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 (NO Substitutions); 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 (like Philadelphia), 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 just something magical about sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, isn’t there? This Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers that same comforting, fluffy delight—even if you’re avoiding gluten. Trust me, these rolls are worth the little extra effort!

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 the first bite, I was hooked on how soft and tender these cinnamon rolls turned out—even without gluten. They’re loaded with cinnamon goodness and just the right amount of sweetness, making every morning feel like a cozy bakery treat at home.

Truly Soft Texture: Unlike many gluten-free baked goods, these cinnamon rolls are light and fluffy, not dense or crumbly.
Easy to Make: The recipe uses reliable gluten-free bread flour and simple ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable Frosting: Choose between a classic cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of vanilla glaze—you can’t go wrong with either!
Perfect for Special Occasions: These make beautiful, impressive treats to serve family and friends—without the gluten.

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

The magic of this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in the carefully chosen ingredients. Using golden standard gluten-free bread flour ensures you get that soft, stretchy texture instead of crumbly, and the combo of warm milk, yeast, and eggs creates a rich dough that rises beautifully.

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 flour mix is essential—trust me, it gives the dough amazing structure and softness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps activate the yeast.
Instant Yeast: Makes rising easier and quicker, giving those fluffy layers we’re after.
Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering.
Baking Powder: Adds a gentle lift that complements the yeast rise.
Warm Whole Milk & Water: The warmth wakes up the yeast and moisture makes the dough soft.
Eggs (Room Temperature): Enrich the dough for tenderness and color.
Salted Butter (Melted & Soft): Butter keeps the rolls rich and tender inside.
Brown Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: The perfect duo for that irresistibly sweet and spicy filling.
Vanilla Bean Powder (Optional): Adds a slight depth that I love in the frosting or glaze.
Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream & Vanilla Extract: For luscious frosting or glaze that melts in your mouth.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese & Butter (Softened): Create the classic cream cheese frosting—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

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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 make it your own. Whether you like an extra oozing filling or want to skip the frosting for a simple glaze, you can tailor these rolls exactly to your taste.

Variation: I've swapped out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall, and it turned these into a seasonal hit around the breakfast table!
Dairy-Free: You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly twist.
Extra Filling: Add chopped nuts or plump raisins into the cinnamon sugar filling for a bit of texture and bursts of flavor.
Glaze instead of Frosting: For a lighter touch, mix powdered sugar with a bit of warm water or milk and drizzle on top.

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

Step 1: Mix and Activate the Yeast

Start by sprinkling the instant yeast over the warm water and milk mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and alive—that’s the secret to soft, fluffy rolls. If your yeast doesn’t foam up, it might be old, so swap it out for fresh stuff to avoid flat dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free bread flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the eggs, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky. Gluten-free dough won’t feel the same as wheat-based dough—expect it to be a bit looser, but don’t add too much extra flour or the rolls can dry out.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let your dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it roughly doubles in size. This is where patience pays off—the yeast does its magic here, creating that airy texture you want.

Step 4: Roll Out & Fill

Lightly flour your surface with gluten-free flour and gently turn out the dough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and that optional pinch of vanilla bean powder all over. This is where the cinnamon roll magic layers up!

Step 5: Roll & Cut

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the long edge. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the rustic look adds to its charm! Slice the log into 12 equal rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Place them in a buttered pan, making sure they have a little room to grow during the second rise.

Step 6: Second Rise & Bake

Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes to puff up nicely. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and firm but still soft. Don’t overbake—pull them out once they have a delicate spring when gently pressed.

Step 7: Frost & Enjoy

While the rolls cool slightly, whip up the cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze. Spread or drizzle generously over the warm rolls, and prepare to be wowed. Honestly, I find eating them warm with frosting the ultimate comfort indulgence.

Top Tip

After making these cinnamon rolls a dozen times, I’ve picked up a few tips that truly make all the difference between “meh” and “wow.” These will help you nail the soft texture and rich flavor every single time.

Always Use the Recommended Gluten-Free Bread Flour: I’ve tried other brands, and none give that perfect soft, airy crumb like King Arthur’s does.
Be Gentle with the Dough: Unlike wheat doughs, gluten-free dough doesn’t need heavy kneading—overworking it can dry it out.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: The extra puff before baking makes all the difference for light rolls.
Watch Your Baking Time: Slightly underbake if you like softer rolls; they’ll continue to cook a bit once out of the oven.

How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

gluten-free cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to the classic cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy finish. But if I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze adds a lovely extra crunch and aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of coffee or chai latte completes the cozy breakfast vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the cinnamon rolls in a circular pan to make one big pull-apart cinnamon roll “flower.” Add edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top and watch your guests marvel at your baking skills!

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 and yummy if you warm them briefly before eating.

Freezing

Freezing works great! Simply bake the rolls, cool them completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I lightly cover the rolls with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes. This keeps them soft and prevents drying out. A few seconds in the microwave also works if you’re in a hurry, but watch they don’t get rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?

For the best results with this recipe, I highly recommend sticking with King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour. It has the right balance of starches and proteins to create a dough that rises and stays soft. Other blends might yield denser or crumbly rolls, which isn’t quite the experience we’re aiming for here.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first by mixing it with warm water and a bit of sugar and waiting about 10 minutes until it’s foamy. Then proceed with the recipe as usual. Instant yeast skips that step because it activates quicker, which is why I prefer it.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come back to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding. It’s a great way to get ahead for a busy morning.

Is this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This original recipe contains dairy and eggs, but you can adapt it by using plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and flax or chia eggs replacements to make it vegan and dairy-free. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, so some experimentation could be needed.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with you feels like handing over a little slice of morning happiness. It's one of those recipes I come back to when I want a treat that looks impressive but feels like a warm hug in pastry form. Once you try these, I’m pretty sure they’ll become a staple in your gluten-free breakfast rotation too.