Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a playful twist! These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls combine the nostalgic joy of sprinkle-filled birthday cake with the comforting warmth of traditional cinnamon rolls. It’s breakfast meets celebration in one delightful package.
Perfect for weekend brunches, birthday mornings, or anytime you need a little extra joy in your day, these colorful treats will bring smiles to everyone at your table. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, allowing you to create bakery-worthy rolls right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls that kids and adults alike will adore
- Quick 45-minute process from start to finish—much faster than traditional yeast rolls
- No special equipment needed—just basic baking tools you already have
- Customizable with your favorite sprinkle colors for different occasions
- Makes a modest batch of 4 servings, perfect for small families without excessive leftovers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (6g) ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (3g) cornstarch (optional, helps filling stay in place while baking)
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened (for spreading on dough)
- 3 1/2 cups (438g) all-purpose flour, plus up to 1/2 cup additional as needed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g, 1/4 oz) or 1 packet instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 1 cup (240g) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg (56g), room temperature and beaten
- 1 cup (175g) rainbow sprinkles, divided
- 1/4 cup (56g) or 1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon (4g) almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15g) whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). You’ll turn it off later for the rising step.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, instant dry yeast, and salt.
- In a separate heat-proof bowl, combine milk, butter, and granulated sugar. Microwave for 60-90 seconds until warm to the touch and butter is melted. Stir to combine.
- Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture, mixing with a dough hook on medium speed between additions. Add the beaten egg and mix on low until a sticky dough forms. Continue mixing on medium-low for 2-3 minutes until more elastic.
- Add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to leave the sides of the bowl. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky – when you poke it, no residue should stick to your finger.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- While the dough rests, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Generously flour your counter and roll out the dough. When halfway through rolling, sprinkle with 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles and gently press them into the dough. Fold the dough in thirds like a letter and continue rolling into a 12×18-inch rectangle about 1/2 cm thick.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles on top and gently roll or press them into the dough.
- Partially melt the 1/4 cup butter and pour over the dough, spreading it with a pastry brush or rubber spatula. Leave about 1/2 inch uncovered on one long edge. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the buttered area.
- Tightly roll the dough horizontally toward the uncovered strip. Cut the log into 9 equal pieces using dental floss and place in a greased 8×8-inch square pan.
- Turn off the oven completely. Cover the pan with foil and place in the warm (but off) oven for 30 minutes until the rolls have risen.
- Remove the pan from the oven and take off the foil. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 26-32 minutes until rolls are golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, mix butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Add powdered sugar and milk, then mix until smooth.
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 10-20 minutes, then spoon the frosting over each roll. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, substitute half the milk with sour cream in the dough
- Use themed sprinkles for holidays—red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze for a bakery-style flavor boost
- Make ahead: Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning (may need 2-3 extra minutes baking time)
- For a cream cheese frosting, mix 2 oz softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and reduce milk to 1 tablespoon
- If sprinkles are bleeding color into the dough, try using jimmies instead of nonpareils which hold their color better
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls make a complete breakfast when paired with fresh fruit and a protein source like yogurt or eggs. For an extra special brunch, serve alongside a pitcher of cold milk or hot coffee with whipped cream.
They also make a delightful dessert when slightly warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm roll and cold ice cream creates a truly memorable treat!
Notes
- Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
- The rolls are done when they’re golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Add sprinkles to the glaze just before serving for the brightest colors
FAQs
Can I use canned cinnamon roll dough instead?
Yes! For a super quick version, mix 1/4 cup sprinkles into canned cinnamon roll dough before rolling and cutting. The texture will be different but still delicious.
Why didn’t my sprinkles show up well in the baked rolls?
Some sprinkles dissolve during baking. For best results, use jimmies (the longer rod-shaped sprinkles) rather than nonpareils (tiny round ones) in the dough.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
How can I make these for a larger group?
Simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. The baking time will remain approximately the same, but check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
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