The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of pillowy, soft, and outrageously delicious cinnamon rolls but needed them gluten free, your search officially ends here. The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls have everything you love — a cloud-like swirl, gooey cinnamon-sugar center, and a thick blanket of cream cheese icing — all without a trace of gluten. Inspired by classic bakery-style treats, this recipe gives you a serious wow-factor while being approachable enough for a weekend kitchen adventure or a special brunch with friends. Each bite is pure comfort, with all the nostalgia and none of the compromise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls is that every ingredient plays a starring role. From the specialized flour blend to the cinnamon-sugar filling, each element brings out that signature flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and beautiful color we crave in a perfect roll. Nothing fancy — just pure baking magic!

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Bread Mix (16 oz bag): This blend sets the structure and mimics the elasticity needed for a tender, chewy crumb — discard the included yeast packet for this recipe.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps give it that soft, bakery-style taste.
• Instant yeast (4 1/2 tsp or two packets): Lifts the dough beautifully, ensuring a soft, lofty roll every time.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Adds extra lift so the rolls turn out fluffy, not dense.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Balances the flavors and ensures tenderness.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Water (1 1/4 cups): Hydrates the dough just right — warm it for best yeast activation.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup), sliced into tablespoons: Adds richness and classic flavor; vegan butter works perfectly if needed.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp): Activates the baking soda and subtly brightens the dough.
• Large egg + 1 egg white: Binds the dough and helps with rise; see notes for vegan swaps.
• Cornstarch, for dusting: Helps tackle sticky dough and makes rolling out a breeze.
• Very soft unsalted butter (6 tbsp): Essential for a spreadable cinnamon-sugar swirl; make sure it’s super soft for easy spreading.
• Light brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings classic caramel warmth to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The fragrant heart of every heavenly cinnamon roll.
• Unsalted butter, room temp (1/4 cup): For an ultra-velvety icing base; can sub vegan butter for dairy free.
• Cream cheese, room temp (4 oz): Gives the icing its tangy signature; vegan cream cheese works, too.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): For a silky, sweet icing that glides over every roll.
• Vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract, 1 tsp): Deepens that bakery-fresh, aromatic flavor in the icing.

How to Make The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by adding the gluten free bread mix (discarding the yeast packet), sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Give everything a thorough mix for about a minute. This step ensures every leavening agent is evenly dispersed, setting you up for the fluffiest rolls imaginable.

Step 2: Warm the Wet Ingredients

In a heat-safe measuring glass, combine the water, sliced butter, and apple cider vinegar. Warm this in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until it’s comfortably warm but not piping hot. The temperature kickstarts your yeast activity. Don’t worry if the butter is stubborn and doesn’t fully melt — close enough is perfect!

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour your warm butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula along the way to make sure no floury pockets are hiding along the sides. When it’s almost all combined, add in the egg and egg white for extra structure and a beautiful rise.

Step 4: Knead and Rest the Dough

Turn your mixer up to medium-high and let it work the dough for a whole 5 minutes. This is what gives The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls their surprisingly stretchy, soft texture. After kneading, let the dough rest for 10 minutes right in the bowl — this is your secret weapon for easier rolling later.

Step 5: Prep Your Rolling Surface

Lay a generous sheet of plastic wrap on your counter and really shower it with cornstarch. You’ll roll the dough into a 13 by 19-inch rectangle, so aim to prep a big enough space now to save yourself squishing or re-dusting mid-roll.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Scoop the rested dough onto your cornstarch bed and dust the top with another hearty sprinkle. Start gently pressing the dough out with your hands; if you have a rolling pin, use it to glide it into an even rectangle. Don’t worry if it feels extra sticky or soft — that’s normal for gluten free dough, and the cornstarch will keep everything workable!

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

Now the fun part: the filling! Make sure your butter is VERY soft (almost spreadable like frosting). Spread it edge-to-edge all over the rolled dough. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top and use your hand to gently pat it down. Finish with a generous shower of cinnamon for that signature swirl.

