• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Frizzled Leek
  • Chef Services
  • Recipes
    • Whole30 Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Chef Services
  • Contact
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Chef Services
    • Contact
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    home » Recipes » Baking

    Easy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

    Published: Nov 17, 2021 •Modified: Nov 17, 2021 by mikecleavenger • This post may contain affiliate links, which can earn us a commission •

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    cinnamon rolls in casserole dish
    one cinnamon roll missing
    cinnamon roll on dessert plate with fork
    rolling cinnamon rolls
    cinnamon rollls

    Our Easy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect Christmas morning treat! Enjoy watching your little ones opening presents with a cup of coffee and this delicious cinnamon roll recipe. Made from gluten-free flour and other traditional ingredients. Don't limit yourself to the holidays, this recipe is great all year!

    easy gluten-free cinnamon rolls in casserole dish this recipe

    Cinnamon rolls are yeast-leavened dough. Rolled out, coated in butter, and heavily dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The dough is cut into 1-inch slices and baked until golden brown. A cream cheese frosting is a popular way to finish off these tender morning danishes!

    In the spirit of everything gluten-free, why not cinnamon rolls. A traditional cinnamon roll recipe, but we swap out the flour for a gluten-free option. We use butter and eggs to make an enriched dough. Making the dough rich, tender, and soft. Typically in baking, the more fat you add, the softer the texture will be.

    The combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda will give the cinnamon rolls a bit of a lift. If you don't have cider vinegar on hand, lemon juice will do the job.

    You can make my gluten-free flour blend or try Bob's Red Mill variety.

    Jump to:
    • What makes these cinnamon rolls so good
    • Ingredients
    • How to make this recipe
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • How to store and reheat gluten-free cinnamon rolls
    • Pro Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other dessert recipes to try...
    • 📖 Recipe

    What makes these cinnamon rolls so good

    • Delicious for Christmas morning - In our house, Christmas won't start until you have a cinnanom roll and coffee in hand
    • Make Ahead - Roll and cut cinnamon rolls in advance. Place pan in the oven in the morning and top with your favorite cinnamon roll glaze.
    • Par Bake - Partially cook in a oven until halway done and freeze. Are you craving cinnamon rolls? Take them out of the freezer, thaw, and bake the rest of the way!

    Ingredients

    easy gluten-free cinnamon rolls ingredients
    • gluten-free flour - bobs red mill 1 to 1 flour works great
    • eggs
    • milk - whole milk for the high fat content
    • yeast - active dry yeast
    • sugar
    • butter - I like to use kerrygold irish butter
    • apple cider vinegar
    • baking soda
    • cream of tartar
    • salt
    • cinnamon/sugar blend
    • cream chese
    • powdered sugar

    How to make this recipe

    Making gluten-free cinnamon rolls is so easy, here's how to make it:

    1. In the bowl of a stand mixer add sugar, warm milk (110-115 degrees), and yeast. Whisk. Let sit for 5 minutes or until foamy. Add the flour, eggs, melted butter, cider vinegar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. The dough should be sticky.
    2. Place the dough into a butter stainless-steel bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a large towel. Let proof for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
    3. Using a 12 x 16 piece of parchment paper or Silpat, press dough out to the edges. I like to use my hands to press the dough to the edges.
    4. Brush the dough with softened butter and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
    5. Use parchment paper or Silpat to help roll the cinnamon rolls.
    6. Cut into 12 equal-sized cinnamon rolls. I like to use non-flavored dental floss for a clean cut.
    7. Place into a buttered casserole dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Underbaking cinnamon rolls create a softer texture. Spread cream cheese frosting on top and enjoy!

