Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food — soft, warm, and sweet with that irresistible swirl of cinnamon and sugar. If you’re gluten-free, you may have thought you’d have to give up these delicious treats, but fear not! This gluten-free cinnamon roll recipe is here to prove you can still enjoy that classic, gooey goodness without any gluten. These rolls are soft, pillowy, and perfectly spiced, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something indulgent for breakfast or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will hit the spot. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time and are perfect for sharing with friends and family who follow a gluten-free lifestyle.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or non-dairy milk)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky, but that’s okay!
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle shape (about 12×8 inches), using gluten-free flour to prevent sticking.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 8-10 even slices.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the icing.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven, for the best taste and texture. Enjoy the soft, gooey center and the sweet, tangy cream cheese icing.
- These gluten-free cinnamon rolls are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of that classic cinnamon-sugar flavor you love, all while being completely gluten-free!
