Description
Delightfully colorful and irresistibly soft, these Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls combine classic cinnamon sugar swirls with vibrant confetti sprinkles throughout the dough and on top for a festive breakfast treat. The rolls are filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting and extra sprinkles for a fun celebration twist.
Ingredients
Scale
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 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- Additional confetti sprinkles, to garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the dry active yeast over a mixture of warm water and whole milk. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes bubbly and the yeast is active, ensuring good dough rise.
- Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, remaining granulated sugar, whole egg, and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk the kosher salt into the all-purpose flour. Add 2 cups of the flour mixture to the mixer bowl and begin mixing with the dough hook on low speed. Add 1 more cup of flour and continue kneading, then incorporate softened unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time. Add the remaining flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl cleanly. Finally, fold in the confetti sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest at room temperature for about one hour, or until the dough has doubled in size, which develops flavor and texture.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 20 by 14-inch rectangle with consistent thickness. Spread ⅓ cup of softened butter evenly over the dough surface to prepare for the filling layer.
- Prepare Filling and Assemble: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, gently pressing it in to adhere.
- Roll and Cut Rolls: Beginning from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, keeping the roll tight but not squeezing out filling. Slice the rolled log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Place the separated rolls into a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan with space to allow for rising. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up and slightly risen.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown on top and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 185°F (85°C). Remove from oven and let the rolls cool for 5 minutes to set slightly before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting and Finish: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until the frosting becomes thick and spreadable. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Garnish with additional confetti sprinkles for a festive appearance.
Notes
- Ensure the water and milk are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast; around 110°F is ideal.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dough mixing and rise.
- Confetti sprinkles add fun and color but use ones that are heat stable to avoid melting during baking.
- Allow rolls to rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheat rolls gently before serving to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: funfetti cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, festive rolls, cream cheese frosting, easy cinnamon roll recipe, colorful cinnamon rolls
