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Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x

Description

These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a soft and tender dough filled with a sweet butter and brown sugar mixture, colorful rainbow sprinkles, and topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a fun breakfast treat, these rolls combine the nostalgic flavors of birthday cake with the comforting texture of homemade cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

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

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Mix briefly, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough: Add the beaten eggs, softened butter, remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Switch to the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed to combine the ingredients.
  3. Knead Dough: Continue kneading the dough on medium speed until it becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. First Rise: Spray a medium bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place the dough inside. Rotate the dough to coat all sides with the spray. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
  5. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
  6. Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well mixed.
  7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the butter and sugar mixture over the surface of the rolled dough to cover it completely.
  8. Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles generously over the filling layer to add color and festive flavor.
  9. Shape Rolls: Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Starting at the long edge of the dough, tightly roll it up into a log or cylinder shape.
  10. Cut Rolls: Using a very sharp knife, slice the log evenly into 9 individual rolls. Place them into the prepared baking dish with the filling side facing up.
  11. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place until doubled in size again, about 1 hour.
  12. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) in preparation for baking.
  13. Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 35-40 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are cooked through.
  14. Prepare Frosting: While the rolls are baking, combine softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in the stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until combined.
  15. Whip Frosting: Switch to the whisk attachment and beat the frosting on high for 4-5 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
  16. Frost Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and still warm, immediately spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  17. Garnish: Finish by sprinkling additional rainbow sprinkles on top for a colorful, festive look. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures a light, fluffy texture.
  • Using a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls helps maintain their shape.
  • Warm the cream cheese and butter for frosting to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
  • These rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for longer freshness. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Feel free to swap rainbow sprinkles with other fun toppings to match any celebration.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: birthday cake cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, festive breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting rolls, sprinkles cinnamon rolls

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Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/birthday-cake-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/