Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a colorful twist to a classic favorite, perfect for celebrations or a cheerful breakfast treat. Soft, fluffy dough is infused with sprinkles, layered with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a creamy frosting and more sprinkles for extra fun.
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup confetti sprinkles
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened, for filling)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar (packed, for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, for frosting)
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt (for frosting)
- Additional confetti sprinkles, to garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Sprinkle yeast over warm water and milk. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and stir to combine. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and activated.
- Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk yeast mixture with remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk. In another bowl, whisk salt into flour. Add 2 cups of flour to the wet mixture and use the dough hook to mix.
- Step 3: Gradually add another cup of flour. Knead on low speed while adding softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Add remaining flour and knead until dough is smooth and cleans the bowl sides. Mix in confetti sprinkles evenly.
- Step 4: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for about an hour at room temperature until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Punch down dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the buttered dough and gently press it in.
- Step 7: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the longer edge. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden on top and an internal temperature of 185°F is reached. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 9: For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then beat until thick and creamy. Spread over warm rolls and top with extra confetti sprinkles.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring in the frosting for an extra pop of color to complement the sprinkles.
- Chill the dough after mixing for easier rolling and better texture if you have extra time.
- Swap confetti sprinkles with chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for a different twist.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives and plant milk.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm before serving. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls without frosting, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and frost before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and assembling.
What type of sprinkles works best?
Use sturdy, non-melting confetti sprinkles designed for baking to maintain color and shape throughout mixing and baking.
Print
Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic warm, gooey cinnamon roll with festive confetti sprinkles baked right into the dough, adding a colorful twist to the beloved breakfast treat. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and more sprinkles, they are perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, cheerful start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup confetti sprinkles
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- Additional confetti sprinkles, to garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the dry active yeast over the warm water and milk mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and stir gently to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes bubbly and active, indicating the yeast is ready for use.
- Prepare Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, remaining sugar, whole egg, and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk the kosher salt into the flour. Add 2 cups of this flour mixture to the wet ingredients and begin mixing with the dough hook attachment on low speed. Gradually add another cup of flour, continuing to knead. Add the softened unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, kneading thoroughly to incorporate. Finally, add the remaining cup of flour and knead until you achieve a smooth dough that cleans the sides of the bowl. Fold in the confetti sprinkles evenly distributed within the dough.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Rolling: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Place it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Make and Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle and gently press this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough surface.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal portions. Arrange these rolls in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to allow a second rise.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the rolls and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and an internal temperature of 185°F is reached. Once baked, allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes to set.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting and Serve: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is creamy and thick. Spread this frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Finish by sprinkling additional confetti sprinkles on top for a festive look.
Notes
- Ensure water and milk are at the right temperature (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Do not overuse flour when rolling out the dough; too much flour can make rolls dense.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for best dough texture.
- For extra flavor, allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting too much.
- Confetti sprinkles add a colorful touch but use sparingly to avoid altering dough texture drastically.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: funfetti cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, funfetti breakfast, cream cheese frosting cinnamon rolls, festive cinnamon rolls
