Name: Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup (163 g) whole milk, warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds; 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; 1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast; 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (127 g) bread flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup (130 g) light brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch kosher salt; Rainbow sprinkles, for garnish

Ingredients

Dough:

⅔ cup (163 g) whole milk, warmed
5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (127 g) bread flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling:

½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup (130 g) light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch kosher salt
Rainbow sprinkles, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and yeast. Mix briefly, then let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Add the eggs, softened butter, remaining 4 tablespoons sugar, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt to the bowl. Switch to the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed to combine.

Step 3: Knead on medium speed until the dough is smooth, about 5 minutes. Spray a medium bowl with nonstick spray and place the dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1–2 hours.

Step 4: Once risen, place the dough on a floured surface and roll into a 10×15-inch rectangle about ¼-inch thick.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.

Step 6: Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut into 9 equal rolls and place them in the baking dish, filling side up. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 7: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Bake the rolls for 35–40 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges and cooked through.

Step 8: While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low to combine, then switch to a whisk attachment and beat on high for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost the warm cinnamon rolls immediately after baking. Finish with a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top.

Tips & Variations

Use bread flour to give the rolls a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour will work if you don’t have bread flour.

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan cream cheese.

Add more sprinkles inside the filling for extra bursts of color and fun.

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to encourage proper yeast activation.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and assembling.