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, 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)

Just imagine tearing into warm, pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness—this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly that magic. They’re fluffy, cozy, and perfect for anyone who thought they’d have to miss out on cinnamon rolls because of gluten sensitivities.

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 honestly didn’t believe gluten-free cinnamon rolls could be this soft and tender until I developed this recipe. These rolls bring that same comforting breakfast vibe you'd expect—without the gluten. It’s like a little morning hug in every bite.

Unbelievably Soft Texture: Thanks to the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour, these rolls are as fluffy as their traditional wheat-based cousins.
Easy to Work With Dough: This recipe yields a dough that’s forgiving and not too sticky, making rolling and shaping so much more enjoyable.
Rich Cinnamon Filling: The cinnamon sugar center is perfectly balanced—plenty of flavor without being overpowering.
Customizable Frostings: Whether you want a classic cream cheese glaze or a quick vanilla drizzle, this recipe has you covered.

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

Every ingredient plays a special role here, especially since gluten-free baking can be tricky. The flour choice is key, and the wet ingredients create a tender, elastic dough that rises beautifully.

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 your secret weapon—no substitutions here. It provides structure and softness that typical gluten-free flours can't match.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a great rise.
Instant Yeast: Offers a reliable and quick rise without needing to proof separately.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all flavors while balancing the sweetness.
Baking Powder: Gives an extra boost to the dough’s lightness.
Warm Whole Milk & Water: These warm liquids activate the yeast and hydrate the dough, making it soft and pliable.
Eggs (room temperature): They enrich the dough and help bind everything together.
Salted Butter (melted & softened): Adds richness and moisture from inside the dough to the filling and frosting.
Brown Sugar + Cinnamon: The classic combo for that sweet, spicy swirl everyone craves.
Vanilla Bean Powder (optional): Elevates the aroma and adds depth to the filling.
Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream & Vanilla Extract: For making the luscious, creamy glaze or frosting.
Cream Cheese: The star of any cinnamon roll frosting for tang and creaminess.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to play around with. You can tailor it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Variation: I sometimes swap half the cinnamon filling with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch—trust me, it’s irresistible and fun for weekend brunch.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by warming your milk and water to about 110°F—warm, not hot. Stir in your yeast and a pinch of sugar, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and awake. While that’s happening, whisk your eggs and melted butter together. Once the yeast is frothy, combine all the wet ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free bread flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet ingredients. Use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or a sturdy wooden spoon—you’ll want to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides, and feels slightly sticky but manageable. This can take around 4-6 minutes on medium speed.

Step 3: First Rise—Patience is Key

Cover your dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes. It won’t double like traditional dough, but it should look puffier and slightly airy. This slow rise creates that soft texture everyone loves in gluten-free baking.

Step 4: Rolling and Filling Your Dough

Dust your work surface with gluten-free flour and gently press your dough into a rectangle, roughly 12x18 inches. Spread the softened butter over the surface evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon, brown sugar, and optional vanilla bean powder mixture generously on top. Feel free to add nuts here if you like!

Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Arrange

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge toward you into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 even rolls. Place them in a greased 9x13 pan or similar size, leaving a little breathing room. Cover again and let rise about 30 minutes—they’ll get fluffy and cozy again before baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the tops turn gorgeous golden brown and the centers are cooked through, you’re ready. Let them cool slightly before adding frosting.

Step 7: Frost or Glaze Your Rolls

Whether you prefer a thick cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze, spread or drizzle it across the warm rolls. The frosting melts into the cracks, making them irresistibly gooey.

Top Tip

From my experience, the secret to perfect gluten-free cinnamon rolls is not rushing the rising stages—even though these aren’t traditional wheat doughs, giving them time to develop their airy structure makes a huge difference.

Be Patient on Rising: Let the dough rest in a cozy, warm spot, and don’t expect it to double—look for puffiness instead.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the eggs and butter; cold ingredients can slow yeast activity and affect texture.
Don’t Skip the Softened Butter for Filling: It creates a luscious, melty cinnamon swirl that bakes into the dough perfectly.
Gentle Handling: This dough wants you to be gentle—avoid overworking to keep it tender.

How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

gluten-free cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these cinnamon rolls with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for that extra cozy feel. Sometimes, just a few fresh berries on the side add a beautiful color contrast and fresh bite.

Side Dishes

If it’s a special brunch, I serve these rolls alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage and fresh fruit salad. For an indulgent twist, a hot cup of coffee or chai latte is the perfect partner in crime.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a birthday breakfast, I arranged the rolls in a circular pan and topped them with edible flowers and a drizzle of honey glaze—everyone thought it looked fancy but was amazed to hear they were gluten-free!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft but can dry if left uncovered—so airtight is key.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temp.

Reheating

Warm your rolls for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave or 10 minutes at 325°F wrapped in foil to bring back that freshly-baked softness. Add a little extra frosting or drizzle after reheating to revive that just-made taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour?

This particular flour blend is carefully chosen for its texture and rise; I don’t recommend substituting it because the dough’s softness and elasticity depend heavily on this brand’s protein and starch balance.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

Unlike traditional wheat dough, gluten-free dough won’t double in size. Look for a noticeable puffiness and that it feels lighter when gently poked—it’s the sign your bread flour is doing its job.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

While this recipe relies on butter, milk, and cream cheese for taste and texture, you could experiment with alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk, but expect some differences in softness and flavor.

What frosting options work best?

I highly recommend the cream cheese frosting included here—it’s tangy, smooth, and complements the cinnamon perfectly. Alternatively, a simple powdered sugar glaze with vanilla makes for a lighter finish.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe hold a special place in my kitchen—they’ve brought my family together on slow weekend mornings and made celebrations sweeter without the gluten worry. I’m excited for you to try them and see how effortlessly delicious gluten-free cinnamon rolls can be. Just imagine serving these warm up, fresh from your oven, the smell filling the room—it’s nothing short of love on a plate.