Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls recipe

Weekends in our house are synonymous with baking. There’s something truly magical about the aroma of warm yeast and sweet spices filling the air, especially when it’s a promise of something truly special. For a while, our go-to weekend treat was classic cinnamon rolls, a comforting, gooey indulgence. But I wanted to inject a little extra fun, a burst of colour and playful spirit, especially for my kids. That’s when Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls were born, and let me tell you, they’ve been a game-changer in our weekend baking routine.

Imagine the classic, fluffy cinnamon roll, swirled with fragrant cinnamon sugar, but then, imagine that dough speckled with vibrant, joyful sprinkles – both inside and out! It’s like a party in every bite. The first time I made these, the reaction from my family was pure delight. The kids’ eyes lit up at the sight of the colourful swirls, and even my husband, a self-proclaimed purist when it comes to cinnamon rolls, couldn’t resist their cheerful charm and delicious flavour.

These aren’t just visually stunning; they taste incredible too. The sprinkles, baked right into the dough, melt slightly, adding little pockets of sweetness and a delightful, almost birthday-cake-like flavour that complements the warm cinnamon perfectly. And the cream cheese frosting? It’s the perfect tangy counterpoint to the sweetness, tying everything together in a truly irresistible treat.

Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for birthdays, celebrations, weekend brunches, or simply for bringing a little extra joy to an ordinary day. They are surprisingly easy to make, even from scratch, and the process itself is incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sprinkle-filled wonderland and bake up a batch of these fun, festive, and utterly delicious cinnamon rolls – you and your loved ones are in for a treat!

Ingredients: Gathering Your Confetti of Flavours

The secret to truly spectacular Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls lies in the quality of your ingredients and the perfect balance of flavours. While the ingredient list might seem a bit long, most of these are pantry staples, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the fluffy dough, flavourful filling, and luscious frosting that make these rolls so irresistible.

For the Buttery Soft Dough:

• 1 cup Whole Milk, lukewarm (about 105-115°F): Lukewarm milk is crucial for activating the yeast. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is just right – too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly. Whole milk provides richness and moisture to the dough.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is the magic ingredient that makes cinnamon rolls fluffy and light. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
• ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also feeds the yeast, helping it to activate and rise the dough.
• ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly: Melted butter adds richness, tenderness, and flavour to the dough. Cooling it slightly prevents it from killing the yeast.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavours in the dough. It also controls yeast activity.
• 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature: Eggs add richness, moisture, and structure to the dough. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.
• 4 – 4 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting: Flour is the main structure builder of the dough. Start with 4 cups and add more gradually until the dough is just slightly sticky but manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the rolls dry and tough.
• ½ cup Confetti Sprinkles (Jimmies or Quins): These are the stars of the show! Use your favourite type of sprinkles – jimmies or quins work best as they hold their colour during baking. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed colour.

For the Warm Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened: Softened butter is essential for spreading evenly over the dough and creating a gooey filling.
• ¾ cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavour to the filling. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference for intensity.
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the heart and soul of cinnamon rolls! Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best flavour.

For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavour and texture.
• ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a light and fluffy frosting.
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted: Powdered sugar provides sweetness and structure to the frosting. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note to the frosting.
• 2-4 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream, as needed: Milk or heavy cream is used to adjust the consistency of the frosting to your desired thickness. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually until you reach the perfect spreading consistency.
• ¼ cup Confetti Sprinkles (for topping, optional): For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle more confetti sprinkles over the frosted rolls.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• Milk: You can use 2% milk or even non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk, but whole milk will provide the richest flavour and texture.
• Yeast: Instant yeast can be substituted for active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip the initial proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
• Butter: Salted butter can be used, but reduce the amount of salt added to the dough and filling accordingly. Vegan butter alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version.
• Flour: Bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works beautifully for soft and fluffy rolls.
• Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used for a more intense caramel flavour in the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese) can be used for a slightly lighter frosting, but full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavour and texture.
• Milk/Cream in Frosting: Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired frosting consistency. For a thicker frosting, use less liquid; for a thinner, glaze-like frosting, use more.

Sourcing Quality Ingredients:

While this recipe is forgiving, using good quality ingredients will elevate your Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls. Use fresh yeast, good quality butter, and pure vanilla extract for the best flavour. Choose vibrant, colourful sprinkles to make your rolls truly festive. Fresh, room temperature eggs will also contribute to a better dough texture.

