Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are a playful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing together soft, fluffy dough with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl and bursts of colorful sprinkles throughout. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these rolls are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply adding some fun to your morning routine. They’re as cheerful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flour
granulated sugar
instant yeast
salt
whole milk
unsalted butter
eggs
rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
powdered sugar
cream cheese (optional for glaze)
milk or heavy cream (for thinning glaze)

directions

Warm the milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch (about 110°F/43°C). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

Add the milk mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).

Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly on top, followed by a generous layer of rainbow sprinkles.

Roll the dough tightly from the long end and slice into even rolls (about 1.5 inches wide).

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth. Add cream cheese for a richer glaze if desired.

Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and top with extra sprinkles for decoration.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 2.5 hours

Variations

Add a tablespoon of cake batter extract to the dough for a birthday cake flavor.
Use colored sugar in the filling for an extra festive look.
Top with whipped cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.
Try mini versions for party-friendly servings.

storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
Rolls can be frozen before or after baking. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes, just proof it in the warm milk for 10 minutes until foamy before mixing.

Will the sprinkles melt or bleed?
Jimmies hold up best without bleeding—avoid nonpareils as they tend to melt.

Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, let the shaped rolls rise in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp before baking.

Do I have to include the glaze?
No, you can enjoy them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I make them vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers.

Conclusion

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a joyful, colorful spin to a beloved classic, combining the comfort of warm, cinnamon-laced pastry with the fun of a party treat. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to brighten your table and bring smiles to everyone who tries them.