Birthday Cookie Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Birthday Cookie Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups (330 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (170 g) whole milk; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 large egg, room temperature; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup (106 g) brown sugar; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 1 ½ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ cup (40 g) rainbow sprinkles; 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips; 1 cup (113 g) confectioner’s sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk

July 7, 2025

- by Jenna

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Imagine the best parts of a soft, gooey cinnamon roll combined with the fun, nostalgic flavors of a birthday cookie—rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and a sweet vanilla drizzle. These Birthday Cookie Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for celebrations, brunch, or just because! Perfectly fluffy, packed with cookie dough filling, and topped with a simple icing, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to any table.

A Fun Twist on Classic Cinnamon Rolls:

These rolls take the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls and infuse them with the playful sweetness of birthday cookies. The combination of sprinkles, white chocolate, and cookie dough filling makes every bite a celebration.

Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Gooey:

The dough is perfectly tender, thanks to the right balance of milk, butter, and yeast. When baked, the cookie filling melts into a gooey, buttery layer that pairs beautifully with the fluffy dough.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday morning, or just a weekend treat, these rolls bring joy to any gathering. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers!

All-purpose flour:

Provides structure to both the dough and the cookie filling, ensuring the perfect texture.

Granulated sugar:

Sweetens the dough and balances the flavors in the cookie filling.

Cinnamon:

Adds warmth and depth to the dough, complementing the sweetness of the filling.

Salt:

Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Whole milk:

Creates a tender, moist dough that rises beautifully.

Unsalted butter:

Adds richness to both the dough and the cookie filling, ensuring a soft, buttery texture.

Instant yeast:

Helps the dough rise quickly and evenly for fluffy rolls.

Egg:

Binds the dough and adds moisture, contributing to its soft texture.

Brown sugar:

Gives the cookie filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

Vanilla and almond extract:

Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that makes the cookie filling taste like classic birthday cake.

Baking soda:

Helps the cookie filling rise slightly, keeping it soft and chewy.

Rainbow sprinkles:

Brings festive color and fun to every bite.

White chocolate chips:

Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness, pairing perfectly with the sprinkles.

Confectioner’s sugar:

Creates a smooth, sweet icing to drizzle over the warm rolls.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with quantities is provided in the recipe card just below.)

Variations

Swap the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer, more classic cookie dough flavor.

Gluten-Free Option:

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the dough and filling to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

Nutty Delight:

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy contrast to the soft dough and gooey filling.

Step 1:

Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish or round cake pan and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the dough.

Step 2:

In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and butter until melted and just warm (about 110°F). Whisk in the yeast until dissolved, then pour into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 3:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 10 minutes.

Step 4:

Meanwhile, prepare the cookie filling: Mix melted butter, sugars, egg, and extracts. Sift in flour, salt, and baking soda, then fold in sprinkles and white chocolate chips.

Step 5:

Roll the dough into a 14×9 rectangle. Spread the cookie filling evenly over the dough, then roll tightly from the long side. Slice into 9 even rolls and place in the prepared dish.

Step 6:

Cover and let rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through (195-200°F internally). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 7:

Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk for the icing. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately.

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Nonstick Bakeware Baking Pan

A sturdy 9×9 baking dish ensures even baking and easy cleanup for these gooey rolls.

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Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking

Perfect for checking the internal temperature of the rolls to avoid under- or over-baking.

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Stainless Steel Bench Scraper & Chopper

Makes dividing the dough into even rolls a breeze and helps with cleanup.

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Tips and Tricks

Use room temperature ingredients:

This ensures even mixing and a smoother dough and filling.

Don’t over-knead the dough:

Just knead until smooth to avoid a tough texture.

Check dough temperature:

If the milk mixture is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for 110°F.

How to Serve

Fresh out of the oven:

Serve warm for the gooey, melty cookie dough experience.

With a scoop of ice cream:

Turn these into a decadent dessert by pairing with vanilla ice cream.

For a brunch spread:

Pair with fresh fruit and coffee for a festive morning treat.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Prepare the night before:

Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Store leftovers properly:

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheat for freshness:

Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQ

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and letting it foam for 5-10 minutes before adding to the dough.

2. Can I skip the almond extract?

Absolutely! Just increase the vanilla extract to 1 ½ teaspoons for a similar depth of flavor.

3. Why did my rolls turn out dense?

This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise enough or was over-kneaded. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough rises in a warm, draft-free spot.

There you have it—a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these Birthday Cookie Cinnamon Rolls are sure to delight.