Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Have you ever wished to combine the buttery, warm goodness of cinnamon rolls with the joy of birthday cake? If so, you’re in for a treat! These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, providing a delightful experience both for special occasions and everyday indulgence. Soft, pillowy dough filled with sweet, cinnamon sugar goodness, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and sprinkles, these cinnamon rolls will make anyone feel celebrated.

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked rolls, ready to bring smiles to your family or friends. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, special brunch, or just because, these cinnamon rolls bring the festive spirit to your kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes these gooey treats so special and how you can prepare them for your next gathering!

Ingredients for Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

To recreate this deliciousness, you’ll need some basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a complete list of what you will need:

List of Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 100°F
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons active dry or instant yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into 4 pieces
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, plus more as needed
• 2 teaspoons canola, vegetable, or olive oil for the bowl
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons powdered coffee creamer or nonfat instant dry milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, not nonpareils
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Optional: extra sprinkles for decoration

Optional Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing some ingredients, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes you can use. For example, if you don’t have whole milk, almond milk or oat milk can work as a dairy-free alternative. Instead of active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used without any change in the method. For the butter, coconut oil can be substituted for a dairy-free version. You can also try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option, but remember to adjust the amount as needed.

How to Make Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Now that we have gathered our ingredients, it’s time to create these divine rolls! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect result.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the yeast in a large bowl. Cover it and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it helps activate the yeast. Next, beat in the remaining sugar and pieces of softened butter until they are slightly broken up. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt into the mixture, and beat everything until well combined. Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Once it forms a ball, knead it for about five minutes on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about two hours in a warm place until it has doubled in size. Meanwhile, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 12×18 inches. This large space is essential to ensure you have enough room for the generous filling of cinnamon goodness to wrap around.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of remaining butter and set it aside. In another bowl, whisk together the additional flour, both sugars (granulated and brown), powdered coffee creamer, and salt. After mixing, pour in the melted butter and vanilla, stirring until the mixture is crumbly. Now fold in the rainbow sprinkles! Spread the remaining butter (softened) evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon mixture all over.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these rolls in the greased baking pan, making sure they are side by side.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow them to rise again for about 1 hour. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Bake

Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. To prevent the tops from getting too brown, you can tent them with foil halfway through the baking process.

Step 8: Make the Icing

While the rolls are baking, you can quickly prepare the cream cheese icing. Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until it becomes smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Ice the Rolls

As soon as your rolls come out of the oven and are warm, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of extra fun colors sparkling on top!

How to Serve Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Your Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are baked and ready to be enjoyed! Here are some great ways to serve them.

Best Ways to Serve Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are best served warm and fresh, straight from the oven. The cream cheese icing will melt slightly, forming a delicious, gooey topping. If you’re serving them as a breakfast treat, pair them with coffee or a sweet tea. They are also great as a dessert option following dinner.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

For a delightful breakfast treat, serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas and a glass of milk or your favorite café au lait. For dessert, consider pairing the cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm rolls and cold ice cream create an irresistible combination!

How to Store Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

What if you have leftovers? Don’t worry; these cinnamon rolls keep well!

Proper Storage Methods

Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing them. Place them in a suitable airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. They will remain fresh on the countertop for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is not recommended as it can dry them out. Instead, store them in the freezer if you plan to eat them later.

Tips for Reheating or Freezing

To reheat the rolls, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If you want to freeze, make sure the rolls are baked, then cool and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To finish baking, thaw and allow them to rise for about an hour before baking them for 10 minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Tips to Make Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure you get the best results when making your Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls, here are some tips and tricks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes when making cinnamon rolls is not letting the dough rise sufficiently. Make sure it doubles in size during both rises. Another pitfall is using too much flour while kneading. Add just enough until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Don’t forget the filling! Skimping on the filling will result in rolls that taste less exciting.

Helpful Tips for Better Results

To enhance the flavor of your dough, you can try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon filling. For added richness, consider putting some melted butter on top of the sprinkles before rolling. It’s helpful to use room temperature eggs and butter as they blend more easily into the dough. Lastly, if you wish to make these rolls ahead of time, follow the overnight instructions mentioned in the original recipe for convenience.

Variation of Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re feeling creative, there are several fun ways to tweak the Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls.

Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe

Consider adding different flavorings to the dough, such as lemon zest for a fresh twist or almond extract for a nutty flavor. You can also fillings such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and taste. To make a chocolate version, mix cocoa powder into the filling.

Adjustments for Dietary Preferences

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free flour can be used to make a gluten-free version. You can also substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese to accommodate lactose intolerance or a vegan diet. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.

FAQs

If you’re new to making cinnamon rolls or have specific questions, the following answers might help you.

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your rolls don’t rise, it could be due to the yeast being inactive or the dough being too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired. If your dough is too sticky, gradually add flour until it is manageable. If rolls are too dense, it may be due to overworking the dough or not enough rising time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point before baking and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking, allowing them to rise again.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you find yourself lacking a few essentials, you can easily substitute. For milk, use any non-dairy milk of choice. Instead of regular butter, you may use margarine for lactose-free options. You can substitute eggs with applesauce or flax eggs if you’re looking for vegan alternatives.

In conclusion, Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are not just a dessert; they offer a delightful experience that encompasses the joy of baking and enjoying sweet treats. Whether you decide to make them for a special occasion or as a weekend treat, they will surely be beloved by all. By following this guide, you’ll create soft, delicious rolls filled with flavors that resonate with happiness and celebration. Enjoy baking and indulging in these amazing rolls!

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