Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl. Finished with a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings. Even without gluten, these rolls bake up tender and delicious.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1–1½ hours
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2½ hours
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups (360 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (100–110°F / 38–43°C)
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
4. Mix for 4–5 minutes with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or stir vigorously by hand) until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper lightly dusted with gluten-free flour.
2. Roll it into a rectangle about 12 × 16 inches (30 × 40 cm).
3. Remove the top sheet of parchment.

Step 5: Fill and Roll

1. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge.
2. Starting from the long side, use the parchment paper to help roll the dough into a tight log.
3. Pinch the seam closed.

Step 6: Slice

1. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
2. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through. If the rolls brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
3. Mix until creamy, adding milk a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over the warm (not piping hot) cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Tips for Succes

Storage

• Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted or frosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup finely diced cooked apples to the filling.
• Pecan Rolls: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped toasted pecans over the cinnamon filling.
• Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the filling and frosting.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the filling.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gluten-free cinnamon rolls with:

• Fresh fruit
• Coffee or a latte
• Hot chocolate
• Chai tea
• A glass of cold milk

These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and generously frosted, making them a comforting homemade treat that’s every bit as satisfying as the classic version—without the gluten.