Name: Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cup almond flour; ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup coconut oil (soft, room temperature); ¼ cup cane sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup light brown sugar (lightly packed); ¼ cup coconut oil (soft, room temperature); 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon; Pinch of salt; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 - 2 teaspoons water or milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Imagine your favorite cinnamon rolls transformed into bite-sized, soft delights you can munch any time—without the gluten! That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe that’s as cozy and sweet as the classic treat but perfect for those avoiding gluten or dairy.

The image shows several cinnamon rolls with a light golden dough and a visible dark brown cinnamon swirl inside each roll. Each cinnamon roll is topped with a thin drizzle of white icing, unevenly spread across the surface. The rolls are placed on a piece of light brown parchment paper, which rests on a white marbled surface. Two cinnamon sticks are placed beside the rolls, adding a rustic touch. Part of a white plate is visible in the bottom right corner, holding two cinnamon rolls. One roll near the center has a small bite taken out, showing the soft texture inside. 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 Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I baked these soft, swirled gluten-free cinnamon roll cookies, I knew they’d be a holiday staple. They’re simple to make but taste like something from a cozy bakery.

Deliciously Soft Texture: Thanks to almond flour and gluten-free blends, these cookies stay tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You won’t find any weird additives here, just clean, easy-to-find pantry staples.
Perfectly Sweet & Spiced: The cinnamon-sugar filling paired with vanilla icing gives you that classic cinnamon roll flavor in cookie form.
Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: So everyone can enjoy these indulgent treats, whether for holidays or everyday comfort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start baking, make sure you have a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend ready—this is key to the perfect cookie structure. Also, using soft (not melted) coconut oil helps create that tender dough and luscious cinnamon filling.

Flat lay of a small mound of almond flour, a small bowl of gluten-free all-purpose flour, a small bowl of baking powder, a small bowl of salt, two dollops of soft coconut oil, a small bowl of cane sugar, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small bowl of vanilla extract, a small bowl of light brown sugar, a small bowl of ground cinnamon, a small bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white bowl with water or milk, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface placed 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

Almond Flour: Adds moisture, a tender crumb, and a hint of nuttiness that elevates these cookies.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure without gluten, keeping the cookies soft yet sturdy enough to roll.
Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise lightly for a fluffy bite.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Coconut Oil: Used in both dough and filling for moisture and subtle richness—make sure it’s soft, not melted.
Cane Sugar: Adds a clean, mellow sweetness in the dough.
Egg: Binds ingredients and creates tenderness—room temperature helps it mix smoothly.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses that cozy warmth throughout the dough and icing.
Light Brown Sugar: Key for the cinnamon roll filling’s deep caramel notes.
Cinnamon: The star spice—aromatic and comforting in every bite.
Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet irresistible vanilla glaze to finish off each cookie.
Water or Milk: Adjusts icing consistency so it drizzles perfectly.

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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 Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a wonderful canvas for your creativity. Feel free to play around with the filling or icing to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences—as long as you keep that soft, tender swirl we all love!

Variation: Vegan Option Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, chilled) and use a plant-based milk for the icing. I tried this for a friend who follows a vegan diet, and the cookies turned out just as soft with a lovely cinnamon aroma.
Variation: Nut-Free If almond flour isn’t an option, you can use sunflower seed flour instead to keep the texture tender and moist. Just watch the dough’s consistency—it might be a little more delicate.
Seasonal Twist: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger to the cinnamon sugar filling for a zesty warmth that’s perfect for the winter holidays.
Extra Gooey Icing: For a richer topping, use coconut milk instead of water or regular milk to mix the powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a slightly creamier glaze.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of thick, smooth, golden-yellow batter with a slightly grainy texture. The batter is swirled in the bowl, creating soft waves and curves that show light reflections. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Space

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your cookies go in. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—not just for easy cleanup but to prevent sticking and give your cookies an even bake. Trust me, this small prep step makes a big difference!

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In one bowl, whisk together 1 ⅓ cups almond flour, ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, cream ⅓ cup soft coconut oil with ¼ cup cane sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This usually takes a minute or two with a hand mixer. Then, add 1 room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until a cohesive dough forms. If your dough feels too sticky, a quick chill in the fridge for 10 minutes can help manage it.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, blend ½ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup soft coconut oil, 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and spreadable — this luscious, spiced filling is what gives these cookies their signature swirl and cozy flavor.

Step 4: Roll, Spread, and Shape the Dough

Place your dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out into a thin rectangle about ¼ inch thick. This is key for getting those beautiful swirls when you slice the cookies. Then, spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, right to the edges. Using the parchment to help, carefully roll the dough into a tight log without cracking. The parchment keeps your hands clean and helps the dough roll smoothly.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Slice the rolled dough log into 14 even pieces. Lay each slice cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room so they bake evenly. This step is super satisfying because those cute little cinnamon spirals start to peek out!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies into your preheated 325°F oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’re aiming for them to be set and lightly golden but still soft when you gently press. The aroma of cinnamon and baked almond flour filling your kitchen is one of my favorite baking moments.

Step 7: Make the Simple Vanilla Icing

While the cookies bake, whisk ¼ cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water or milk and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Adjust the liquid slowly until the icing is smooth and easily drizzle-able—think thin enough to flow but not runny.

Step 8: Cool, Drizzle, and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up gently, then transfer them to a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle the vanilla icing over each cookie. This glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine, turning these soft, swirled treats into irresistible bites. Let them cool completely before storing.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe, ensuring soft, flavorful, and beautifully swirled cookies every time.

Use Soft Coconut Oil: It’s key that your coconut oil is soft but not melted. This consistency keeps the dough and filling spreadable without making the dough greasy or tough.
Roll Carefully: When rolling the dough into a log, use the parchment paper to gently guide the roll. This helps maintain the swirled look without cracking your dough.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using a room temperature egg and coconut oil helps blend the dough smoothly, yielding a tender cookie texture that's soft yet sturdy.
Control Your Icing: Add water or milk gradually when mixing the icing. This lets you adjust thickness to drizzle perfectly without it running off or looking clumpy.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a cinnamon roll with two visible spiral layers of golden-brown dough and darker brown cinnamon filling in between. The top has a light drizzle of white icing that runs irregularly along the swirl. The cinnamon roll rests on a white marbled textured surface with two cinnamon sticks placed nearby on the right side. The soft texture of the dough and glossy icing are clearly visible, with one piece slightly bitten from the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or some finely chopped pecans on top of the icing right after drizzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also adds a beautiful snowy effect perfect for holidays.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of almond milk. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a dairy-free vanilla yogurt to make for a cozy brunch or delightful afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days — perfect for enjoying a little treat throughout the week.

Freezing

Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once firm. They freeze beautifully for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm frozen or stored cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that soft, fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The coconut oil already keeps it dairy-free.

What gluten-free flour blend works best?

A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum included works best to provide structure. If you don’t have a blend, finely ground oat flour or rice flour can be used, though texture may vary slightly.

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Absolutely! Butter can replace coconut oil in both the dough and filling if you prefer a dairy version. Make sure to use softened butter at room temperature for best results.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking while rolling?

Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper is a game-changer—it keeps the dough pliable and helps prevent cracks. Also, working quickly and not over-chilling the dough ensures it stays flexible.

Final Thoughts

Making these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies feels like a little slice of holiday magic any time of year. The soft almond flour base combined with the warm cinnamon filling and that simple vanilla drizzle is such a comforting treat to bake and share. Whether it’s your first time trying gluten-free baking or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and perfect for spreading a bit of cozy joy in your kitchen. Happy baking!