Step 8: Roll & Slice

Carefully roll your dough into a tight log, using the plastic wrap underneath to help guide and lift if needed. Brush off any excess cornstarch as you go. Use flavorless dental floss to trim off 3 inches from each end (these are often a little doughy), then cut the rest into 7 gorgeous rolls.

Step 9: Prep the Pan & Arrange

Crumple and then flatten out a sheet of parchment paper, placing it inside a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Nestle your rolls in with an inch between them for room to puff, with one roll in the center and the rest around the edges. This helps them bake up evenly with perfectly soft sides.

Step 10: Proof & Rise

Warm your oven to its lowest temp, then shut it off. Pop the skillet with the rolls inside and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Don’t peek! They’ll puff and double in size beautifully. If making ahead, you can refrigerate the risen rolls overnight, then bring to room temp before baking.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350F. Bake the rolls for about 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are gorgeously golden and a little springy when pressed. Get ready — your whole kitchen will smell like pure cinnamon roll heaven.

Step 12: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool slightly, mash together your room temperature butter and cream cheese until it’s smooth. Mix in powdered sugar in batches, then a splash of vanilla bean paste. You’ll have a rich, dreamy icing ready to lavish on every swirl.

Step 13: Frost & Enjoy!

Generously slather the icing over your warm rolls, letting it pool into every crevice. Serve immediately and enjoy sheer gluten free bliss. If you dare, grab a second roll — no one’s judging!

How to Serve The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

The icing is already the superstar, but for a little extra panache, try a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of toasted pecans for crunch and flavor. For a gourmet twist, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a pinch of flaky sea salt will absolutely wow your guests and add layers of flavor to The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with something fresh and light to balance their richness — think a bowl of mixed berries, a tangy fruit salad, or a refreshing glass of cold brew coffee. For brunch, a simple side of crispy bacon or a veggie scramble makes an irresistible spread with The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of traditional plating, stack the rolls on a pretty cake stand and let guests help themselves. For a festive twist, slice each roll in half, filling-side up, and serve as “cinnamon roll sliders.” You can also transform leftovers into a dreamy bread pudding or turn them into an ice cream sundae base for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge — they’ll stay soft and fresh for about 4-5 days. If possible, keep the icing separate and add it just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls freeze wonderfully! Tightly wrap individual rolls (un-iced, for best results) in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash in a freezer bag for up to two months. When craving strikes, thaw at room temperature, then warm and frost as usual for a freshly-baked experience anytime.

Reheating

To revive leftover rolls, pop them in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or in a 300F oven for 8-10 minutes until warm and gooey. If you’ve stored the icing separately, add it right after warming so it melts into every swirl, just like it’s straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan butter and your favorite plant-based cream cheese for the filling and icing. For the eggs, substitute with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg for each egg — they’ll still turn out irresistibly fluffy and delicious.

Do I really need a stand mixer for the dough?

A stand mixer makes things much easier, ensuring the dough is smooth and well-aerated, but you can also mix by hand. Just be ready for a sturdy arm workout and be sure to mix for a full 5 minutes for best results with The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls.

Why do you use both yeast and baking powder/baking soda?

This combo gives the rolls extra lift and a lighter crumb. Yeast creates those classic, pillowy bubbles, while baking powder and soda ensure the gluten free dough has enough rise and structure to keep things soft and bouncy.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries! Any 9×13 baking dish or a round cake pan works just fine. The sides might turn out a bit more golden but the results will still be bakery-level.

Can I prep these the night before?

Definitely! After the rolls finish rising, cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temp and bake as usual — brunch just got way easier!

Final Thoughts

Making The BEST Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls at home is a total game-changer — they bring all the indulgent, comforting joy of classic cinnamon rolls to the gluten free table. Whether you bake them for a celebration, a cozy brunch, or just because you can’t resist, I know you’re going to fall in love with every gooey, sweet bite. Don’t be surprised if they become your most requested treat!

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