Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Best Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Joy

Funfetti cinnamon rolls redefine ordinary breakfast pastries into a celebration of pure joy.

These whimsical treats burst with colorful sprinkles and sweet nostalgia that instantly brighten any morning.

Sugar-dusted spirals packed with playful charm make traditional rolls seem ordinary by comparison.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise, blending classic comfort with unexpected festivity.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for vibrant confetti-like decorations that spark immediate smiles.

The magical combination of warm spices and rainbow colors creates an irresistible sensory experience that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Bakers seeking a twist on classic recipes will find these rolls irresistibly fun and absolutely delicious.

Festive Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls with Sprinkles

  • Burst with Colorful Celebration: These funfetti cinnamon rolls transform a classic breakfast treat into a party-ready dessert, packed with rainbow sprinkles that create a festive, playful vibe perfect for birthdays or weekend brunches.
  • Effortlessly Impressive Technique: The unique folding method with sprinkles and careful rolling technique ensures a beautiful swirl of colors throughout the dough, making these rolls look professionally crafted with minimal baking skills required.
  • Comfort Meets Excitement: Combining the warm, cozy texture of traditional cinnamon rolls with the unexpected pop of sprinkles, this recipe delivers a delightful sensory experience that satisfies both nostalgic comfort food lovers and adventurous eaters.
  • Quick and Foolproof Rising Method: The clever oven-proofing technique with controlled temperature makes rising the dough simple and foolproof, reducing stress for home bakers and guaranteeing perfectly puffy rolls every single time.

Funfetti Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

Main Dough Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and base for the soft, tender cinnamon rolls.
  • Instant Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
Dairy and Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for soft dough.
  • Butter: Provides richness, tenderness, and a smooth, creamy flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients, adds richness, and helps create a tender crumb.
Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Light Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like filling with deep flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice to the traditional roll filling.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and prevent excess moisture.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles: Brings colorful fun and festive texture to the cinnamon rolls.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet vanilla frosting with perfect consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides classic, warm sweet flavor to the frosting.
  • Almond Extract: Adds subtle, complementary nutty undertone to the frosting.
  • Milk: Helps achieve creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.

Funfetti Cinnamon Roll Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Dough Mixture

Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate microwave-safe container, warm milk, butter, and sugar until butter melts. Stir the liquid mixture thoroughly.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

Pour warm liquid into flour mixture. Add beaten egg and mix until a soft, elastic dough forms. If dough feels sticky, sprinkle additional flour gradually. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Decorate Dough

Dust work surface with flour. Roll dough into a large rectangular shape. Scatter rainbow sprinkles across surface and gently press them into dough.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Filling

  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cornstarch

Blend these ingredients in a separate bowl. Spread melted butter over dough and sprinkle cinnamon mixture evenly.

Step 5: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Roll dough tightly into a log. Use dental floss or sharp knife to slice into 9 equal portions.

Step 6: Let Rolls Rise

Place rolls in greased 8×8 inch pan. Cover with foil and let rise in warm location for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 26-32 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Create Creamy Frosting

Whisk butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Allow rolls to cool slightly. Generously drizzle frosting over warm rolls. Enjoy immediately!

Tips:
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best results
  • Warm environment helps dough rise faster
  • Store leftover rolls in airtight container

Tips for Soft Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls

  • Lock in Moisture: Covering the rolls with foil during the rising stage prevents the dough from drying out, ensuring soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
  • Precise Rolling Technique: Use dental floss to slice the rolls evenly, creating uniform sizes that bake consistently and look professional.
  • Temperature Matters: Keep the rising environment warm but not hot by turning off the oven after preheating to 200°F, which helps the dough rise perfectly without killing the yeast.
  • Sprinkle Distribution: Gently press rainbow sprinkles into the dough and fold it like a letter to create a more even spread of colorful fun throughout the rolls.
  • Frosting Consistency: Add milk gradually to the vanilla frosting to control thickness, ensuring it's spreadable but not too runny for a perfect topping.

Storing and Reheating Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small piece of damp paper towel in the microwave to help maintain moisture and prevent hardening.

