Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Made from Scratch: Step-by-Step Tutorial to Baking Perfection
Introduction: Warm, Gooey, and Completely Gluten-Free
Who tells you that you have to give up sweet, bakery-style goodies when you go gluten-free? If you’ve been jonesing for the warm scent and soft, gooey bites of cinnamon rolls but have to stay gluten-free, you’re in luck. This post is your one-stop, step-by-step guide to baking perfection with gluten-free cinnamon rolls from scratch. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your crew, or a brunch soiree, these cinnamon rolls will knock the socks off your guests — no gluten, no sacrifice. You can check out more articles at GlutenfreeDietBook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Xanthan gum (if not in flour mix) | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Instant yeast | 1 packet (2¼ tsp) |
Wet Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Warm milk (dairy or plant-based) | ¾ cup |
| Melted butter (or vegan butter) | ¼ cup |
| Egg (room temp) | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tbsp |
| Softened butter | 2 tbsp |
Cream Cheese Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 2 oz |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
| Milk (adjust consistency) | 1–2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection
1. Activate Your Yeast
Heat your milk lightly (not hot!) and add in a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You should see a foamy top — that’s the yeast saying “let’s roll.”
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix the egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to your dry mixture. Stir until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
Pro Tip: Gluten-free dough is much stickier than regular dough. Don’t worry — just keep your hands (or spatula) floured.
Also read – Best Gluten Free Biscuit Recipe: Quick and Delicious Homemade Biscuits
3. Let It Rise
Wrap your dough in a clean towel and let it rise in a warm location for approximately 1 hour. It won’t double, but it will give a little bit of puff.
4. Roll It Out (Gently!)
Place parchment paper on the counter, add some flour, and roll out the dough into a rectangle — about ¼ inch thick. Gently, gently! Gluten-free dough will tear if you get rough.
5. Add the Filling
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, and distribute softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle your sugar-cinnamon mixture uniformly. Roll the dough gently from the long end into a log with the help of the parchment paper to lift and roll.
6. Slice and Arrange
Cut the log into 8–10 evenly sized pieces with a serrated knife or dental floss (yes, it does the trick). Put them in a greased baking dish with a little room between rolls.
7. Second Rise
Cover once more and let it rise for 30 minutes. This third rise provides them with that ultimate fluff.
8. Bake It Up
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until lightly golden and done.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Issue: Rolls too dense?
Solution: Check your yeast made sure to activate and don’t miss the rise times.
Issue: Dough tearing when rolling?
Solution: Use parchment paper and roll carefully. Add some more flour if too sticky.
Issue: Rolls dry out quickly?
Store them in a covered container or freeze them immediately after cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan?
Yes. Substitute with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to keep it 100% plant-powered.
Can I prep the dough overnight?
Yes! Do the initial rise, roll out and cut the dough, and then put the rolls in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking in the morning.
What’s the perfect gluten-free flour to use?
A combination specifically designed for baking (with xanthan gum included) is best. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur’s GF flour are good options.
Substitute coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
Replace cream cheese glaze with a Greek yogurt glaze.
Reduce butter by incorporating some unsweetened applesauce.
Conclusion: Roll With It, Gluten-Free Style
There you have it — your gluten-free foolproof recipe for cinnamon rolls from scratch. They’re warm, fluffy, sweet, and all that you want in a traditional cinnamon roll – without the gluten. If you’re gluten-sensitive or simply looking to try out new baking ventures, this recipe is your new best friend.
So go ahead, roll up those sleeves, heat up that oven, and fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon paradise. These are not merely cinnamon rolls. They’re a celebration of doing things your own way — and doing them tasty.
Want to make the most decadent gluten-free cinnamon rolls from scratch? Share your experience and tag us with your cinnamon swirl victory stories!