Instructions: Baking Your Confetti Cinnamon Roll Masterpiece

Creating Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls from scratch is a rewarding baking journey. Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage, from mixing the dough to frosting your golden, sprinkle-filled rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (The Foundation of Fluffiness)

1. Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, warm the lukewarm milk. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and granulated sugar over the milk. Gently stir and let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted and cooled butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine until well incorporated.
3. Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, starting with 4 cups. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
5. Incorporate Sprinkles: Gently knead in the confetti sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. First Rise (Proofing): Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This first rise allows the yeast to work its magic and develop flavour and lightness in the dough.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Rolls (Creating the Cinnamon Swirls)

1. Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Punch Down Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches, with the shorter side facing you. Aim for an even thickness.
4. Spread with Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border at the far edge.
5. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
6. Roll Up Dough: Starting from the edge closest to you, tightly roll up the dough rectangle into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
7. Cut into Rolls: Using a serrated knife or dental floss, trim off the ends of the log (about ½ inch) and discard (or bake them separately for smaller rolls!). Cut the log into 12 equal rolls, about 1-inch thick each. For even cuts, you can mark the log in half, then in thirds, and then in half again to get 12 equal sections.
8. Arrange in Baking Pan: Place the cinnamon rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during the second rise.

Step 3: Second Rise (Proofing for Extra Fluffiness)

1. Second Rise: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise is crucial for achieving extra fluffy and light cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls (Golden Brown Perfection)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll; it should come out clean.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and makes frosting easier.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Tangy Sweetness)

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until incorporated and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting reaches your desired spreading consistency. You want it to be creamy and spreadable but not too runny.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish (The Festive Finale)

1. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls while they are still in the pan. You can use a spatula or knife to spread the frosting evenly.
2. Garnish with Sprinkles (Optional): If desired, sprinkle extra confetti sprinkles over the frosted cinnamon rolls for an extra festive touch.
3. Serve Warm: Serve your Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the sprinkle-filled, cinnamon-sugar goodness!

Tips for Cinnamon Roll Baking Success:

• Use Lukewarm Milk: Ensure the milk is lukewarm (105-115°F) for proofing the yeast. Too hot or too cold milk can hinder yeast activation.
• Don’t Overknead: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic but avoid overkneading, which can make the rolls tough.
• Warm Place for Proofing: Find a warm, draft-free place for the dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a warm spot in your kitchen works well.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the rolls with cinnamon sugar filling, as it can leak out during baking.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the rolls until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Use a toothpick test to ensure they are done.
• Frost While Warm: Frost the cinnamon rolls while they are still slightly warm, as the frosting will melt slightly and create a beautiful glaze.

Nutrition Facts: Indulging in a Sweet Treat

Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls are undeniably a delicious indulgence. While they are not an everyday health food, understanding their nutritional content can help you enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per roll (based on approximately 1 roll per serving, assuming 12 rolls from the recipe), keeping in mind that actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cinnamon roll (1/12 of the recipe)

Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving (estimated):

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Protein: 6-8 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams (primarily from butter, cream cheese, and eggs)
• Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams
• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
• Sodium: 200-300 mg (can vary depending on salt usage)
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugar: 30-40 grams (primarily from sugar and frosting)

Key Nutritional Considerations:

• High in Calories and Sugar: Cinnamon rolls are a calorie-dense and sugar-rich dessert. Enjoy them as an occasional treat.
• Moderate Fat Content: They contain a moderate amount of fat, primarily from butter, cream cheese, and eggs.
• Source of Carbohydrates: Flour and sugar provide carbohydrates for energy.
• Some Protein: Eggs and dairy contribute a small amount of protein.
• Lower in Fiber: Cinnamon rolls are relatively low in dietary fiber.

Note: These are estimated nutritional values and should be considered approximate. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Enjoy Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls as a delightful treat in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Preparation Time: Baking Joy from Start to Finish

Making Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls from scratch involves several steps, but the active preparation time is manageable, and the reward of warm, freshly baked rolls is well worth the effort.

• Prep Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes (proofing yeast, mixing dough, kneading, preparing filling and frosting)
• Rise Time (First Rise): 1- 1.5 hours
• Rise Time (Second Rise): 30-45 minutes
• Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 35 minutes (including rise times)

Time-Saving Tips:

• Use Instant Yeast: Using instant yeast eliminates the initial proofing step, saving about 10-15 minutes.
• Stand Mixer: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook significantly reduces kneading time and effort.
• Prepare Frosting While Rolls Bake: Prepare the cream cheese frosting while the cinnamon rolls are baking to maximize efficiency.
• Make Dough Ahead of Time: You can make the dough the day before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This breaks up the preparation and allows for a longer, slower flavour development.

While the total time is several hours due to the rise times, the active hands-on time is around an hour, making Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls a feasible baking project for a weekend morning or afternoon.

