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
Scale
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
