Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a joyful twist to a classic favorite. Packed with colorful sprinkles inside and out, they are perfect for celebrations or any time you want a cheerful treat. Soft, sweet, and generously frosted, they’re sure to brighten up your breakfast or brunch table.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 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
- 1/2 cup confetti sprinkles
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt (for frosting)
- Additional confetti sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm water and milk. Sprinkle yeast on top, add 1 tablespoon sugar, and stir gently. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add about 2 cups of flour to the wet mixture and begin mixing.
- Step 4: Add another cup of flour and continue kneading. Slowly add softened butter one tablespoon at a time while mixing.
- Step 5: Add the remaining flour and knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl.
- Step 6: Mix in the confetti sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 8: Punch down the dough and roll it on a floured surface into a 20 x 14 inch rectangle.
- Step 9: Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Step 10: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough. Add a pinch of salt.
- Step 11: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape.
- Step 12: Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Step 13: Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 14: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 15: Allow the rolls to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Step 16: For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then mix until creamy.
- Step 17: Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and garnish with additional confetti sprinkles before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring in the dough instead of sprinkles for vibrant color throughout without melting.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Try adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: prepare the rolls and freeze before the second rise, then thaw and bake when ready.
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 1 month. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, covered with foil, until warmed through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular sprinkles instead of confetti sprinkles?
Yes, any colorful sprinkles will work well. Just avoid those that melt easily or contain chocolate chips to prevent discoloration in the dough.
Do I have to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops flavor and texture, while the second rise after shaping ensures light, fluffy rolls. Skipping either can result in denser cinnamon rolls.
Print
Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic soft and fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls with colorful confetti sprinkles for a festive twist. Featuring a rich cream cheese frosting and a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, these rolls are perfect for celebrations or a fun weekend treat. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and sprinkles, then baked to golden perfection before being topped with creamy frosting and extra sprinkles for added fun.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 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
- 1/2 cup confetti sprinkles
Filling
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- Additional confetti sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl combine warm water and milk. Sprinkle yeast on top, add 1 tablespoon sugar, and stir gently. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining granulated sugar, egg, and egg yolk until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour and kosher salt. Add about 2 cups of this flour mixture to the wet ingredients and begin mixing to form a dough base.
- Knead and Add Butter: Add another cup of flour and continue kneading the dough. Slowly add softened butter one tablespoon at a time while mixing, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
- Finish Kneading: Add the remaining flour and knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl, indicating proper gluten development.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently mix in the confetti sprinkles evenly throughout the dough for playful color.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface into a 20 x 14 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling Butter: Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Add a pinch of kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Roll Dough: Carefully roll the dough tight from the long edge into a log shape, ensuring a snug roll to hold the filling in place.
- Slice Rolls: Slice the rolled log into 12 equal-width individual rolls and place them spaced evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls in the pan and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes or until they become puffy and nearly double in size.
- Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 30–35 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes to set before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost & Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and sprinkle additional confetti sprinkles on top for vibrant decoration. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the water is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not over-knead the dough as it can become tough; knead until elastic and smooth.
- Use fresh yeast for best results and maximum rise.
- Confetti sprinkles should be mixed in gently to prevent melting or bleeding colors in the dough.
- Letting the rolls rise properly between steps ensures fluffy, soft results.
- Serve rolls warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving to refresh 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, cream cheese frosting cinnamon rolls, colorful cinnamon rolls

