Name: Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (divided, for the dough and additional dusting); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness to the dough); 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet, I use Red Star Platinum); Pinch salt (optional and to taste); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, about 3/4 of one stick); 3 large eggs (lightly whisked, for richness); 1 cup buttermilk (see notes for alternatives); 1 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, very soft, to be used in filling); 1 to 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed; you can substitute with granulated sugar or a half-and-half mix); 3 to 4 teaspoons cinnamon (or to taste; I use 5 teaspoons for a bolder flavor); 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (for that birthday cake flair); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting); 6 ounces cream cheese (softened, for a rich frosting); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for flavor); 1 pound confectioners’ sugar (4 cups, for sweet frosting); 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional and to taste, for balancing sweetness); 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (for garnishing the frosting)

Celebrate any day like it’s your birthday with these delightful Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet flavors, these rolls are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of cinnamon and cake. Topped with a creamy frosting and sprinkled with colorful rainbow sprinkles, they are not just a breakfast item; they are a festive celebration in a roll!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds—classic cinnamon rolls and the joyous essence of birthday cake. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a sweet treat on a Sunday morning. The dough is enriched with eggs and buttermilk, ensuring a soft and tender texture. Plus, the rainbow sprinkles add a pop of color and fun, making them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredient Rundown

To create these scrumptious Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (divided, for the dough and additional dusting)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness to the dough)
2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce packet, I use Red Star Platinum)
Pinch of salt (optional and to taste)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, about 3/4 of one stick)
3 large eggs (lightly whisked, for richness)
1 cup buttermilk* (see notes for alternatives)
1 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, very soft, to be used in filling)
1 to 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed; you can substitute with granulated sugar or a half-and-half mix)
3 to 4 teaspoons cinnamon (or to taste; I use 5 teaspoons for a bolder flavor)
1 cup rainbow sprinkles (for that birthday cake flair)
1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
6 ounces cream cheese (softened, for a rich frosting)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
1 pound confectioners’ sugar (4 cups, for sweet frosting)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional and to taste, for balancing sweetness)
1 cup rainbow sprinkles (for garnishing the frosting)

Appliances & Accessories

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essentials:

Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
Measuring cups and spoons (precision is key)
Stand mixer or hand mixer (for easy dough mixing)
Rolling pin (to roll out the dough)
Baking sheet or pan (for baking your rolls)
Plastic wrap (to cover the dough while it rises)
Cooling rack (for cooling the rolls before frosting)

Build Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt (if using). Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rainbow sprinkles in a bowl. This will be your filling.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 8: Roll and Cut

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they puff up.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 11: Prepare the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, make the frosting by beating together the softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before generously frosting them with the cream cheese frosting. Top with additional rainbow sprinkles for that festive touch!

Year-Round Variations

If you want to mix things up, here are some fun variations to try:

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolaty twist.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added crunch.
Seasonal Flavors: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint extract in the winter.
Fruit-Infused Rolls: Add fresh or dried fruits like blueberries or cranberries to the filling for a fruity flavor.

Chef’s Rationale

The combination of warm, soft dough with a sweet filling and creamy frosting creates a delightful experience that brings joy to any occasion. The addition of rainbow sprinkles not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes the celebratory spirit of a birthday. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and flavors according to your preference. Making these Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls from scratch not only fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas but also brings a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Save It for Later

These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls can be made ahead of time! Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. They also freeze well—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil after baking, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to enjoy a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Your Top Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, the texture might be denser, so keep that in mind.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs, the buttermilk with a plant-based milk, and use vegan butter and cream cheese for the frosting.

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve created these delicious Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls, it’s time to gather your family and friends and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for brightening any day. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday, these rolls are sure to bring smiles and happiness to your table. Go ahead, indulge yourself, and relish in the joy of baking!