Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Sweet, and Easy to Make

Everyone should have a go-to cinnamon roll recipe—even those avoiding gluten. These gluten free cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and packed with that nostalgic cinnamon swirl we all love, without compromising on taste or texture. In this article, you’ll find everything you need: my personal twist on this classic recipe, a straightforward ingredient rundown, time-saving tips, and answers to top FAQs. Whether you’re already gluten-free or just gluten-curious, this guide is for you.

My Southern Roots Meet Gluten Free Comfort

Rolling Back to Where It All Began

I still remember walking into my grandmother’s kitchen in small-town Georgia. Sunday mornings smelled like cinnamon, vanilla, and the soft punch of brown sugar bubbling in the oven. Back then, everything was made from scratch—and flour was always wheat. Fast-forward to today, and after being diagnosed with a slight gluten sensitivity last year, I had a choice: give up my favorite comfort foods, or adapt them. Naturally, I chose the latter.

The first time I created these gluten free cinnamon rolls, the aroma took me right back—but the texture had room for improvement. Several tweaks later (and I mean several), I landed on a version that’s fluffy, tender, and just as satisfying as the gluten-loaded original. Best of all? They’re surprisingly simple to make.

Why Gluten Free Doesn’t Mean Fun-Free

Let’s be honest. The words “gluten free” can scare people off, especially when it comes to baking. But here’s the deal: you don’t have to settle for gritty or dry rolls just because you’re avoiding gluten. You just need the right flour mix, a little knowledge of dough behavior, and a lot of love for the process.

Once I nailed the method, I began making them as often as my fluffy jello Greek yogurt—yes, they’re that crave-worthy. These gluten free cinnamon rolls became a rotating staple at the brunch table, standing proudly beside my Strawberries and Cream Wimbledon snack and other quick viral eats. They’re about more than food—they represent a delicious workaround without sacrifice.

Your Go-To Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Ingredients List (And Smart Substitutions)

If you’ve ever baked gluten free, you know flour blends can make or break your dough. For this recipe, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum—essential for elasticity and structure. Here’s what you’ll need:

Timing Breakdown

Making gluten free cinnamon rolls takes about 90 minutes, start to finish—roughly 20% faster than many traditional recipes, thanks to our quick proofing method.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Rise time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 25 minutes
• Cooling and icing: 15 minutes
• Total time: 90 minutes

Having a timeline helps you plan brunch around it, and trust me, people will wait once they smell these baking.

Step-by-Step Magic

1. Warm the milk to about 100–110°F. Stir in yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it activate for 10 minutes till foamy.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in your yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Roll it out between parchment sheets to about ½ inch thick. Dust with extra flour if needed.
4. Spread your cinnamon-sugar mix evenly. Start from the long edge and roll it into a log.
5. Slice into 1½ inch rounds. Place in a greased baking pan.
6. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F for 23–25 minutes or until golden on top.
8. Let them cool slightly, then drizzle with your favorite icing or make one with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

For the filling, I get creative—sometimes folded in crushed pretzels inspired by these no-bake peanut butter pretzel clusters.

Customizing Your Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Experience

Make-Ahead Magic & Freezing Tips

Want to serve cinnamon rolls fresh without waking up two hours earlier? Make the dough the night before and refrigerate after placing the rolls in the pan. Let them rise slightly over the counter for 30–45 minutes before baking. You can also freeze the rolled, uncooked slices on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake per usual.

For crowd-pleasers, I’ll include them in a brunch spread beside soft cookies gone viral or sneak them in during kids’ snack hour like the Dino-themed cookie packs. Trust me, no one notices they’re gluten free.

Topping Ideas That Go Beyond Classic Icing

While a smooth vanilla drizzle is timeless, here are three fun ways to elevate your rolls:

• Maple cream cheese frosting
• Chopped candied pecans dusted with sea salt
• Espresso glaze mixed with cocoa powder for a brunch-with-a-kick vibe

For health-conscious eaters, using zero carb yogurt bread as a weekday alternative works wonders too!

And for credibility, the science backs it up. According to the Mayo Clinic, going gluten free improves digestion for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity—making swaps like this more than a trend; they’re supportive health decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Sweet Finish to a Gluten Free Treat

There’s no reason to miss out on beloved comfort foods just because you’re cutting back on gluten. Whether you’re newly exploring gluten free versions or a seasoned substitute chef, these gluten free cinnamon rolls are a hit with all ages—and all diets.

From nostalgic family mornings in my Georgia hometown to my experimental flour days here in Austin, this recipe has become a delicious symbol of adaptation, flavor, and joy. Give these rolls a try, customize to your heart’s content, and maybe pair them with a jam-style peanut butter sandwich or Sam’s Club inspired cookie dough brownies for full-blown delight.

Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Sweet, and Easy to Make

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• Author: Ray
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 8 rolls 1x

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Description

Everyone should have a go-to cinnamon roll recipe—even those avoiding gluten. These gluten free cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and packed with that nostalgic cinnamon swirl we all love, without compromising on taste or texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour blend

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp instant yeast

3/4 cup warm milk

2 tbsp melted butter

1 egg

Cinnamon sugar filling mix

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Instructions

1. Warm the milk to about 100–110°F. Stir in yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it activate for 10 minutes till foamy.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in your yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

3. Roll it out between parchment sheets to about ½ inch thick. Dust with extra flour if needed.

4. Spread your cinnamon-sugar mix evenly. Start from the long edge and roll it into a log.

5. Slice into 1½ inch rounds. Place in a greased baking pan.

6. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

7. Bake at 350°F for 23–25 minutes or until golden on top.

8. Let them cool slightly, then drizzle with your favorite icing or make one with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

Notes

You can substitute coconut sugar, almond/oat milk, coconut oil, or a flax egg for dietary preferences.

Make the dough the night before and refrigerate it after slicing. Let it sit at room temp for 30–45 mins before baking.

Freeze uncooked slices and bake directly from frozen after thawing overnight.

Toppings ideas: maple cream cheese frosting, candied pecans, espresso glaze with cocoa.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern, Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: gluten free cinnamon rolls, brunch, no wheat, comfort food