Try these Funfetti Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls for a playful twist on a classic favorite. The dough is slightly sweeter than a traditional cinnamon roll and studded with colorful sprinkles, giving each bite a light, festive crunch and cheerful appearance. These rolls are perfect for a celebratory brunch, a birthday breakfast, or any time you want a fun, indulgent treat.
Funfetti Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Using a boxed Funfetti cake mix in the dough speeds up preparation and adds a subtle vanilla and cake-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon filling. Combined with a mix of sprinkle types, the result is a colorful, soft roll with a tender crumb. The recipe yields a batch of warm, glazed cinnamon rolls that look as good as they taste.
Ingredients
- Sprinkles: A mix of light green, hot pink, yellow, light blue and purple nonpareils, cake confetti sprinkles, and jimmies
- Funfetti cake mix: One box to add flavor and sweetness to the dough
- All-purpose flour: Use for the dough and for dusting the work surface
- Warm water: Not hot — warm to the touch to activate the yeast
- Active dry yeast: Ensure it is fresh for proper rise
- Canola oil: Or another neutral oil for coating the bowl
- Unsalted butter: Melted, for brushing the dough before filling
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the filling
- Cinnamon: The signature spice for the filling
- Powdered sugar: For making the simple glaze
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor
- Whole milk: Can substitute with 2% if preferred
How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the sprinkle mix: Combine all sprinkles in a sealed container and shake until evenly mixed. This ensures a consistent color and texture in each roll.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Funfetti cake mix, all-purpose flour, warm water, and active dry yeast. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back slightly when pressed.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled glass bowl, coating the top with a little oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until doubled in size.
- Roll out: After the dough has doubled, place it back on a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Fill: Brush the rolled dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar and cinnamon over the surface. Scatter about 1/2 cup of the prepared funfetti sprinkle mix on top for bursts of color and texture.
- Shape: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the seam. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into individual rolls of your desired thickness.
- Second rise: Arrange the individual rolls in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another hour so they puff up and become light.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes, until golden and fully cooked through. Ovens vary, so check for a light golden color and that the center is set.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk by a teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred glaze consistency.
- Finish: Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them while still warm. Allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before serving so the glaze sets slightly.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These cinnamon rolls can be prepared ahead in a couple of ways. You can bake them and store in an airtight container for a few days, reheating gently in the microwave or oven before serving. Alternatively, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight in the baking dish, covered. Bring the chilled rolls to room temperature before baking for fresh, hot cinnamon rolls the next morning. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container; thaw and allow to rise before baking.
Glaze for Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls
A simple powdered sugar glaze complements the sweet dough and cinnamon filling without overpowering the sprinkles. Use powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the milk to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over warm rolls so the glaze melts into the crevices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast.
- Top with a few additional sprinkles after glazing for extra color before serving.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a light yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients (Compact Recipe List)
- 1 pouch mixed sprinkles (nonpareils, confetti, jimmies)
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp canola oil (for coating)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 10 tbsp whole milk (adjust as needed for glaze)
Instructions (Compact)
- Mix sprinkles together and set aside.
- Combine cake mix, flour, warm water, and yeast in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth; dough should spring back when touched.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup sprinkles.
- Roll into a log and cut into rolls. Place in a baking dish, cover, and let rise another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes until golden.
- Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and let cool 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 691 kcal | Carbohydrates: 132 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 16 g | Sugar: 90 g
If you try this recipe, consider leaving a comment with your adjustments or serving ideas. These Funfetti Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls are adaptable, fun to make, and a colorful addition to any breakfast spread.