The vibrant joy of rainbow sprinkles meets the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warm dough in these Overnight Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a fun weekend treat, this recipe takes a classic breakfast favorite and turns it into a party on a plate.
With all the prep done the night before, these rolls are a dream for effortless mornings. The soft dough, rolled with cinnamon sugar and baked until golden, is topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and a final touch of colorful sprinkles. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want something festive, this recipe is guaranteed to start your day with a smile.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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8 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened and divided (plus more for greasing the pan)
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3 Tbsp granulated sugar
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¾ tsp salt
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1 large egg
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½ cup milk
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3½ tsp instant dry yeast
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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⅔ cup rainbow sprinkles (divided)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 Tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 Tbsp cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer, cream 4 Tbsp butter with sugar and salt until fluffy (2-3 minutes).
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Add egg and mix until just combined.
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Add milk, yeast, and flour. Mix on low speed for 1–2 minutes until a dough forms.
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Increase speed and knead for 3–4 minutes. Add ⅓ cup sprinkles and mix until incorporated.
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Cover the dough and let rise in a warm spot (85°F) for 1½ hours until doubled.
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Roll dough into a 9”x12” rectangle on a floured surface. Spread remaining 4 Tbsp butter across the dough.
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Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture and remaining ⅓ cup sprinkles.
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Roll tightly into a cylinder. Pinch the seam and cut into 8 rolls.
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Grease an 8” cast iron skillet and place rolls cut-side down. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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In the morning, let rolls rise in a warm place for 90 minutes.
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Bake at 325°F for 32–34 minutes or until tops are golden.
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Let cool in pan for 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and top with extra sprinkles.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Rising Time: 16 hours | Total Time: 17 hours
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 8 cinnamon rolls
The Joy of Baking: Why Overnight Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls Are the Ultimate Celebration Breakfast
There’s something inherently nostalgic and universally comforting about a warm cinnamon roll. The smell of cinnamon drifting through the house, the soft pillowy dough, and the indulgent glaze all come together in a perfect harmony of taste and memory. Now imagine taking that classic comfort and giving it a playful twist one that instantly says “celebration.” That’s exactly what Overnight Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are: a marriage of comfort food and festive cheer. With vibrant rainbow sprinkles baked into every swirl and a luscious glaze on top, they’re designed to bring smiles to morning faces, young and old alike.
These aren’t your typical cinnamon rolls. They take the essence of a birthday cake, the whimsy of a funfetti cupcake, and combine it with the timeless love we have for yeasted breakfast pastries. What results is a recipe that feels modern and exciting while still paying homage to the traditional cinnamon roll heritage we’ve all grown up with. And best of all? The overnight prep means you get to enjoy fresh, bakery style rolls first thing in the morning no early rising required.
The Magic of “Funfetti”
To understand why this recipe resonates so deeply, we have to take a closer look at “funfetti” itself. Originally coined by Pillsbury in 1989, the term is a playful blend of “fun” and “confetti,” referring to rainbow-colored sprinkles baked directly into cake batter. The visual appeal of funfetti is undeniable those tiny specks of color feel like a celebration in every bite. Over the years, funfetti has evolved from boxed cake mixes into a creative movement of its own, showing up in cookies, pancakes, ice cream, and now cinnamon rolls.
Adding sprinkles to cinnamon roll dough may seem like a small change, but it alters the entire experience. The bright colors soften slightly as they bake, blending into the dough like watercolor paint. It’s a feast for the eyes before it even hits your tongue. The whimsical aesthetic is particularly appealing for children, birthdays, brunches, or just days when you need a little extra joy in your morning.
Why Go Overnight?
There’s no denying that homemade cinnamon rolls take time. Between mixing, kneading, rising, and baking, it’s a several-hour endeavor not exactly what you want to tackle first thing in the morning. That’s where the overnight method becomes a game changer.
By preparing the rolls the evening before, you eliminate the morning prep entirely. All the mixing, rolling, and rising happens the night before. Once the rolls are shaped and nestled into the pan, they head into the fridge to slow-proof overnight. In the morning, all that’s left is a second rise while you brew your coffee or get ready for the day. Then you bake, glaze, and serve warm, gooey rolls without the hassle of an early wake-up call.
This method doesn’t just add convenience; it improves flavor and texture, too. The slow overnight proof allows the yeast more time to work, which creates a deeper, more developed taste in the dough. It’s one of those small tricks that elevate homemade baking into something truly special.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
While traditional cinnamon rolls are already a crowd-pleaser, adding sprinkles introduces an element of wonder that’s perfect for little ones. Baking these with kids can become a cherished ritual they can help sprinkle the dough, roll it up, or even drizzle the glaze on top. It’s the kind of project that teaches baking basics while also offering a colorful creative outlet.
Even if you’re not baking with kids, the playful colors and sweet aroma are sure to delight guests of all ages. Serve them during sleepovers, Sunday brunches, or special holiday mornings like Christmas or Easter. Their bright appearance makes them particularly suited for birthday breakfasts who wouldn’t want to wake up to a plate of these on their special day?
Creative Variations to Try
While this funfetti version already brings plenty of personality, there’s endless room for creativity. Here are a few ideas to customize your rolls even further:
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Flavor the glaze: Add almond extract, lemon zest, or a splash of maple syrup to the vanilla glaze for added complexity.
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Switch the sprinkles: Try pastel sprinkles for springtime, red and green for the holidays, or heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day.
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Filling twist: Incorporate mini white chocolate chips, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or a hint of nutmeg into the cinnamon-sugar filling.
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Frosting swap: Opt for cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer, tangier topping.
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Add-ins: Mix finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the filling for a slight crunch and contrast.
Each variation creates a slightly different flavor profile, while still preserving the joy and visual impact of the original.
Tips for Success
To make the most of your overnight funfetti cinnamon roll experience, a few best practices go a long way:
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Use fresh yeast: Since yeast is the leavening agent here, its freshness is critical to achieving a fluffy rise. Check expiration dates and store it properly.
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Don’t overwork the dough: Overmixing can make your rolls tough. Stop mixing as soon as the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Choose the right sprinkles: Not all sprinkles are created equal. Jimmies (long and soft) are preferred over nonpareils, which can bleed color or create a gritty texture.
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Let them rise properly: In the morning, allow enough time for the second rise. The dough should puff up and fill the pan this is what ensures soft, lofty rolls.
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Cool slightly before glazing: Let the rolls rest for 10–15 minutes before adding glaze so it doesn’t melt completely into the dough.
A Treat Worth Sharing
In an era where social media and culinary trends inspire everything from rainbow bagels to galaxy donuts, these funfetti cinnamon rolls hit the sweet spot both literally and figuratively. They’re as Instagrammable as they are delicious, but they don’t rely on gimmicks. Beneath the colorful surface is a well-developed dough, a classic cinnamon swirl, and a homemade glaze that ties it all together.
These are the kinds of recipes that become instant family favorites passed around at baby showers, made annually for birthdays, and requested on repeat. They’re also a wonderful gift: bake a batch, wrap it in parchment and twine, and deliver to neighbors, teachers, or anyone who needs a little sugar-fueled cheer.
Conclusion:
Overnight Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a colorful novelty. They bring together everything we love about baking: warmth, creativity, nostalgia, and joy. They’re a reminder that food can be both beautiful and meaningful not just sustenance, but an experience. Whether you’re surprising your child with a birthday breakfast, hosting brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself to a quiet weekend indulgence, these rolls are a guaranteed mood-lifter.
And while the sprinkles may fade slightly in the oven, the joy they bring never does. In fact, that’s the real magic of this recipe it turns even an ordinary morning into something worth celebrating.