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Homemade Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls photo

Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet flavors, they celebrate every day like it's your birthday.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 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
For the Filling:
  • 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
For the Frosting:
  • 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

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet or Pan
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Build Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Step by Step
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Step 7: Spread the Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. 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.
  9. Step 9: Second Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they puff up.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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!

Notes

  • Make the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking.
  • These cinnamon rolls freeze well—wrap tightly after baking and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.