Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls: A Colorful Twist on a Classic Treat

If you’re looking to add a splash of color and fun to your breakfast or dessert, these Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect choice. Combining the soft, gooey goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls with the joyful burst of rainbow sprinkles, these rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a birthday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or just because, these Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (6g)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, but helps the filling stay in place while the rolls bake) (3g)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g) – to be spread on the dough

For the Funfetti Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + up to 1/2 cup additional flour to be added later in the process (438g-500g)
• 2 1/4 tsp or 1 packet instant dry yeast (7g, 1/4 oz.)
• 1 tsp salt (6g)
• 1 cup whole milk (240g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature (56g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature and beaten (56g)
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (175g) – to be added after the dough is made

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 1/4 cup or 1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
• 1 tsp almond extract (4g)
• 1/4 tsp salt (1g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 1 Tbsp whole milk (15g)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

• While the dough is rising, mix together the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Set the filling aside until you’re ready to assemble the rolls.

2. Make the Funfetti Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
• In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, instant dry yeast, and salt.
• In a separate heat-proof bowl, combine the milk, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until the milk is warm and the butter is melted. Stir to combine.
• Slowly add the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture, mixing on medium speed with a dough hook. Add the beaten egg and mix on low speed until a sticky dough ball forms.
• Continue mixing on medium-low speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to leave the sides of the bowl.
• Once the dough reaches a tacky but not sticky consistency, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

3. Roll Out the Dough and Add Sprinkles:

• Generously flour your counter and roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 inches x 18 inches and 1/2 cm thick.
• Sprinkle 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles over the dough and gently press them in. Fold the dough in thirds (like a letter) and continue rolling it out.

4. Assemble the Rolls:

• Heat the remaining butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to partially melt it. Pour it over the rolled-out dough and spread it evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch of dough on one long side uncovered.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the buttered area and pat it down gently with a spoon or spatula.
• Tightly roll the dough toward the uncovered strip, sealing the edge. Cut the dough log into 9 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.

5. Let the Rolls Rise:

• Place the rolls in a greased 8×8 inch square pan. Cover with foil and place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to rise. TURN OFF the oven during this time.
• After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and uncover it. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 26-32 minutes until golden brown.

6. Make the Vanilla Frosting:

• While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the room temperature butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth.
• Gradually add in the powdered sugar, then pour in the milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.

7. Finish and Serve:

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 10-20 minutes. Spoon the vanilla frosting over each roll and serve warm. The frosting will melt slightly, creating a deliciously gooey topping that complements the funfetti filling perfectly.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: ~450 kcal per roll
Servings: 9 cinnamon rolls

These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are a colorful and tasty twist on the classic cinnamon roll. The addition of rainbow sprinkles to the dough makes them festive and fun, while the soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon filling make them utterly delicious. Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, these rolls are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are a treat that everyone will love. Try them out and let me know how they turn out in the comments below. Happy baking!

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