Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, comforting aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These gluten-free cinnamon rolls, with their pillowy-soft texture and swirl of cinnamon sugar, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re starting the day with a cozy breakfast or serving them as a weekend indulgence, these rolls offer a delightful treat that everyone, gluten-free or not, will enjoy.
Ingredients Breakdown
The recipe revolves around three key components: the dough, the filling, and the frosting. Each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
For the dough, gluten-free flour serves as the foundation, offering a soft and tender crumb. The warm milk activates the yeast, ensuring a light and fluffy rise. Eggs add richness and structure, while melted butter brings a subtle buttery flavor throughout. To finish, a brush of heavy cream helps achieve that golden brown top when baked.
The filling is where the magic happens—unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon come together to create a sweet, spiced swirl that infuses every bite. A touch of vanilla enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
Finally, the cream cheese frosting adds a velvety smoothness to the rolls. The softened cream cheese and butter combine with confectioners’ sugar and a hint of salt to create a perfectly balanced frosting that isn’t overly sweet, yet incredibly indulgent.
For those looking for variations, consider using a dairy-free alternative such as almond or oat milk, or swapping out the butter for a plant-based option. Similarly, coconut sugar can be used in place of brown sugar for a subtle, caramel-like flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The process of making these cinnamon rolls may seem intricate, but breaking it down step by step ensures success every time.
Begin by activating the yeast. Combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast creates the foundation of the dough. Once the yeast becomes foamy and fragrant after resting for 15 minutes, it’s time to add the eggs and melted butter. Slowly incorporate the gluten-free flour, folding in half a cup at a time to prevent clumping. The dough will be softer than traditional versions, but this is normal for gluten-free baking. After kneading the dough for about five minutes, cover it and allow it to rise in a warm place for an hour, doubling in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Cream the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. This sweet and spiced mixture will create the signature swirl inside each roll.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Spread the filling evenly across the dough, ensuring every inch is coated. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side. Slice the log into even rolls and arrange them in a buttered baking dish. A brush of heavy cream on top will help give the rolls a glossy, golden finish after baking.
After resting the rolls for another 15 minutes, bake them at 190°C (375°F) for 35-40 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden around the edges.
While the rolls cool, beat together the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting. Once the rolls have cooled to room temperature, generously spread the frosting on top, ensuring each roll is covered with the rich, creamy topping.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to work with gluten-free dough:
Gluten-free dough tends to be softer and stickier than traditional dough. Resist the urge to add more flour; instead, use lightly floured hands and surfaces to handle the dough.
Letting the dough rise:
It’s important to allow the dough to rise in a warm spot to achieve the best texture. If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl near a preheated oven or in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help the yeast work its magic.
Spreading the filling:
To ensure the filling spreads evenly, use softened butter and make sure the sugar mixture is well blended. A firm roll will prevent gaps in the swirl and ensure a uniform bake.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time and freeze them?
Absolutely! Once the rolls are sliced and placed in the baking dish, you can cover and freeze them. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for a couple of hours before baking as directed.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make substitutions for the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can opt for a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, or even a maple frosting for a richer twist.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a range of accompaniments. A steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate is a classic choice, balancing the sweetness of the rolls. For a more complete breakfast spread, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich rolls.
For a brunch gathering, serve these cinnamon rolls alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or savory quiches. If you’re leaning into dessert territory, consider pairing them with vanilla ice cream or a warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
Customizing the Recipe
There’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to these gluten-free cinnamon rolls. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling up the dough. If you’re a chocolate lover, add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite.
The frosting can also be customized to suit your tastes. Swap out the cream cheese for a tangy Greek yogurt-based frosting or try a vanilla glaze if you prefer a lighter topping. Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of vanilla extract for a more earthy, rich flavor profile.
The final presentation is key to making these cinnamon rolls even more inviting. Let the rolls cool slightly before applying the frosting to ensure a thick, luxurious layer. For an added touch, sprinkle the tops with a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra frosting for a bakery-worthy finish.
When serving, place the rolls on a platter with a few fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color. Whether they’re served warm from the oven or reheated the next day, these gluten-free cinnamon rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing comfort and sweetness to any occasion.
Ingredients
3 cups gluten-free flour (*refer to notes)
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
6 ounces softened cream cheese
1/3 cup softened unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
To prepare the dough, combine the sugar, warm milk, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently, then cover the bowl and let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.
Once the yeast mixture becomes frothy, add in the eggs and melted butter. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Slowly incorporate the gluten-free flour, adding it 1/2 cup at a time. Continue mixing until the dough forms and becomes slightly tacky. Knead the dough for 5 minutes—expect a softer texture compared to traditional dough. Avoid adding more flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by creaming together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it is smooth and spreadable.
Once the dough has doubled in size, lightly flour a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Evenly spread the prepared filling over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 8 large or 10 medium-sized rolls. Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
Brush the tops of the rolls with the heavy cream and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 35 to 40 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges.
For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Allow the baked cinnamon rolls to cool to room temperature before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten-free flour *refer to notes
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- To prepare the dough, combine the sugar, warm milk, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently, then cover the bowl and let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.
- Once the yeast mixture becomes frothy, add in the eggs and melted butter. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Slowly incorporate the gluten-free flour, adding it 1/2 cup at a time. Continue mixing until the dough forms and becomes slightly tacky. Knead the dough for 5 minutes—expect a softer texture compared to traditional dough. Avoid adding more flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by creaming together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it is smooth and spreadable.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, lightly flour a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
- Evenly spread the prepared filling over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 8 large or 10 medium-sized rolls. Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the heavy cream and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 35 to 40 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the baked cinnamon rolls to cool to room temperature before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- To Store: Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed the same day they’re made. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To Freeze: Store baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.