How to Serve Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls: Endless Deliciousness

Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from classic brunch fare to delightful desserts and special occasion treats. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your cinnamon roll experience:

Classic Serving Styles:

• Warm from the Oven: The absolute best way to enjoy cinnamon rolls is warm, fresh from the oven, with the frosting still slightly melty and gooey.
• Brunch Staple: Include cinnamon rolls as part of a delicious brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon or sausage, fruit salad, and coffee or juice.
• Dessert Delight: Serve cinnamon rolls as a comforting and satisfying dessert after dinner.
• Coffee Break Treat: Enjoy a warm cinnamon roll with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Serving Ideas:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Slice leftover cinnamon rolls and use them to make decadent French toast.
• Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: Use slightly stale cinnamon rolls to create a comforting and flavourful bread pudding.
• Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice cinnamon rolls in half and use them as the “cookies” for ice cream sandwiches.
• Cinnamon Roll Cake: Bake cinnamon rolls in a springform pan or cake pan to create a large cinnamon roll cake for celebrations.
• Individual Serving Dishes: Serve individual cinnamon rolls in small ramekins or bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Topping and Garnish Variations:

• Extra Sprinkles: As if there weren’t enough sprinkles already, add a generous shower of extra confetti sprinkles for a truly festive look.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted cinnamon rolls for added richness and sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) over the frosting for a decadent twist.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the frosting for added texture and nutty flavour.
• Fruit Compote: Serve warm cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh fruit compote (like berry compote or apple compote) for a touch of freshness and tartness.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the frosted rolls with powdered sugar for a classic and elegant finish.

Drink Pairings:

• Coffee: A classic pairing! Hot coffee, especially latte or cappuccino, complements the sweetness of cinnamon rolls perfectly.
• Tea: Black tea, chai tea, or herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint tea are lovely pairings.
• Milk: A glass of cold milk or warm milk is a simple and comforting accompaniment.
• Hot Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, pair cinnamon rolls with rich hot chocolate.
• Sparkling Cider or Juice: For a festive brunch or celebration, serve with sparkling cider or juice.

No matter how you choose to serve them, Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls are guaranteed to bring smiles and delight. Their warm, comforting flavour and festive appearance make them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Additional Tips for Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Roll Perfection (5 Expert Tips)

Want to take your Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls from delicious to bakery-worthy? Here are five expert tips to ensure cinnamon roll perfection every time:

1. Master the Dough Temperature: Dough temperature is crucial for successful yeast baking. Use lukewarm milk (105-115°F) to activate the yeast. Avoid using milk that is too hot, as it can kill the yeast. During kneading, if the dough feels too warm, work in a slightly cooler environment or chill your hands briefly. Ideal dough temperature after kneading should be around 75-78°F for optimal rising.
2. Don’t Rush the Rise Times: Patience is key when making cinnamon rolls. Allow the dough to rise fully during both the first and second proofing stages. A proper rise is essential for achieving light, fluffy, and airy rolls. Resist the urge to rush the process, as under-proofed dough will result in dense and tough rolls. Let the dough rise until doubled in size during the first rise and puffy and almost doubled during the second rise.
3. Use Softened Butter, Not Melted, for Filling: While melted butter is used in the dough, use softened butter for the cinnamon sugar filling. Softened butter spreads more easily and evenly over the dough, creating a better texture and preventing the filling from becoming too liquidy and leaking out during baking. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature but not melted.
4. Tightly Roll and Seal the Dough Log: When rolling up the dough log, roll it tightly and pinch the seam firmly to seal it closed. This helps prevent the rolls from unravelling during baking and ensures a neat and uniform shape. A tight roll also creates more layers and swirls in the finished rolls.
5. Bake at the Right Temperature and Don’t Overbake: Bake the cinnamon rolls at the recommended temperature of 375°F (190°C) for the specified time. Avoid overbaking, as it can make the rolls dry and tough. Bake until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Check for doneness with a toothpick test. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

FAQ: Your Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Roll Questions Answered

Curious about making Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you confidently bake these delightful treats:

Q1: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls in stages ahead of time. You can make the dough the day before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the first rise. In the morning, punch down the dough, shape the rolls, and proceed with the second rise and baking. You can also assemble the unbaked rolls in the pan and refrigerate them overnight after the second rise. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Baked cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, or frozen for longer storage.

Q2: Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

A: Yes, Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls freeze well, both baked and unbaked. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble them in the pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely, then freeze individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the whole pan covered tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating and frosting.

Q3: Can I make these cinnamon rolls without sprinkles?

A: Yes, you can definitely make these cinnamon rolls without confetti sprinkles if you prefer classic cinnamon rolls. Simply omit the sprinkles from the dough and frosting. You will still have delicious, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls with a warm cinnamon sugar filling and cream cheese frosting.

Q4: Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan or dairy-free?

A: Yes, with a few substitutions, you can make vegan or dairy-free Confetti Cinnamon Rolls. Use non-dairy milk (like almond milk or oat milk) instead of whole milk. Substitute vegan butter for dairy butter in the dough, filling, and frosting. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Ensure your sprinkles are vegan-friendly (many brands are).

Q5: What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

A: While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for cinnamon rolls, you can use other frosting options if you prefer. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice is a lighter alternative. A vanilla buttercream frosting or a maple glaze would also be delicious. For a tangier option, a lemon cream cheese frosting would be a refreshing twist.

Enjoy creating your own batch of joyful and delicious Homemade Confetti Cinnamon Rolls! They are a perfect way to bring a sprinkle of happiness to any occasion. Happy baking!

Print