How to Make the BEST Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create soft, pillowy, and delicious gluten-free cinnamon rolls. No one will ever know they’re gluten-free!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add the gluten-free bread flour mix (discard the yeast packet included in the mix), granulated sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed for about a minute to combine.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a heat-safe measuring cup, combine water, sliced butter (or vegan butter), and apple cider vinegar. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm to the touch. The mixture should be warm but not hot, ensuring the yeast activates properly. It’s okay if the butter isn’t fully melted.

Making the Dough

1. Combine Wet and Dry: With the dough hook running on medium speed, slowly pour the warm wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any dry ingredients clinging to the sides of the bowl.
2. Add Eggs: Once the mixture is nearly combined, add the egg and egg white (or vegan egg replacer).
3. Mix the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix for 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and slightly stretchy.
4. Rest: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. While it rests, prepare your work surface.

Rolling and Filling

1. Prepare Work Surface: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and liberally dust it with cornstarch. Ensure the area is large enough to roll out a 13×19 inch rectangle.
2. Shape the Dough: After the dough has rested, transfer it to the center of the cornstarch-dusted plastic wrap. Dust the top of the dough with more cornstarch and gently press it into a rectangle.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 13×19 inch rectangle. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can gently press and mold the dough to the desired size. Try to make the edges as even as possible.
4. Prepare the Butter: Ensure the butter for the filling is VERY soft. A good trick is to slice chilled butter into tablespoons and microwave for about 15 seconds, or until it just starts to melt. Then, use a fork to mash it into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
5. Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with packed brown sugar, gently patting it down. Finish by dusting the top generously with ground cinnamon.

Shaping and Rising

1. Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the plastic wrap to guide you if needed. Use a pastry brush to remove any excess cornstarch from the log’s surface.
2. Cut the Rolls: Use flavorless floss to cut off about 3 inches from each end of the log and discard. Then, cut the remaining dough into 7 equal-sized rolls.
3. Arrange in Pan: Crumple a sheet of parchment paper, then unwrap it and place it inside a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Arrange the rolls in the skillet, leaving about an inch of space between each roll, with one roll in the center.
4. First Rise: Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting. Once preheated, turn the oven OFF and place the skillet with the rolls inside. Allow the rolls to rise in the warm oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size. (For overnight rolls, cover and refrigerate after rising. Bring to room temperature before baking.)

Baking

1. Preheat Oven: After the rolls have risen, remove them from the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. To check for doneness, gently poke a roll; it should have a soft spring to it.

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Icing

1. Combine Butter and Cream Cheese: Place the room-temperature butter (or vegan butter) and cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese) in a small mixing bowl.
2. Mix: Use a fork to mash and mix the two together until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
4. Ice the Rolls: Once the icing is smooth, dollop it generously over the tops of the warm cinnamon rolls and spread evenly.

Enjoy!

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy their soft, gooey goodness!

Recipe Notes

• Gluten-Free Flour: For the best results, use the specified gluten-free bread flour mix. Other gluten-free flour mixes may not yield the same texture.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute vegan butter for dairy butter, vegan cream cheese for dairy cream cheese, and use a vegan egg replacer for the egg and egg white.
• Yeast: Be sure to use INSTANT yeast. This is key for the dough rising properly.

The BEST Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in these soft, pillowy, and utterly irresistible gluten-free cinnamon rolls. No one will ever guess they’re gluten-free!

Ingredients

• 1 16oz bag Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Bread Mix *SEE NOTES
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 4 1/2 tsp (or two packets) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/4 cups (300g) water
• 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons (vegan butter can be subbed)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg white **SEE NOTES for vegan substitute
• Cornstarch, for dusting

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, very soft (vegan butter can be subbed)
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Icing

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temp (vegan butter can be subbed)
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temp (vegan cream cheese can be subbed)
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Nutritional Information & Gluten-Free Benefits

Enjoying these cinnamon rolls doesn’t mean compromising your gluten-free lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits and considerations:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Bread Mix is the cornerstone of this recipe, providing a blend of gluten-free flours that mimic the texture of traditional wheat flour without the gluten. This mix often includes ingredients like rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, offering a source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Fiber: While gluten-free baked goods can sometimes be lower in fiber, this recipe includes baking powder and baking soda, which help to create a lighter texture and can contribute a small amount of minerals. Consider adding a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sugar Content: Like most sweet treats, these cinnamon rolls contain sugar. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and icing to lower the overall sugar content.
• Dairy & Alternatives: This recipe includes dairy in the form of butter and cream cheese. For dairy-free options, substitute with vegan butter and vegan cream cheese alternatives, which are widely available and can provide a similar taste and texture.
• Egg Replacers: To make this recipe vegan, use a vegan egg replacer.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Perfection

Baking gluten-free can be a breeze with these helpful tips:

• Flour Selection: For the best results, stick to the recommended Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Bread Mix. This mix is specifically formulated for yeast-based doughs and provides the right balance of starches and proteins for optimal texture.
• Mixer Recommendation: A stand mixer is highly recommended for this recipe due to the stickiness of the dough. It ensures thorough mixing and develops the dough’s structure.
• Rolling Technique: Generously use cornstarch when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking. This makes the dough easier to handle and contributes to a tender final product.
• Soft Butter is Key: Ensure the butter for the filling is very soft to avoid tearing the delicate gluten-free dough.
• Slicing Made Easy: Use flavorless floss to slice the rolls neatly without squishing them.
• Warm Rise: Create a warm environment for rising by preheating your oven to the lowest setting, then turning it off before placing the rolls inside.

Dietary Variations:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and vegan cream cheese for dairy-free cinnamon rolls.
• Vegan: In addition to dairy-free substitutions, use a vegan egg replacer. Follow the package instructions for substituting both the whole egg and egg white.
• Overnight Option: After the rolls have risen, cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking.

Additional Tips:

• Active Dry Yeast: This recipe is optimized for instant yeast. Active dry yeast may not provide the same rise.
• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls covered at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm, soft treat.

Enjoy your delicious, gluten-free cinnamon rolls! For more gluten-free recipes, check out our other posts.