Introduction

Brighten up your breakfast or brunch with these delightful Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with colorful sprinkles, they’re a fun twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

The image shows a tray filled with twelve square cinnamon rolls, each topped with a thick layer of creamy white frosting that swirls smoothly across the surface. The frosting is decorated with small, round, colorful sprinkles in pastel shades of pink, yellow, blue, green, and orange, evenly scattered over every roll. The cinnamon rolls are golden brown and have a soft, fluffy texture, visible around the edges and through the frosting. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm colors of the rolls and the bright, cheerful sprinkles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
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

Step 1: Sprinkle yeast over the warm water and milk mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir to combine. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture bubbles and the yeast 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 mixing bowl and mix with a dough hook attachment.
Step 3: Gradually add another cup of flour while kneading on low speed. Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Finally, add the remaining cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and clears the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Fold in the confetti sprinkles, mixing until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup softened butter evenly over the dough.
Step 7: In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough and gently press it in.
Step 8: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the longer side. 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 the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 185°F is reached. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes.
Step 10: For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then beat until thick and creamy. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and garnish with additional confetti sprinkles if desired.

Tips & Variations

The type of sprinkles you use really matters; choose ones that won’t melt or bleed color during baking for the best effect.
Use whole milk for a richer dough or substitute with a plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
For a make-ahead option, prepare the rolls, freeze before the second rise, and bake when needed. See detailed instructions on freezing in the blog post.

Storage

Store fresh baked cinnamon rolls at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Once frosted, they are best enjoyed within 10-12 hours. To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave with a cup of water nearby to keep them moist, or use a toaster oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A tray holds 12 square cinnamon rolls arranged in a 3x4 grid on a white marbled surface. Each roll has three visible layers: the bottom light brown dough, a middle brown cinnamon swirl, and a thick top layer of white icing spread unevenly with visible swirls. Colorful round sprinkles in pastel shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange, blue, and green are scattered generously over the icing, adding a playful touch to the soft texture of the rolls. The rolls' edges show slight browning, and the icing slightly drips over some sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sprinkles?

Yes, but avoid sprinkles that melt easily or bleed colors, as this can affect the dough’s texture and appearance. Candy-coated, firm sprinkles are usually best.

How long can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Unbaked rolls can be frozen after shaping for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before allowing them to rise and bake. This makes for convenient make-ahead treats.