bitterness
Gooey, melty centers
Cream cheese icing
Tangy balance to sweetness
Creamy smooth finish
The result? Layers of flavor that contrast and complement each other: spicy and sweet, melty and crumbly, soft and gooey.
Discover great ideas like our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls for another twist on a classic breakfast dessert.
The Science Behind the Flavor
There’s more to this than just looks. The combination of fat (butter, chocolate) and sweet (brown sugar, cookies) enhances the overall sensory experience. Plus, cinnamon is a natural flavor enhancer, meaning it brings out the best in every other component it touches.
This is a dessert designed to satisfy from the very first bite to licking icing off your fingers.
A breakfast treat turned dessert fantasy! These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, sweet blue dough with a swirl of Oreo cookie crumble, cinnamon sugar, and melty chocolate chips. Topped with silky cream cheese icing and more cookie bits, they’re bold, playful, and outrageously delicious. Perfect for birthdays, weekend baking fun, or anytime your sweet tooth needs a colorful boost. 💙🍫✨
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 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
For the Filling:
• 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
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
• 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)
For the Topping:
• ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
• Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough:
In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in sugar, egg, yolk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Add 2 cups of flour and salt. Mix, then slowly add remaining flour.
Add blue food coloring and knead until smooth and color is even.
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours.
2️⃣ Make the Filling:
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Stir in crushed cookies and chocolate chips.
3️⃣ Roll & Fill:
Roll dough into a 14×9″ rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread filling evenly over the surface.
Roll tightly from long side and slice into 12 rolls.
4️⃣ Second Rise & Bake:
Place rolls in a greased 9×13″ dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
5️⃣ Make Icing:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until creamy.
6️⃣ Assemble & Serve:
Drizzle icing over warm rolls.
Sprinkle with crushed cookies and extra chips. Serve warm.
Notes
Natural Coloring Alternative: You can replace blue gel food coloring with blue spirulina, butterfly pea powder, or blueberry extract for a more natural look.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature for 30–40 minutes before baking.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing. When ready, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, rise, and then bake as directed.
Soft Rolls Tip: Don’t skip the second rise! It helps develop that fluffy, bakery-style texture.
Add a Twist: Add white chocolate chips, cookie butter drizzle, or cream cheese stuffed centers for extra decadence.
Vegan-Friendly Swaps: Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and flax eggs to make this recipe vegan.
Flat lay of key ingredients for Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls: flour, eggs, cookies, chocolate chips, and blue coloring
Step-by-Step Guide to Blue Swirly Sweetness
1️⃣ Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in 2 cups of flour and salt. As the dough forms, add the rest of the flour until it becomes soft and slightly sticky.
Add a few drops of blue food coloring and knead until the color is fully distributed and smooth.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
While the dough rises, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Stir in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mini chocolate chips.
3️⃣ Roll and Fill
Roll the dough out into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the filling evenly across the dough.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces using dental floss or a serrated knife.
Bonus Tips for Better Rolling & Cutting
Chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling it makes handling easier.
Want perfect swirl cuts? Use unflavored dental floss to keep your spirals neat and clean.
A Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Pro Tip
Don’t skip the second rise! After placing your rolls in a greased 9×13″ pan, cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes. This step helps achieve that soft, bakery-style texture.
Visual guide showing how to make Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls: from mixing blue dough and adding cookie filling to rolling and slicing
The Secret to the Bright Blue Color (No Artificial Dye!)
Why Color Matters in Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
The vibrant blue swirl isn’t just for looks—it’s the signature of every Cookie Monster-inspired dessert. That bold hue sets the stage for an eye-catching presentation and gets people talking before they’ve even taken a bite. While many recipes use traditional blue gel food coloring, some bakers prefer more natural alternatives—especially when making them for kids or avoiding artificial ingredients.
Natural Ways to Get That Cookie Monster Blue
Don’t want to use synthetic dyes? No problem! There are several natural alternatives that can bring that iconic Cookie Monster shade without the artificial stuff:
Natural Coloring
How to Use It
Color Intensity
Butterfly Pea Flower Powder
Add 1–2 tsp to liquid ingredients
Rich blue to indigo
Blue Spirulina Powder
Use ½–1 tsp mixed into dough
Bright electric blue
Purple Cabbage + Baking Soda
Boil, strain, and neutralize with baking soda
Muted blue-gray
Blueberry Puree
Reduce and mix into dough or icing
Natural blue with a purple tint
According to Penn State Extension, butterfly pea flower is a natural, plant-based coloring that is safe, vibrant, and often used to naturally tint drinks and baked goods.
Note: Natural colorings may slightly affect dough texture and flavor test small batches to find your ideal ratio.
How to Get Vivid Blue Without Dyes (With Gel or Natural Powders)
If you’re using blue gel food coloring, just a small amount goes a long way. Start with ¼ tsp and adjust as needed. For natural powders, always mix them into the liquid portion of your dough first (milk or butter) for even distribution.
Pro Tip: To avoid over-mixing (which can toughen the dough), add the coloring early—before kneading.
Is It Safe to Use Food Coloring for Kids?
Yes, blue gel food coloring is FDA-approved and widely used, but if you’re concerned about food sensitivities, opt for spirulina-based colors or butterfly pea powder, which are safe and have added antioxidants.
These alternatives are perfect if you’re baking Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls for toddlers, school events, or health-conscious friends.