    Substitutions

    • Flour - If you don't want to go the gluten-free route, you can swap it out for all-purpose or bread flour.
    • Yeast - These cinnamon rolls are possible without yeast. Follow the recipe without the yeast and add 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
    • Milk - Almond, macadamia, or oat milk work for a dairy-free alternative.
    • Sugar - Replace with Swerve for a sugar-free option
    • Cream of Tartar - You can swap out the cream of tartar and baking soda for 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
    easy gluten-free cinnamon rolls on dessert plate with fork

    Variations

    • Nuts - Adding a handful of chopped pecans makes a great addition to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
    • Dairy-Free - Replace whole milk with nut milk of your choice. Replace butter with coconut oil. Use powdered sugar and a couple of tablespoons of nut milk for the glaze.
    • Keto - To make this recipe keto-friendly, use Swerve sweetener, in place of sugar. The ratio is 1:1, so no need to adjust the measurement.

    How to store and reheat gluten-free cinnamon rolls

    How to Store: You can leave cinnamon rolls out at room temperature for 2 days. They will last 7 days under refrigeration and 2 months in the freezer.

    To Freeze: Place cinnamon rolls into an airtight container and freeze for no longer than 2 months. I like to par-bake my cinnamon rolls at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Place into an airtight container and fr

    To Reheat: I like to par-bake my cinnamon rolls at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Place into an airtight container and freeze. When I am craving a delicious danish, I will pop them into a 350-degree oven for 10 more minutes, and they come out perfect. You can also microwave for 30 seconds on high power.

    Pro Tips

    • Activate Yeast - It's a good insurance policy to activate your yeast first for a good rise. If your yeast is out-of-date or old, the dough will not rise. Activating your yeast will give the proofing process a head start.
    • Sticky Dough - You never want dry dough in gluten-free baking. I like to hold back a cup of flour and add it if needed. If the dough is dry, it will not rise properly.
    • Baking Soda + Vinegar - Gluten-free flour is not light like all-purpose flour. We use baking soda and vinegar to help with the rise.
    • Press instead of roll - Press out the dough onto a 12 x 18 Silpat or parchment paper. Using a rolling pin can tear the dough. Think of it like shaping pizza dough.
    • Roll Like a Pro - Use Silpat or parchment paper to help roll the dough. Roll over the parchment paper and shape with hands and continue rolling until completed.
    • Cutting - I like to use unflavored dental floss to portion the cinnamon rolls. It gives you a nice clean-up instead of squashing them with a knife.
    • Underbake - Most recipes will tell you to bake them for 30 minutes, but we don't like dry cinnamon rolls around here. Baking for 20-25 minutes will give your that soft center.
    easy gluten-free cinnamon rolls in casserole dish missing one roll

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long should you let cinnamon rolls cool before icing?

    Let cool for 10-15 minutes before icing. If the cinnamon rolls are too hot, the icing will slide right off. Having a warm cinnamon roll will help soften the glaze and spread perfectly.

    Why didn't my cinnamon rolls rise?

    It's a good insurance policy to test your yeast before using it. I like to bloom my yeast in a warm liquid beforehand. If the yeast doesn't get foamy in 5-10 minutes you have bad or old yeast. A liquid above 120 degrees can kill the yeast. I like to activate my yeast at 110-115 degrees. The temperature of your environment plays a big role in proofing the dough.

    Why are my cinnamon rolls hard?

    Too much flour creates a dry and hard cinnamon roll. I like to hold back about a cup of flour and add it if needed. Slightly sticky dough is what you want.

    Other dessert recipes to try...

    • Chocolate Espresso Energy Bites
    • Insanely Delicious Candied Kumquats
    • Egg-Free Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
    • Healthy Pumpkin Muffins | Gluten-Free

    Did you make this easy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll recipe? Please click the stars below to comment and rate this recipe!

