Name: Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
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 cup powdered sugar; Pinch kosher salt; Additional confetti sprinkles (to garnish)

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, for filling)

⅓ cup granulated sugar (for filling)

⅓ cup dark brown sugar (packed, for filling)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Pinch kosher salt (for filling)

4 oz cream cheese

¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, for frosting)

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Pinch kosher salt (for frosting)

Additional confetti sprinkles, to garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sprinkle yeast over warm water and milk in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and stir. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture bubbles and becomes active.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the activated 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 and mix with the dough hook attachment on low speed.

Step 3: Add another 1 cup of flour and continue kneading. Gradually add softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Add the remaining flour and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Mix in the confetti sprinkles evenly.

Step 4: 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 doubled in size.

Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 20 by 14-inch rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup softened butter evenly over the dough.

Step 6: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough and gently press it in.

Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9 by 12-inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffed.

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 185°F is reached. Let them cool for 5 minutes.

Step 9: For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until thickened. Spread the frosting over warm rolls and garnish with additional confetti sprinkles if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate and dough rise properly.

Swap confetti sprinkles for chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different twist.

For extra fluffy rolls, avoid adding too much flour when rolling out the dough.

Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the frosting for enhanced flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Dense rolls are often caused by over-kneading, using cold ingredients, or not allowing the dough enough time to rise. Make sure to use warm liquids and let the dough double in size for light, fluffy rolls.