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Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.8 from 125 reviews

Experience a colorful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with these Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft and buttery dough filled with cinnamon sugar and bursting with vibrant confetti sprinkles. Finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting and topped with additional sprinkles, they make a delightful treat perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Funfetti 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

  1. Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the dry active yeast over the mixture of warm water and whole milk. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and stir gently. Let the yeast mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes bubbly and active, signaling the yeast is ready for use.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the activated yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, whole egg, and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk the kosher salt into the all-purpose flour. Add 2 cups of this flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix using the dough hook attachment on low speed.
  3. Add Flour and Butter: Gradually add another 1 cup of flour while kneading on low speed. Incorporate the softened unsalted butter tablespoon by tablespoon, ensuring it is mixed evenly into the dough. Finally, add the remaining 1 cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away cleanly from the bowl’s sides.
  4. Add Sprinkles: Fold in the confetti sprinkles gently, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without melting the colors.
  5. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Prepare Dough for Filling: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup of softened unsalted butter evenly over the surface.
  7. Make Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle and gently press this filling evenly over the buttered dough.
  8. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log starting from the longer edge. Slice the log evenly into 12 rolls.
  9. Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rest and rise for 30-45 minutes at room temperature until puffed.
  10. Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the rolls and bake them for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 185°F. Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes after baking.
  11. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and room temperature butter together until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is thick and creamy. Add a pinch of kosher salt and mix well.
  12. Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top with additional confetti sprinkles for a festive finish. Serve warm.

Notes

  • The type of sprinkles used is important; some varieties may bleed color or melt differently, so choose quality sprinkles designed for baking.
  • Freshly baked rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Once frosted, they should be consumed within 10-12 hours at room temperature for best quality.
  • For make-ahead preparation and freezing instructions, refer to detailed notes on the original blog post.
  • To reheat cinnamon rolls, warm them in a microwave on 20-second intervals with a mug of water nearby to maintain softness, or use a toaster oven until heated through.

Keywords: Funfetti, Cinnamon Rolls, Bake, Sweet Treat, Breakfast, Dessert, Celebration, Sprinkles, Cream Cheese Frosting