    📖 Recipe

    Easy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

    mikecleavenger
    Our Easy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect Christmas morning treat! Enjoy watching your little ones opening presents, with a cup of coffee and this delicious cinnamon roll.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 muffins

    Ingredients
      

    • DOUGH
    • 1 cup warm milk 110-115 degrees
    • 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons
    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ cup butter melted
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • 3 ½ cup gluten-free flour
    • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • FILLING
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup white sugar
    • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
    • CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
    • ¾ cup powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Grease a large casserole dish with butter and set aside
    • MAKING THE DOUGH
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer combine sugar, yeast, and warm milk (110-115 degrees).  Stir with a whisk and let sit for 5 minutes.  The mixture should be foamy.
    • Add in melted butter, eggs, vinegar, flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.  Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low until incorporated.
    • Increase speed to medium-high for 5 minutes or until dough pulls away from the bowl.  The dough should be sticky. 
    • Transfer dough into a large bowl greased with butter and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.   Let the dough be proofed for 1 hour or until doubled in size.  
    • ROLLING AND SHAPING THE DOUGH
    • Place dough on a 12 x 16-inch piece of parchment or Silpat.  Using your hands, press the dough into a 12 x 16-inch rectangle.  
    • Place softened butter on top of the dough and spread with a pastry brush.  Make sure to coat every inch of the dough.
    • In a small bowl, mix sugars and cinnamon.  Sprinkle over the buttered dough covering every inch. 
    • Using the parchment or Silpat, roll the dough into a log.  Fold over dough once with parchment and shape with hands.  Continue rolling until completed.
    • Cut into 12 1-inch portions.  Using unflavored dental floss makes a clean cut.
    • Place cinnamon rolls into the greased casserole pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
    • FROSTING
    • In a medium-sized bowl whisk butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar.  The consistency should be smooth.
    • Using a spatula, spread the frosting over the top of the cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

    Notes

    If your kitchen is cold, the dough will not rise. Find a warm place in your kitchen.  Some ovens have a proofing setting.  
    Greasing your bowl will help the dough rise. Gluten-free flour is dense and needs all the help it can get to double in size.  
    Make sure the milk is no hotter than 115 degrees, or you may kill the yeast. I like to heat my milk in 15-second bursts in the microwave until I reach the desired temperature.
    Use hands to press out dough instead of a rolling pin. This dough is delicate and can tear easily. 
    Using parchment paper or a Silpat helps roll the cinnamon rolls.
    To cut the cinnamon rolls, use a thin wire or dental floss to a clean cut.
    Brush with an egg wash to help with the browning.
    Waiting 10-15 minutes after the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven is the optimal time to add the frosting. 
    Keyword breakfast, christmas, cinnamon, cinnamon rolls, frosting, gluten free, holiday's
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on instagram. Tag @thefrizzledleek and hashtag it #thefrizzledleek.
    « Easy One-Pot Salmon Stew
    Instant Pot Clam Chowder »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. mikecleavenger

      December 03, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love this cinnamon roll recipe! I can't believe this recipe is gluten-free it taste just like the real thing. You really want to start with a sticky dough so they don't dry out. I enjoy a soft and gooey center so I slightly undertake them.

    2. Peggy

      December 04, 2021 at 12:37 am

      5 stars
      Looks delicious and easy to make thanks for the recipe.

    Primary Sidebar

    profile picture

    I'm a chef, husband, and father of two beautiful girls. The Frizzled Leek is a blog about getting families back in the kitchen. Here you won't just follow recipes, you will be developing your cooking skills too!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Insanely Delicious Candied Kumquats
    • Chocolate Espresso Energy Bites
    • Whole30 Sweet Potato Waffles (Breakfast Sandwich)
    • Pickled Red Onions Recipe
    • Pumpkin Seed Crema
    • Egg-Free Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
    • White Balsamic Dressing Recipe
    • Sloppy joe stuffed sweet potato {Whole30, Paleo}

    Find the ideal recipe

    • Vegetable
    • Seafood
    • Breakfast
    • Salad
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Of Use
    • Website Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement

    Recipes

    • Whole30 Ranch
    • Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice
    • Buffalo Chicken Salad

    Lets connect!

    • Instagram
    • Pintrest

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 The Frizzled Leek

    Cookie Notice
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Our Cookie Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT