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Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful cinnamon rolls combine the nostalgic flavors of birthday cake with the comforting goodness of cinnamon rolls, topped with colorful sprinkles and cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F for yeast activation; make sure it's not scalding) Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided (1 to activate yeast, 4 for dough)
  • 1 envelope active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for dough)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread flour (adds chewiness)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for filling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (for filling)
Frosting Ingredients
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 pinch kosher salt (for frosting)
  • to taste Rainbow sprinkles, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the beaten eggs, softened butter, remaining sugar, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla, and salt until combined.
Assembly
  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles, and tightly roll the dough to form a log.
  2. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 9 equal-sized rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Spread the frosting over warm rolls and sprinkle with additional rainbow sprinkles for that birthday celebration feel.

Notes

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked taste! You can prepare the rolls up to the cutting stage and refrigerate overnight. Ensure your bowl and baking dish are well-greased to prevent sticking.