Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are a colorful, festive twist on the classic breakfast treat. With a fluffy, buttery dough swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and dotted with rainbow sprinkles, these rolls are as joyful as they are delicious. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and even more sprinkles, they’re perfect for birthdays, brunches, or anytime you want to brighten someone’s day.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
active dry yeast
whole milk
unsalted butter
eggs
salt
ground cinnamon
brown sugar
rainbow sprinkles
vanilla extract
powdered sugar

directions

Warm the milk until it’s slightly warm to the touch, then mix with yeast and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms.

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Add rainbow sprinkles evenly across the surface.

Roll the dough into a log and slice into even rolls.

Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

While the rolls cool slightly, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and top with more sprinkles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

Variations

Use cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla glaze for a richer topping.
Add crushed birthday cake-flavored cookies to the filling for extra crunch.
Swap rainbow sprinkles for themed sprinkles to match a holiday or event.
Try adding a touch of almond extract to the glaze for a different twist.

storage/reheating

Store 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 low oven until soft.
You can also freeze unbaked rolls, then thaw and bake when needed.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.

Do I have to use sprinkles in the filling?
No, but they add color and a touch of sweetness. You can skip or replace them with chopped nuts.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, reduce rise time slightly and mix directly with dry ingredients.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

Why is my dough not rising?
Check that your yeast is active and your milk isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast.

How do I get perfectly shaped rolls?
Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without squishing it.

What kind of sprinkles work best?
Jimmies (the long, rod-shaped ones) work best as they hold up during baking.

Can I use plant-based milk or butter?
Yes, dairy-free alternatives work well in both the dough and glaze.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary in texture.

How sweet are these rolls?
They’re sweet but balanced—rich cinnamon filling and glaze offset the dough’s mildness.

Conclusion

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls bring a splash of joy to every bite. They combine the warm, gooey comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the fun and color of birthday cake, making them perfect for celebrations or simply brightening up your morning. Bake a batch and watch smiles appear all around!