Funfetti Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Funfetti Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining colorful sprinkles and classic cinnamon sugar filling. These soft, sweet rolls with cream cheese frosting are perfect for celebrations or a cheerful breakfast.
Ingredients
- 50 grams warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for yeast sponge)
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 30 grams soft butter
- 260 grams all-purpose flour
- 60 grams sprinkles
- 3 tablespoons soft butter (for filling)
- 50 grams brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Splash of heavy whipping cream
- 40 grams soft butter (for frosting)
- 80 grams icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 60 grams cream cheese
- Additional sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the sponge by mixing 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 50 grams warm water. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy. If inactive, wait 5 more minutes or replace the yeast.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 260 grams all-purpose flour, 50 grams granulated sugar, 1 egg, 30 grams soft butter, the yeast mixture, and the lukewarm water. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 to 15 minutes by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until soft and elastic.
- Step 4: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it proof in a warm spot for 1 hour 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: After proofing, gently knead in 60 grams sprinkles for a few seconds to incorporate evenly.
- Step 6: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ cm (¼ inch) thickness.
- Step 7: Spread 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 50 grams brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon on top. Press gently to adhere.
- Step 8: Optionally, add more sprinkles over the cinnamon sugar filling for extra color.
- Step 9: Cut the dough lengthwise into strips of your desired width and tightly roll each strip into cinnamon rolls.
- Step 10: Sprinkle some brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on the bottom of a lined square baking pan.
- Step 11: Place the rolled cinnamon rolls in the pan, leaving space between each one.
- Step 12: Cover with plastic wrap and proof for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Step 13: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Before baking, splash some heavy whipping cream on the rolls. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking at around 18 minutes for doneness.
- Step 14: While baking, prepare the frosting by mixing 40 grams soft butter with 80 grams icing sugar until smooth, then add 60 grams cream cheese and mix until creamy.
- Step 15: After the rolls cool slightly, spread the frosting evenly on top and sprinkle with additional sprinkles before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better yeast activation.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the dough and filling.
- Try substituting cream cheese frosting with vanilla glaze for a lighter topping.
- For extra fun, mix different colored sprinkles or add mini chocolate chips inside the rolls.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to regain softness. Frosting may be added fresh after reheating for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but reduce the proofing time. Since instant yeast activates faster, check the dough earlier during proofing.
How can I make the rolls more colorful and festive?
Incorporate a variety of sprinkles inside the dough and on top of the frosting. You can also add edible glitter or colored sugar to enhance the party vibe.
Print
Funfetti Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 cinnamon rolls 1x
Description
These Funfetti Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls combine the festive vibe of colorful sprinkles with the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough is kneaded with sprinkles, filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked until golden, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Sponge and Dough
- 50 grams warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for yeast activation)
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 30 grams soft butter
- 260 grams all purpose flour
- 60 grams sprinkles
Filling
- 3 tablespoons soft butter
- 50 grams brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional extra sprinkles
Before Baking
- Splash of heavy whipping cream
Frosting
- 40 grams soft butter
- 80 grams icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 60 grams cream cheese
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge: Mix 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 50 grams lukewarm water. Place in a warm spot and let it rest for about 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy. If no activity appears, wait another 5 minutes or replace the yeast if still inactive.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 260 grams all purpose flour, 50 grams granulated sugar, 1 egg, 30 grams soft butter, the yeast mixture, and a little lukewarm water as needed. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 10 to 15 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for the same period, until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
- First Proof: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it proof in a warm place for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Add Sprinkles to Dough: After proofing, gently knead in 60 grams sprinkles for a few seconds to incorporate evenly throughout the dough.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm (¼ inch) thickness.
- Prepare Filling: Spread 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the 50 grams brown sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon mixture on top. Press gently with hands or rolling pin to help it adhere.
- Add Optional Sprinkles: If desired, sprinkle additional sprinkles over the filling for extra fun and color.
- Form Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into strips of your preferred thickness. Roll each strip tightly to form cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Sprinkle a bit of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on the bottom of a lined square pan to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the rolled cinnamon rolls into the prepared pan, leaving some space between each roll for expansion.
- Second Proof: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them proof in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until they are slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Before baking, splash some heavy whipping cream over the rolls to help them brown nicely and keep moist.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, checking at around 18 minutes for doneness. The rolls should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by mixing 40 grams softened butter with 80 grams icing sugar until smooth. Add 60 grams cream cheese and blend until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Decorate with extra sprinkles as desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the water for activating yeast is warm but not hot, around 37-40°C (98-104°F), to promote yeast growth without killing it.
- Kneading time is critical to develop gluten structure for soft, elastic dough.
- Proof dough in a draft-free, warm area for best results.
- The cream added before baking enhances browning and gives a nice finish.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting completely.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for good rise.
- Sprinkles can bleed color into dough if overmixed; add them gently at the end of first proof.
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: funfetti cinnamon rolls, birthday cake cinnamon rolls, sprinkles cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, baked cinnamon rolls, yeast cinnamon rolls
