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)

There’s something magical about sinking your teeth into warm, soft cinnamon rolls first thing in the morning. That’s exactly why this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a total game changer. It’s got all the cozy cinnamon sweetness with a pillowy texture that feels like a big hug for your taste buds, without any gluten at all.

A single cinnamon roll sits on a small white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The roll has two visible layers: a golden-brown baked dough base with some darker cinnamon swirls inside, and a thick, creamy white icing layer spread on top, slightly dripping down the sides. The roll shows a soft, fluffy texture where a small bite has been taken out. In the background, part of a white milk bottle and a gray baking pan holding more cinnamon rolls are visible, all on the same white marbled surface. 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

From my early experiments with gluten-free doughs, I’ve found a handful of recipes that really capture that soft, tender crumb we all crave in cinnamon rolls. This one hits the sweet spot every time – soft, flaky, and bursting with cinnamon goodness.

Fluffy Texture: Uses King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour for that light, airy bite, not crumbly or dense like some gluten-free options.
Rich Cinnamon Filling: Brown sugar and cinnamon swirled generously for a perfectly balanced sweetness and spice sensation.
Versatile Frosting Options: Choose cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze, both easy to customize and endlessly delicious.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepped in advance, making mornings stress-free and smelling like heaven.

A close-up view of several cinnamon rolls arranged tightly together, each roll showing a soft, light golden-brown dough base with visible swirls of dark cinnamon spice inside. They are generously covered with a thick, creamy white frosting that smoothly blankets the top of each roll, with some areas allowing the cinnamon swirls to peek through. The texture of the frosting looks soft and smooth with gentle curves and folds following the shape of the rolls. The rolls are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component here plays a key role — from the flour that creates the perfect structure, to the warm liquids that encourage yeast activity, to the butter and sugars that keep everything moist and flavorful. I’m sharing tips from my kitchen so you can get these rolls just right.

Flat lay of a large mound of soft white gluten-free bread flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl of instant yeast granules, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small heap of white baking powder powder, a small white bowl of warm whole milk, a small white bowl of warm water, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of melted golden salted butter, a small white bowl of very soft pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a tiny pile of vanilla bean powder, a small pinch of fine salt, a small white bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of full-fat cream cheese, a small white bowl of softened pale yellow butter, a small pinch of salt placed on a simple white ceramic plate, arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, 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

King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour: This is a must — it gives the dough structure and softness without falling apart, unlike most generic flours.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
Instant Yeast: Works quickly to help the dough rise beautifully without long wait times.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Baking Powder: Gives a little extra lift for tenderness in gluten-free dough.
Warm Whole Milk: Adds richness and moisture to create a soft crumb.
Warm Water: The perfect temperature to activate yeast without killing it.
Eggs (room temperature): Build structure and add moisture, crucial for soft rolls.
Salted Butter (melted): Infuses the dough with richness and keeps it tender.
Butter (very soft): Used in the filling for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Brown Sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create that iconic, gooey filling.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, aromatic and warming.
Vanilla Bean Powder (optional): Adds subtle depth to the filling.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for smooth, creamy frostings and glazes.
Heavy Cream: Used in the glaze to keep it luscious but pourable.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Makes the frosting luxuriously tangy and creamy.
Butter (softened for frosting): Whipped with cream cheese for a silky texture.

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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

I love experimenting with fillings and frostings once I nail the base recipe. You should feel free to put your own spin on this soft gluten-free cinnamon rolls recipe — that’s half the fun!

Variation: I've tried adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for an extra crunch that our family adores.
Dietary Modification: Swap dairy milk for oat milk and use dairy-free butter to make these vegan-friendly, but keep the yeast and flour exactly as is for best texture.
Seasonal Change: Mixing in fresh grated apple or pear with the cinnamon filling brings a bright, juicy note in fall.

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

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Gather Ingredients

Start by warming your milk and water — it should feel comfortably warm to the touch, about 100–110°F (38–43°C). Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and stir in a pinch of sugar to help it bloom. While that’s bubbling to life, get your dry and wet ingredients ready. This step ensures your dough will rise nicely, without that awkward flat texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Once your yeast is active, whisk in eggs and melted butter into the warm milk mixture. Then, slowly add your wet ingredients to the dry, stirring with a sturdy spoon or paddle attachment on a mixer. The dough will be sticky but hold together — don’t worry, that’s exactly right for gluten-free rolls.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover your bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes. It won’t double like classic dough, but you should see some puffiness around the edges. This rest period is key to developing a soft texture later.

Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling

Lightly dust a surface with gluten-free flour and gently press the dough out into a rectangle about 16x10 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly, then sprinkle your mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and optional vanilla bean powder. I like to glide a rolling pin from one end to the other, pressing the filling in slightly to keep it from falling out later.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 12 even pieces. Arrange these rolls in a buttered pan, leaving a little space for rising. Cover again and let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes; they should look puffy, not overly risen.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown on top. If they start to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil. You want that inviting golden crust with a soft center.

Step 7: Frost or Glaze While Warm

I love slathering on a creamy cream cheese frosting as soon as the rolls come out of the oven so it melts into all the little nooks. Alternatively, a simple powdered sugar glaze with vanilla and cream is dreamy if you want something lighter.

Top Tip

These tips come from my own kitchen adventures — avoiding common pitfalls makes all the difference with gluten-free dough, which can be tricky but oh-so rewarding!

Perfect Dough Consistency: Don’t skimp on the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour — it’s critical for that elastic, soft dough.
Warm Liquids, Not Hot: Too hot will kill your yeast; too cold won’t activate it properly. Test with your wrist temperature.
Gentle Handling: Gluten-free dough doesn’t behave like wheat dough; avoid over-kneading to keep these rolls tender.
Second Rise Patience: It’s shorter and less dramatic than wheat dough but just as important for soft rolls.

How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

gluten-free cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a few flakes of sea salt on top of the frosting — it adds textural contrast and a subtle nutty kick. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs beautifully as well.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness. I also like them with fresh fruit salads or a simple yogurt parfait for breakfast brunch spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and pipe extra frosting over each swirl. You can even bake them in individual ramekins for cute, personalized servings that wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay surprisingly soft, but if your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a safe bet to prevent spoilage.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze fabulously — after baking and cooling completely, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil, sealing in freshness for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Pop them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped loosely in foil, or zap briefly in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel. This keeps them soft and warm without drying out the dough or melting the frosting too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute a different gluten-free flour?

For this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. Using other flour blends often results in drier, crumbly rolls. I don’t recommend substitutions here.

How long should I let the dough rise?

Let the dough rise about 45-60 minutes for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise after shaping. Gluten-free dough won’t double, but it should look puffier and slightly airy. Watching the dough rather than the clock helps a lot.

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Absolutely! You can freeze the fully baked cinnamon rolls after they’ve completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. They keep well for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat gluten-free cinnamon rolls?

To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped loosely with foil. This method preserves softness and prevents the frosting from melting off too quickly. You can also microwave briefly covered with a damp paper towel for convenience.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it bridges that gap between allergy-friendly and downright indulgent. You don’t have to sacrifice softness or flavor to enjoy classic cinnamon rolls anymore. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be amazed at how easily these rolls come together and how much joy they bring to your table.