If you’re looking to brighten up your breakfast or brunch with something utterly delightful, the Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is here to steal the show. This colorful twist on the classic cinnamon roll combines soft, fluffy dough with the nostalgic charm of funfetti sprinkles baked right inside, creating a sweet, festive treat that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a sweet breakfast with a playful pop of color and flavor that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe starts with a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an essential role — from the rich creaminess of butter to the sweet sparkle of sprinkles — ensuring your rolls are soft, flavorful, and bursting with fun.
- Funfetti cake mix: This forms the base of the dough and infuses the rolls with that signature colorful flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Adds structure so your cinnamon rolls have the perfect soft and fluffy texture.
- Warm water (2 cups): Activates the yeast and helps to create a tender dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons): Responsible for letting your dough rise beautifully and become light.
- Canola oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the dough moist and tender without heaviness.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds rich flavor and helps create that irresistible gooey swirl inside.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Offers caramel notes that balance the sweetness and complement the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The aromatic spice that makes these rolls truly irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): For the luscious vanilla glaze that sets these rolls over the top.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, sweet depth to the glaze.
- Whole milk (10 tablespoons): Gives the glaze the perfect creamy consistency.
- Nonpareils and sprinkle jimmies: The star confetti sprinkles that bring joyful bursts of color inside and on top.
How to Make Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Proof the Dough
Start by activating the yeast in warm water, stirring gently and letting it proof for about 5 minutes until frothy. Next, combine the Funfetti cake mix and flour in a large bowl to form your dry base. Slowly add the yeast mixture, canola oil, and melted butter, stirring to create a soft dough. Knead it gently on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is key to developing the perfect texture — patient kneading results in rolls that are soft and airy.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Letting the dough rise for about 60 minutes allows it to double in size, which ensures those classic fluffy cinnamon rolls. This is the moment where the yeast works its magic, making your rolls wonderfully soft and tender.
Step 3: Mix the Filling and Roll Out the Dough
While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture and a generous handful of the funfetti sprinkles all over the surface. These vivid sprinkles add that signature festive touch and a delightful little crunch.
Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Second Rise
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to create a swirl, then slice into nine equal rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish with a bit of space to grow. Cover again and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, getting fluffy and puffy before baking. This second rise sets the stage for that perfect pillowy texture and makes sure the sprinkles stay beautifully embedded.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the house smells like cinnamon and sugar and the tops are beautifully caramelized with sprinkles slightly melted into the surface.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to get the glaze thick enough to drizzle but still pourable. The glaze adds a silky sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon and sprinkles, making every bite extra special.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. If you want an extra pop of color, sprinkle a little more funfetti on top before serving for that joyful final touch.
How to Serve Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make the Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly sparkle, try adding a few creative garnishes. Fresh berries, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils on the glaze adds more texture and vibrant color. These little touches delight the eyes as much as the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet rolls with savory sides like crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or yogurt works perfectly to complement the rich, festive rolls while keeping the breakfast fresh and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your funfetti cinnamon rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra sprinkles for guests to customize their rolls. You can also place each roll in a decorative cupcake liner for individual servings — perfect for parties or gifting. Presentation adds an extra dose of fun and makes the experience feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe stays soft and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This makes them an easy grab-and-go treat without losing that fresh-baked goodness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the perfect make-ahead breakfast surprise.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave them briefly to revive their softness. Adding a quick drizzle of fresh glaze after warming keeps them wonderfully moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use regular sprinkles instead of funfetti cake mix sprinkles?
Absolutely! While the Funfetti cake mix sprinkles lend a unique texture and color, any colorful jimmies or nonpareils will work beautifully to give that festive flair to your rolls.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
While the recipe as is uses all-purpose flour and Funfetti cake mix, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend and a gluten-free cake mix substitute. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
You sure can! After kneading, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight, allowing it to slowly rise. When ready, bring it to room temperature before rolling, filling, and baking.
What’s the best way to get the cinnamon swirl evenly distributed?
Spreading the melted butter evenly and then sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture generously helps ensure every bite has that perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness. Rolling the dough tightly also maintains those neat spirals.
Do I have to use the glaze? Can I try another topping?
The glaze is a classic touch that complements the funfetti rolls beautifully, but you could also try cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a different but delicious finish.
Final Thoughts
The Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a cheerful, mouthwatering way to brighten any morning or celebration with ease and charm. Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with warmth and joy, and sharing them makes for unforgettable moments. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — once you taste that perfect combination of soft dough, cinnamon sugar, and colorful sprinkles, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without them!
Print
Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweetness and colorful fun of funfetti cake mix with the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. Perfect for a festive brunch or a special breakfast, they feature a soft, fluffy dough infused with sprinkles and a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Ideal for celebrations or anytime you want a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 pouch assorted nonpareil’s and sprinkle jimmies (light green, hot pink, yellow, light blue, and purple)
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 10 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the funfetti cake mix, active dry yeast, and warm water. Stir until fully incorporated, then add the flour and canola oil. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms, about 5-7 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Filling and Shape Rolls: While the dough is rising, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough. Sprinkle the pouch of colorful nonpareil sprinkles over the filling. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 9 equal slices.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan with enough space between each to expand. Cover loosely with a towel and allow to rise another 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- For extra fun, add sprinkles inside the dough as well as in the filling.
- If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
