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Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (Soft & Gooey) - Bakery-Style Comfort at Home

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  • For the Dough
  • 2 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum; if your blend doesn’t include it, add 1 tsp xanthan gum)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk), about 110°F
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (or dairy-free butter)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Filling
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tbsp milk (dairy or dairy-free), plus more as needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Prepare the dough base: In a large bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
  • Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients.
  • Mix until sticky and smooth: Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a sturdy spoon. The dough will be soft and slightly tacky—more like a thick batter than traditional wheat dough. If it’s dry, add 1–2 tbsp milk.
  • First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, until puffed by about 50%. It won’t double, and that’s okay.
  • Prepare the filling: Stir the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into a spreadable paste.
  • Shape the dough: Lay a large piece of parchment on your counter and lightly flour it with gluten-free flour. Scrape the dough onto the parchment. Dust the top with a little flour and pat or gently roll into a 12x16-inch rectangle. If it sticks, use another sheet of parchment on top and roll over it.
  • Add the filling: Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge.
  • Roll it up: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, use the parchment to help roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  • Cut the rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to slice into 12 even rolls. For floss, slide it under the log, cross the ends, and pull tight for clean cuts.
  • Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes, until puffed.
  • Preheat the oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan on the middle rack.
  • Bake: Bake 22–26 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Do not overbake—slightly under is better for gooey centers.
  • Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 3 tbsp milk until smooth. Add more milk 1 tsp at a time until pourable.
  • Glaze and serve: Let the rolls cool 10 minutes. Spoon the glaze over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve cozy and warm.