Introduction

These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a colorful twist to a classic favorite. Soft, sweet, and bursting with rainbow sprinkles, they’re perfect for special occasions or any time you want a cheerful treat. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish that complements the cinnamon sugar filling beautifully.

The image shows a square slice of soft, fluffy cake with pastel rainbow colors in pink, green, yellow, and orange swirled through its thick layers. Each slice has a creamy white frosting on top, spread smoothly with slight peaks, and is decorated with small, round, colorful sprinkles scattered both on the frosting and the white plate beneath. Three slices of the cake are placed on white plates on a white marbled surface, with a baking tray in the background holding the remaining cake from which the slices were cut. The cake pieces look moist and airy, lightly browned on the bottom edges, with the sprinkles adding a fun, festive look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
4 oz cream cheese
¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Pinch kosher salt
Additional confetti sprinkles, to garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and milk in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it bubbles and becomes active.
Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk the salt into the flour. Add 2 cups of flour to the mixing bowl and use the dough hook to mix.
Step 3: Add another 1 cup of flour and continue kneading on low speed. Incorporate the softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Add the remaining cup of flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Fold in the confetti sprinkles so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour, until it has doubled in volume.
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup of softened butter evenly over the dough.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it gently to adhere.
Step 8: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the longer side. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 185°F. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes.
Step 10: For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then beat until thick and creamy. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and garnish with additional confetti sprinkles if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the sprinkles slightly in a dry pan before adding to the dough to enhance their sweetness.
Use vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese to make a dairy-free version.
Swap out the confetti sprinkles for chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different twist.
Make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge for a more developed flavor.

Storage

Store cooled 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 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving, adding a few seconds to melt the frosting slightly.

How to Serve

A baking tray holds twelve square cinnamon rolls arranged in a 3x4 grid, each roll topped with a thick layer of creamy white icing that swirls to follow the roll's spiral shape. The icing is sprinkled generously with small, round, pastel-colored confetti sprinkles in shades of pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple, adding a colorful and festive touch. The cinnamon rolls have visible golden-brown edges peeking out beneath the icing, showing a soft and fluffy texture. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, giving the scene a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It will take a bit more time and effort, but knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.

What type of sprinkles work best in these rolls?

Use baking or cake decorating sprinkles labeled as heat-stable to prevent them from melting or bleeding colors during baking. Avoid gelatin-based sprinkles that can lose their shape.