Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls: The Softest & Fluffiest!

Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
Oh, gluten free cinnamon rolls! For years, perfecting them has been my personal kitchen Everest, a culinary mountain I was determined to conquer. I dreamt of a version that truly rivaled their conventional cousins: pillowy soft, generously spiced, and just dripping with creamy, dreamy frosting. So many attempts ended in dense, crumbly disappointment, leaving me to endlessly search for that perfect recipe, even exploring and adapting admirable efforts like these gluten-free cinnamon rolls without quite hitting my ideal.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!But through a whole lot of perseverance, a little bit of science (and by science, I mean countless trials with different flour blends!), and an even bigger dollop of love, I finally cracked the code! This recipe isn’t just good for gluten-free; it’s truly just plain good, full stop. Imagine biting into a cloud-like roll, swirls of warm cinnamon sugar melting in your mouth, all smothered in a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze.
It delivers all the cozy comfort and sweet satisfaction of a classic Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls, without any gluten in sight. Get ready to bake a batch that will impress everyone at your breakfast table, whether they’re gluten-free or not! And if you find yourself craving even more spiced breakfast treats after mastering these, be sure to check out our delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls recipe for a delightful seasonal twist.
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls: The Softest & Fluffiest!
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalAchieve bakery-worthy, incredibly soft, and fluffy gluten-free cinnamon rolls with this foolproof recipe, complete with a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy, about 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Directions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is active.
- 2. Whisk in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
- 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, remaining granulated sugar, and salt.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until roughly doubled in size.
- 6. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In another small bowl, soften butter for spreading.
- 7. On a lightly floured surface (using GF flour), gently roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- 8. Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- 9. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp, un-serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 9 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick).
- 10. Arrange the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- 11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- 12. While rolls bake, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until light and fluffy.
- 13. Let the baked cinnamon rolls cool slightly in the pan for 5-10 minutes before spreading generously with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- The Gentle Touch: Gluten-free dough needs a lighter hand than traditional dough. Avoid overworking it, which can make your rolls dense. Mix just until combined and let the yeast do its magic.
- Flour Blend Matters: Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. For truly soft and fluffy results, use a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free blend that already contains xanthan gum. If yours doesn’t, add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour.
- Warmth is Key: Yeast loves warmth! Ensure your milk is the correct temperature (105-115°F) and find a cozy, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) or microwave with a cup of hot water can work wonders.
