Print

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 5 reviews

These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring colorful confetti sprinkles baked right into the soft, fluffy dough and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a fun weekend treat, these rolls combine sweet cinnamon sugar filling with a festive pop of color and a creamy finish.

Ingredients

Funfetti 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

  1. Activate Yeast: Sprinkle yeast over warm water and milk mixture. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and stir gently. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes bubbly and active, indicating the yeast is ready.
  2. Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk. In a separate bowl, whisk salt into the flour. Add 2 cups of flour to the mixing bowl with wet ingredients. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed. Gradually add another 1 cup flour while kneading, then incorporate softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Add remaining cup of flour and continue kneading until dough is smooth and clears the sides of the bowl. Fold in confetti sprinkles until evenly dispersed.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in volume.
  4. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 20 x 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup softened butter evenly over the dough.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough, gently pressing it into the surface.
  6. Roll and Slice: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
  7. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until they rise again.
  8. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 185°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
  9. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and thickened. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Top the frosted rolls with additional confetti sprinkles if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • The type of sprinkles used affects the texture and appearance; use sprinkles designed to hold up to baking for best results.
  • Fresh baked rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Once frosted, consume within 10-12 hours.
  • Make-ahead and freezing instructions are available on the blog for convenience.
  • Reheating: Microwave one roll with a mug of water in 20-second intervals until warm to prevent gumminess. Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven.