Name: Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 2/3 cups King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar (40 grams); 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1/4 oz); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 1/4 cup warm whole milk; 1 cup warm water; 2 eggs (room temperature); 6 Tablespoons salted butter (melted); 1/2 cup butter, VERY soft (113 grams/1 stick); 1 cup brown sugar (200 grams); 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder; Pinch salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon); 3 cups powdered sugar (360 grams); 1/3 cup heavy cream (or more, as needed); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Tiny pinch salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon); 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (like Philadelphia), softened (226 grams); 4 Tablespoons butter, softened (56 grams); 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams); 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon)

Nothing beats the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking, and with this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you can enjoy that warm, gooey comfort without worrying about gluten. These rolls are tender, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-y goodness—perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert.

A single cinnamon roll sits on a small white plate, featuring a soft, light brown spiral dough base with visible cinnamon filling swirls. The roll is topped with a thick layer of creamy white icing that drips down the sides, partially melting and pooling slightly at the base. The cinnamon roll has a bite taken out of one side, showing the moist, fluffy interior. In the background, there is a metal baking pan filled with additional cinnamon rolls covered in the same white icing. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth and a fork visible near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe because it feels like a little magic when gluten-free dough rises so beautifully and tastes just like the classic version. If you think gluten-free means dry or crumbly, these rolls will happily change your mind.

Fluffy & Soft Texture: Thanks to the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour, these rolls come out light and pillowy—no toughness here.
Cinnamony Goodness: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon filling means every bite is rich and flavorful.
Versatile Frosting Options: Choose from a luscious cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze depending on your mood.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Weekend Treats: They’re impressive yet totally doable with some straightforward steps.

The image shows a close-up view of a group of cinnamon rolls, each with two main layers. The bottom layer is the golden-brown roll, showing visible cinnamon swirl patterns that add a dark brown texture. The top layer is a thick, white, creamy frosting that covers the rolls unevenly, giving a soft and smooth look. The cinnamon rolls are placed side by side, filling the entire frame, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe come together to create a dough that handles like traditional bread dough but without gluten. The touches of yeast, baking powder, and eggs give it the lift and moisture needed—it’s all about balance and using the right gluten-free flour.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale off-white gluten-free bread flour, a small white bowl filled with golden granulated sugar, a few scattered beige instant yeast granules, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small heap of light beige baking powder, a small white bowl of warm creamy whole milk, another small white bowl of warm clear water, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl with melted golden salted butter, a smooth mound of very soft pale yellow butter, a small white bowl filled with dark golden brown sugar, a small heap of warm brown ground cinnamon, a tiny white bowl with fine vanilla bean powder, a small pinch of fine salt, a small white bowl filled with bright white powdered sugar, a small white bowl of pale cream heavy cream, a tiny white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small slab of soft creamy white full-fat cream cheese, a soft mound of light yellow butter, another small white bowl of bright white powdered sugar, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a small pinch of fine salt placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour: This is a game-changer for gluten-free baking because its blend of starches and proteins helps create soft, elastic dough that rises well. I don’t recommend substituting this because other blends can change the texture.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a good rise and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and fluffy without needing long proof times.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Baking Powder: Adds extra lift alongside the yeast so the rolls are light.
Warm Whole Milk and Warm Water: The warm liquids activate the yeast and help create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Provide richness, moisture, and structure to the dough.
Melted Butter (in dough): Adds moisture and flavor for a soft bite.
Very Soft Butter (for filling): Easy to spread and melts into the cinnamon sugar mixture perfectly.
Brown Sugar: Gives the filling depth and caramel notes.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice for that classic cinnamon roll aroma and taste.
Vanilla Bean Powder (optional): A little extra warmth and dimension in the filling, worth experimenting with.
Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract (for glaze): Make a silky vanilla glaze that’s easy to drizzle.
Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, and Vanilla (for frosting): A smooth, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweet rolls.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a fantastic base to get creative with! I often add chopped nuts to the filling or swap out cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the fall. You can make it your own by playing with flavors or even trying different frostings.