Drinks to Pair with Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls

  • Brew Festive Coffee Companions: Pair these colorful cinnamon rolls with a creamy vanilla latte or a spiced chai tea to complement the sweet, sprinkle-filled pastry and enhance the warm cinnamon flavors.
  • Create Celebratory Breakfast Sides: Serve alongside fresh berries or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness of the rolls and add a refreshing contrast to the sugary treat.
  • Mix Playful Milk Pairings: Offer cold whole milk, almond milk, or a festive chocolate milk to help cut through the sweetness and provide a cool, smooth accompaniment to the warm rolls.
  • Explore Brunch Beverage Harmony: Match with a mimosa or sparkling apple cider for a fun, celebratory morning meal that brings out the whimsical nature of the funfetti-style cinnamon rolls.

Funfetti Cinnamon Roll Variations

  • Chocolate Sprinkle Sensation: Replace rainbow sprinkles with chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the filling for a rich, chocolatey version of the classic cinnamon roll.
  • Cream Cheese Carnival: Incorporate cream cheese into the frosting for a tangy, velvety topping that complements the sweet cinnamon filling perfectly.
  • Berry Blast Rolls: Swap rainbow sprinkles with freeze-dried raspberry or strawberry pieces, creating a fruity twist that adds vibrant color and intense berry flavor to the traditional recipe.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the filling and drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted rolls for a decadent, textured variation that elevates the classic cinnamon roll.
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Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet and playful funfetti cinnamon rolls bring childhood nostalgia to classic breakfast pastries. Colorful sprinkles dance through buttery dough, creating a whimsical twist that delivers pure joy with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (438g-500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240g) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (175g) rainbow sprinkles

Dough Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g, ¼ ounce) instant dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • ¼ cup (56g) butter, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature and beaten
  • 1 tablespoon (6g) ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) cornstarch (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) almond extract
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt

Instructions

  1. Craft the cinnamon roll filling by combining light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Activate the oven to a gentle 200°F (95°C) for the initial dough rising process.
  3. Merge flour, instant dry yeast, and salt in a large mixing container.
  4. Warm milk with softened butter and granulated sugar in a heat-proof vessel until butter melts completely.
  5. Gradually incorporate the warm milk mixture into the flour blend, using a dough hook to create a cohesive mixture.
  6. Introduce the beaten egg and knead until an elastic, slightly tacky dough forms, adding minimal flour if excessive stickiness occurs.
  7. Allow the dough to rest, covered, for a brief 10-minute relaxation period.
  8. Dust the work surface generously with flour and roll the dough into a spacious rectangular shape.
  9. Distribute rainbow sprinkles across the dough surface, gently pressing them into the soft texture.
  10. Fold the dough in thirds, mimicking an envelope, then continue rolling to maintain an even thickness.
  11. Melt butter slightly and spread evenly across the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  12. Distribute the prepared cinnamon filling uniformly, patting down gently with a utensil.
  13. Roll the dough tightly towards the uncovered edge, creating a compact log.
  14. Slice the log into nine consistent portions using dental floss or a sharp knife.
  15. Transfer rolls to a greased square pan and let rise in a warm environment for 30 minutes.
  16. Remove covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until achieving a golden-brown complexion.
  17. Whip room temperature butter with vanilla and almond extracts until smooth.
  18. Gradually integrate powdered sugar and milk, whisking until achieving a creamy consistency.
  19. Allow rolls to cool slightly before generously draping with the prepared vanilla frosting.
  20. Serve warm, celebrating the delightful blend of sprinkles and cinnamon.

Notes

  • Plan ahead by having all ingredients at room temperature for smooth mixing and better dough development.
  • Use dental floss for precise, clean cuts when slicing the rolled dough to maintain perfect roll shapes.
  • Activate the yeast carefully by ensuring the milk mixture is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast.
  • Prevent dry edges by covering the dough during rising and using a light butter layer to keep the rolls moist.
  • Rainbow sprinkles add festive color and texture, transforming traditional cinnamon rolls into a playful, celebratory treat.
  • Check doneness by looking for golden-brown color and soft, pillowy texture when gently pressed.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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