Toppings That Take It Over the Top
Take Your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls from Great to Legendary
Let’s face it no Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are complete without a mountain of gooey, crunchy, and creamy toppings. These rolls are all about the drama, and that doesn’t stop after baking.
Whether you’re sticking to the classic or going full cookie chaos, here’s how to crown your cinnamon rolls in style.
The Must-Have: Cream Cheese Icing
Start with the foundation rich, smooth cream cheese frosting. This topping brings the perfect tang to balance the sweetness of the filling. For best results, spread it while the rolls are still warm so it melts into the crevices.
Here’s the go-to blend:
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk (for texture)
Sprinkle It Like You Mean It
After frosting, go wild with the Cookie Monster vibes:
For soft, bakery-style Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls, rising time is everything. After kneading your colored dough, place it in a warm spot, covered, for about 60–90 minutes or until it’s doubled in size. This first proof creates those signature soft, chewy layers.
After slicing your rolls and arranging them in the pan, give them a second rise 30 to 45 minutes to allow the dough to puff up and fill the pan.
Not sure how to handle yeast doughs or proofing steps? Here’s a helpful guide to baking with yeast from King Arthur Baking that covers everything from rising tips to common mistakes.
Don’t Overbake – Golden, Not Dry
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Look for golden tops and bubbling filling at the edges. Overbaking dries them out fast, so pull them when they still look slightly soft.
Pro Tip: If they brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.
One of the best things about Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls? You can totally make them ahead—perfect for party prep or weekend brunch with zero stress.
Here’s how:
Overnight Method:
After you slice and arrange your filled rolls in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
Place them in the fridge overnight.
In the morning, let them come to room temperature (about 30–40 minutes) before baking.
This gives you freshly baked Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls with zero early-morning hassle.
Freezing Option:
You can freeze unbaked rolls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then rise and bake as usual.
Make-Ahead Frosting Tip:
Whip up your cream cheese icing ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm slightly before spreading so it glides on easily.
How to Store Leftovers Without Losing That Gooey Goodness
Fresh-baked rolls are best on day one, but here’s how to keep them amazing for days:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Store up to 5 days, and reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked and frosted rolls, then thaw and warm as needed.
Bonus Tip: Place a damp paper towel over the roll when reheating to keep it moist.
Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls for Every Occasion
A Treat That Fits Any Celebration
While they scream birthday party, Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are more versatile than you’d think. Here are fun ideas to feature them year-round:
Birthday Breakfasts: Set out a colorful spread with blue plates and cookie toppings.
Sleepovers: Let kids frost and decorate their own.
Brunch Buffets: Add a monster-themed touch to baby showers or holiday brunches.
Bake Sales & Fundraisers: Their eye-catching color draws attention and buyers.
Turn Up the Fun With Themed Baking
Pair these blue cinnamon rolls with Cookie Monster cupcakes or cake pops for a full character-themed table. Want even more over-the-top fun?
Explore playful bakes like our Fruity Pebbles Sushi a no-bake dessert that’s just as colorful.
Recipe Variations and Creative Twists
Make It Your Own – Beyond the Classic Blue Swirl
The beauty of Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls is that they’re endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for special diets or simply craving a new flavor spin, here are some fun, creative variations that still hold true to the cookie-loving blue monster spirit.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Versions
Need a more inclusive option? No problem:
For Gluten-Free Rolls:
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure.
Proofing may take longer add an extra 15–20 minutes to both rises.
For Vegan Cookie Monster Rolls:
Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
They’ll still turn out gooey, blue, and bursting with cookie flavor.
Shape-Shifting the Recipe
Feeling bold? Try switching up the form without losing the fun.
Variation
What to Do
Cookie Monster Roll Bars
Press dough into a sheet pan, add filling, and bake like bars
Mini Rolls
Slice smaller, bake in muffin tins for kid-sized treats
Stuffed Donuts
Fill donuts with cinnamon-cookie swirl & top with blue icing
Pull-Apart Bread
Dice dough, layer with filling in a bundt pan, bake & drizzle
Each of these still delivers the cookie-cinnamon combo but in a totally unexpected presentation.
Flavored Frostings & Mix-ins
Swap vanilla for almond or maple extract in the icing.
Add sprinkles or cereal bits (like cookie crisp) on top for crunch.
Stir in peanut butter chips or butterscotch for added richness.
Ready to bring these ideas to life? Start with the base recipe and mix in your own twist.
Party-ready mini Cookie Monster cinnamon roll bites
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls
What are Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls?
Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are a fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls, made with bright blue dough and a filling of cinnamon sugar, crushed Oreos, and mini chocolate chips. They’re topped with cream cheese icing and cookie crumbles for a dessert that looks playful and tastes indulgent.
How do you get the bright blue color without food dye?
Natural alternatives include butterfly pea powder, blue spirulina, and even blueberry puree. These ingredients can be added to your dough liquids for color without artificial dyes. Just note that natural colors may be more muted than gel food coloring.
Can I make Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking the next day. You can also freeze unbaked rolls and thaw them in the fridge before baking.
What toppings go well on these cinnamon rolls?
Cream cheese icing is essential, but you can also add crushed chocolate cookies, extra chocolate chips, blue sprinkles, or cookie halves for that iconic Cookie Monster look.
Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Cookie Monster
Whether you’re baking for a birthday bash, brunch buffet, or just want to have fun in the kitchen, Cookie Monster cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to surprise and delight. From their soft blue swirl to the sweet cookie crunch and creamy icing, each bite is a celebration of creativity and flavor.
