Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a colorful twist to a classic favorite. Soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon sugar, they are perfect for a festive breakfast or special treat. Topped with cream cheese frosting and vibrant sprinkles, they’re sure to brighten any morning.
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 ¼ teaspoon 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 the yeast over the warm water and milk. Add 1 tablespoon of 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. Whisk salt into the flour separately. Add 2 cups of flour to the mixing bowl and mix with the dough hook attachment on low speed.
- Step 3: Add another 1 cup of flour and continue kneading. Incorporate softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Add the remaining 1 cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl sides.
- Step 4: Fold in the confetti sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
- Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Step 6: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough and gently press it in. Add a pinch of kosher salt over the filling.
- Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 185°F. Let them cool for 5 minutes before frosting.
- Step 9: For the cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until thick and creamy. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and garnish with additional confetti sprinkles if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use refrigerated dough overnight rise for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Substitute the confetti sprinkles with chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better dough consistency.
- If your kitchen is cool, warm the rising area slightly to help the dough double in volume faster.
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. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Add fresh frosting if desired after reheating.
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 the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Remove it in the morning to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
What type of sprinkles should I use?
Use regular confetti or rainbow jimmies that are designed for baking. Avoid melt-prone sprinkles to maintain their color and shape during baking.
Print
Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these colorful and festive Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft buttery dough speckled with vibrant sprinkles, filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and extra confetti for a fun finish. Perfect for a celebratory breakfast or special treat.
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 cups 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 sugar and stir gently. Let this mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the kosher salt into the flour. Add 2 cups of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and begin mixing with a dough hook on low speed. Then add 1 more cup of flour and continue kneading, incorporating the softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Finally, add the remaining flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Add Sprinkles and First Rise: Fold the confetti sprinkles evenly into the dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for about one hour, or until doubled in volume.
- Prepare Dough for Filling: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup of the softened butter evenly over the dough surface.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, gently pressing it in to stick.
- Form Rolls and Second Rise: Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange the cinnamon rolls snugly in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C). Once baked, allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is thick and creamy.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Add additional confetti sprinkles on top for a festive look and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the water and milk are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for best rising results.
- Softened butter is key for evenly distributing in the dough and filling.
- For a vegetarian diet, this recipe is suitable as is.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Funfetti cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, festive cinnamon rolls, sprinkle cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting rolls
