Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a playful twist to a classic favorite. Soft, buttery dough studded with colorful sprinkles and filled with a cinnamon sugar blend make each bite delightful. Topped with creamy frosting and more sprinkles, they’re perfect for birthdays or any celebration.
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)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- pinch kosher salt
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- pinch kosher salt
- additional confetti sprinkles, to garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Sprinkle yeast over warm water and milk. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and stir to combine. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture bubbles and activates.
- Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk salt into the flour. Add 2 cups of flour to the mixer and mix with the dough hook on low speed.
- Step 3: Add another 1 cup of flour and continue kneading. Gradually add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Finally, add the remaining cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Step 4: Fold in the confetti sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Punch down the risen 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 7: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for the filling. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough and gently press it in.
- Step 8: Starting with the longer side, roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 185°F is reached. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 10: For the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until thick and creamy. Spread frosting over warm rolls and garnish with additional sprinkles.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure yeast activates properly and dough rises well.
- For vibrant sprinkles that don’t bleed color, choose high-quality confetti sprinkles designed for baking.
- Try swapping cinnamon sugar with a cocoa powder and sugar mix for a chocolate twist.
- Make ahead: Prepare the rolls to the second rise, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast; just mix it directly with the flour and reduce the rise time slightly as instant yeast acts faster.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dense and not fluffy?
This is often due to insufficient kneading or using water that is too hot or cold, which can affect yeast activity. Make sure the liquid is around 110°F and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
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Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Description
Delight in these colorful and festive Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls that bring a fun twist to a classic favorite. Soft, fluffy dough speckled with confetti sprinkles is rolled with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting and more sprinkles for a joyful treat perfect for celebrations or an indulgent breakfast.
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 for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the dry active yeast over the warm water and milk mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of the 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 alive.
- Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, whole egg, and egg yolk until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and kosher salt. Add 2 cups of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a dough hook attachment, mix on low speed to combine. Gradually add an additional cup of flour and continue kneading on low speed while adding softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Finally, add the last cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Mix in the confetti sprinkles evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Filling: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 20 by 14-inch rectangle. Spread the softened ⅓ cup butter evenly over the rolled dough.
- Make and Add Filling: In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough and gently press it in to adhere.
- Roll and Slice: Starting at the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9 by 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow them to rest for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature to rise until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and an internal temperature of 185°F is reached. Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and thickened. Add a pinch of kosher salt and mix well.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top with additional confetti sprinkles for a festive finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to properly activate yeast and avoid killing it.
- Add sprinkles last into the dough to prevent them from melting or bleeding color during kneading.
- Use a sharp serrated knife or dental floss to slice the rolls evenly without squishing the dough.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- You can substitute confetti sprinkles with any colorful baking-safe sprinkles you prefer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Funfetti Dessert, Breakfast Rolls, Festive Baked Goods
