Soft, tender, and impossibly aromatic, these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls bring bakery-level bliss right into your kitchen! Whether you’re gluten sensitive or baking for someone who is, this recipe proves you don’t have to compromise on flavor or texture. Swirled with that classic cinnamon-sugar filling and crowned with a creamy glaze, every bite is sweet, nostalgic comfort. If you’ve ever missed gooey, pull-apart cinnamon rolls, you’re about to be reunited with a lifelong favorite—reimagined gluten free and every bit as decadent.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Curating the perfect Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls comes down to choosing simple but quality ingredients. Each component is essential, adding its own flavor, structure, or sweetness, and together they create cinnamon roll magic you’ll want to share (or maybe just keep for yourself!).

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the recipe; use a quality blend with xanthan gum for that classic, stretchy texture.
Instant Yeast: Helps the rolls rise and stay soft—make sure it’s fresh for best results!
Whole Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Gives richness and helps create a tender crumb; warm it gently to activate the yeast.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the yeast flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and a touch of fluffiness so your cinnamon rolls don’t crumble.
Butter (or dairy-free substitute): For that essential buttery flavor and a beautiful, soft texture—plus more for the filling!
Salt: Rounds out and enhances all the sweet flavors without making things salty.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the filling—use fresh, aromatic cinnamon for maximum flavor punch.
Brown Sugar: Caramelizes in the swirl, adding gooeyness and depth to every bite.
Powdered Sugar: The base of a creamy, sweet glaze that’s the cherry on top.
Cream Cheese: Whipped into the glaze for a tangy, silky finish that gently melts into each roll.
Vanilla Extract: Lifts the glaze with pure, cozy vanilla notes—don’t skip it!

How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by gently warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm (if it’s too hot, it can ruin the yeast). In a large bowl, mix together the warmed milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until slightly bubbly. Add eggs and melted butter, whisking just to combine. Finally, stir in the gluten-free all-purpose flour and salt. At this stage, you’ll have a sticky, soft dough—just what you want for pillowy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls!

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm. Gluten-free doughs are a bit more fragile, so give it 45-60 minutes to rise. You may not see quite as dramatic a puff as wheat dough, but it should noticeably increase in size and become airy. This step ensures the cinnamon rolls bake up tender and light.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Dust a large piece of parchment paper generously with more gluten-free flour and turn your dough out onto it. With floured hands or a rolling pin, gently shape the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon—a combination that guarantees gooey swirls. Use the parchment to help roll the dough tightly from the long edge, forming a lovely log.

Step 4: Slice and Second Rise

Using a serrated knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the log into 9 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover loosely and let them rise another 20-30 minutes as the oven preheats. This gives the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls their final, irresistible fluffiness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the rolls are gently golden on top and cooked through. Watch closely near the end—they should feel set and springy, not doughy. The smell alone will bring everyone to the kitchen!

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk to create a thick, dreamy glaze. Spread it generously over the warm rolls, letting it ooze into every swirl. Serve your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls fresh and warm for absolute bliss.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, try a second dusting of ground cinnamon right over the glaze or sprinkle finely chopped pecans for extra crunch. If you love a touch of citrus, a whisper of orange zest over the top adds an invigorating surprise to your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls.

Side Dishes

Although these rolls steal the show, they’re lovely alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt. For something extra cozy, serve with a mug of hot coffee, chai, or even a creamy hot chocolate—perfect for relaxing mornings at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a pretty cake stand, serve in individual cast-iron skillets, or pack them into parchment-lined baskets for a brunch buffet. You can even slice big rolls into minis for a party platter—they’ll disappear in a flash!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate—just bring them back to room temp or gently warm before serving, as the gluten-free flour can firm up when cold.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cinnamon rolls! Cool them completely, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before storing in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp, then reheat to restore gooeyness. This trick means you’re just minutes away from cinnamon roll happiness any day.

Reheating

For soft, fresh-like rolls, warm leftover Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes or microwave briefly (20-30 seconds each). Add an extra swipe of glaze after reheating if you like them extra decadent.

FAQs

Can I make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls dairy free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free milk and use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. They turn out beautifully soft and flavorful without any dairy.

What’s the best way to get the dough to rise?

Warmth and patience are key. Find the toastiest spot in your kitchen, like on top of a preheating oven or near a sunny window, and keep the dough covered so it doesn’t dry out. The rise may be more subtle than wheat dough, but that’s normal for gluten free baking.

Can I prep these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls in advance?

Yes! Assemble the rolls up through the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking fresh. This makes for a relaxing breakfast or brunch treat without all the morning effort.

Why is my dough so sticky?

Gluten-free dough is naturally stickier than traditional wheat dough because it lacks gluten’s structure. Don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour; use parchment paper and floured hands, and it’ll roll out just fine.

How do I know when they’re baked through?

The rolls should look golden and feel springy when gently pressed. If you’re unsure, lift one roll from the center with a fork—the inside should look set and cooked with no damp, raw dough hiding in the spiral.

Final Thoughts

Baking Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls at home is every bit as magical as it sounds. The gooey centers, sweet swirls, and creamy glaze are so satisfying, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—no gluten required! Go ahead, share the joy with everyone at your table and savor every last bite.