Nutty Variation: Adding toasted pecans or walnuts inside gives a wonderful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls. I recommend folding them in just before rolling up the dough.
Spiced Up: For a seasonal twist, sub cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cardamom to the filling—I did this once and it was a hit at a brunch!
Frosting Swap: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try just the vanilla glaze or even honey butter for an easy, lighter finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough Ingredients

Start by combining the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Warm the whole milk and water until lukewarm—too hot can kill the yeast, so aim for about 100°F. Whisk together the liquids, eggs, and melted butter, then mix everything into the dry ingredients. I find using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes the process smoother because the dough will be sticky but workable. Mix until the dough is uniform and starts to pull away from the sides, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot—my kitchen countertop works great unless it’s chilly, then I’ll pop it near the oven until the dough nearly doubles in size, around 45-60 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the yeast needs time to create that light texture we want!

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, blend the very soft butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and vanilla bean powder if you’re using it. I like this mixture creamy but still a bit textured, so it creates pockets of gooey sweetness once baked.

Step 4: Roll Out and Shape

Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface—using the same gluten-free flour—then roll it into a roughly 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Now gently roll it up from the long edge, keeping it as tight as you can without tearing. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even rolls, then place them snugly in a greased baking pan.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the pans again and let the rolls rest until slightly puffed, about 25-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Don’t worry if they jiggle a little when you shake the pan—that’s normal for gluten-free bread.

Step 6: Frost or Glaze

While the rolls bake, whip up your choice of frosting. For cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Or keep it simple with a vanilla glaze by stirring powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until pourable. When the rolls are still warm, slather or drizzle your topping—watch your friends’ faces light up!

Top Tip

I've baked countless batches of these rolls, and these little tricks always make the difference between good and unforgettable cinnamon rolls. They helped me master the art of tender gluten-free dough—your results will thank you!

Right Flour Choice: Using the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour exclusively is essential—other blends might make your dough crumbly or dense.
Temperature Matters: Keep your liquids warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it—this can be the trickiest part!
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: It gives the rolls that light, fluffy texture we all love.
Cutting Technique: I swear by using dental floss to slice the rolls—clean cuts without squishing the dough.

How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a smooth cream cheese frosting, but if I want a little extra flair, I sprinkle chopped pecans on top right after frosting so they stick perfectly. A light dusting of extra cinnamon on the glaze adds a little hint of spice and looks inviting too.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit to cut through the sweetness—think raspberries or sliced apples. I also love serving them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or holiday spread, I like arranging the rolls in a large, beautiful circular pattern on a wooden board and garnishing with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. It instantly makes any table feel festive and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I usually keep them on the counter, wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil to maintain softness, and they’re still delicious the next morning!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. I wrap each pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they freeze beautifully for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes wrapped in foil. This brings back the softness and that just-baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute another gluten-free flour blend?

This recipe specifically calls for King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour because it creates the perfect texture and rise. Other blends might make the dough denser or crumbly, so I don’t recommend substitutions to ensure success.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should nearly double in size and look puffed up. If you gently press the dough with your finger, it should slowly spring back. If it doesn’t, it needs more time. Patience here pays off with fluffier rolls!

Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free milk and vegan butter options. However, since some ingredients like cream cheese frosting rely on dairy, I suggest experimenting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk instead for the topping.

Why are my gluten-free cinnamon rolls dense or dry?

Common reasons are skipping the second rise, overbaking, or using an incorrect gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to follow the rising times carefully, check oven temperature with an oven thermometer, and use the recommended King Arthur gluten-free flour for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about pulling warm, soft cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has been my go-to whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and delight in the smell, taste, and texture that make it feel like a little celebration in your kitchen. Trust me, once you nail these, gluten-free baking will seem a whole lot sweeter.