Go Back
Best Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Best Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

These Best Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly tender, fluffy, and surprisingly easy to make, proving that gluten-free baking can be just as decadent and satisfying as traditional versions. They are a dream come true for anyone craving that classic sweet treat without the gluten.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Second Rise Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk dairy or unsweetened plant-based, 105-115°F (40-46°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend ensure it contains xanthan gum
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk dairy or unsweetened plant-based
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Damp kitchen towel
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Sharp knife
  • Unflavored dental floss (optional)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
    1 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  2. To the activated yeast mixture, add the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, the room temperature egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
    1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, and salt.
    3 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or by hand with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  5. Lightly grease the mixing bowl or a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 60-90 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
  6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
    1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Lightly flour a clean surface with gluten-free flour or place a large piece of parchment paper down. Turn the dough out onto the prepared surface and gently pat or roll it into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches and ¼ inch thick.
  8. Generously spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
    1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  9. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
  10. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal cinnamon rolls.
  11. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cut cinnamon rolls in the prepared dish, cut-side up, leaving a little space between them as they will expand. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and touching.
  12. While the rolls are having their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  13. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
  14. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzly. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
    1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  15. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a toaster oven/oven for 5-10 minutes. Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
QR Code linking back to recipe