Name: Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 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, 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 truly magical about waking up to warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls — especially when they’re soft, pillowy, and thoughtfully made without gluten. This Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is everything you want in a treat: tender, spiced, and generously swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again.

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

I’ve tried countless gluten-free cinnamon roll recipes, and this one stands out not just because of its softness but how reliably it turns out every time. The dough is manageable (even if you’re new to gluten-free baking), and the results are tender rolls with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Guaranteed Softness: Using King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour and a touch of baking powder guarantees that fluffy texture you crave.
Rich Cinnamon Filling: The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a classic, gooey center that’s hard to resist.
Multiple Frosting Options: Whether you prefer a luscious cream cheese frosting or a light vanilla glaze, you can customize it your way.
Make-Ahead Friendly: I share tips for prepping your rolls ahead so you’re not overwhelmed on the big morning.

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

Every ingredient in this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a vital role in bringing softness, flavor, and structure. From the flour to the dairy, these components come together beautifully, so it’s important to use the right ones, especially the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour.

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 isn’t just any GF flour — it has the right blend of starches and protein to mimic that yeasty, elastic dough you want.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps yeast do its magic.
Instant Yeast: Speeds up rising without needing to proof, making the process smoother.
Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor, balances sweetness, and strengthens the dough structure.
Baking Powder: Adds an extra lift to ensure tenderness in gluten-free rolls.
Whole Milk & Water (warm): Warm liquids activate the yeast and hydrate the flour perfectly.
Eggs (room temp): Provide richness and structure—important in gluten-free baking.
Salted Butter (melted): Incorporated into the dough for flavor and softness.
Butter (very soft): Used in the filling to make it luscious and gooey.
Brown Sugar: The key to that classic cinnamon roll sweetness with a hint of molasses.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice for warm, inviting rolls.
Vanilla Bean Powder (optional): Adds depth and a subtle vanilla aroma to the filling.
Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream & Vanilla Extract: These combine to create a glaze that’s just sweet enough and silky smooth.
Cream Cheese, Butter, and Powdered Sugar for Frosting: For that signature tangy cream cheese frosting that pairs flawlessly with the cinnamon filling.

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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 how versatile this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is. Once you've nailed the classic version, you can easily experiment with fillings and frostings. Don’t hesitate to interpret it in a way that fits your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch — it adds such a nice texture contrast!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk and butter with your favorite non-dairy milk and vegan butter; I’ve done it, and it turns out wonderfully.
Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a flavor twist that feels extra cozy.
Gluten-Free But Vegan: For an egg-free version, use flax eggs and plant-based milk, and it still bakes up soft and delicious.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dough Like a Pro

Start by whisking together your King Arthur gluten-free bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Warm the milk and water until just warm, about 110°F — not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast. Then, add the liquid along with eggs and melted butter. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment if you have one; it’s much easier. Mix on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth but slightly sticky. This dough doesn’t behave like traditional wheat dough, so don’t expect it to stretch; instead, it will be more batter-like but firm enough to roll out.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set it in a warm spot for about 60-75 minutes. The dough should puff up noticeably—it won’t double in size like typical breads because of the gluten-free flour, but it will get soft and a bit airy. I like to preheat my oven to the lowest setting for a minute, turn it off, and place the bowl inside to create a perfect rising environment. This makes a huge difference!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla bean powder (if using), and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. This part fills your kitchen with the smell of home every time; a real highlight of the process!

Step 4: Roll Out and Shape

Lightly dust your work surface with gluten-free flour, then gently press the dough into a rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them cut-side up in a greased 9x13 pan, giving them a little room to expand.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls, let them rise for another 30 minutes (they’ll puff up and look soft), then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; if they start browning too fast, tent with foil.

Step 6: Frost or Glaze to Finish

While rolls bake, whip up your cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze. Spread or drizzle over warm rolls for the best gooey experience—trust me, warm rolls with cream cheese on top? Unbeatable. Then, dig in!

Top Tip

From my many bakes, I’ve found a few small tweaks that made a huge difference in perfecting these rolls. They’ll set you up for success and keep your kitchen vow-worthy every time.

Flour Matters: Don’t even think about substituting your gluten-free bread flour — it’s the foundation of your soft texture. I learned this the hard way after trying others with less luck.
Warm Liquids: Always test your milk and water temperatures. Too hot? Yeast dies. Too cold? It won’t activate properly, leaving dense rolls.
Don’t Rush Rises: Gluten-free dough behaves differently; it won’t double, but patience results in light, tender rolls.
Slice Evenly: Use a sharp serrated knife or floss to cut your cinnamon roll log cleanly; jagged edges can make rolls misshapen and uneven during baking.

How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

gluten-free cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped pecans over the top for a rustic look and extra crunch. If you want it lighter, just a dusting of powdered sugar or vanilla glaze is perfect.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a simple breakfast spread. I often serve them alongside fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or even a cup of chai tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and drizzle with colored glaze (think light pink from beet juice or pumpkin spice in the fall). You could also bake them in individual ramekins for personal servings — they look adorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, I move them to the fridge to keep them fresh but still soft. Just bring them back to room temp or warm gently before serving.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! I recommend freezing unbaked rolls arranged in the pan (tightly wrapped) or individually wrapped after baking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

I reheat them by warming gently at 300°F for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to avoid drying out. A quick zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel works too if you’re in a rush.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different gluten-free flour instead of King Arthur Bread Flour?

This recipe relies heavily on the specific blend and protein content of King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour to achieve its soft, elastic texture. Substituting with other gluten-free flours often results in a denser or crumbly dough, so it’s best to stick with this brand for the best results.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

Look for golden brown tops and edges that spring back slightly when pressed. You can also insert a toothpick into a center roll—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just bring them to room temperature and bake as directed. This makes for an easy morning prep.

What’s the best way to frost these cinnamon rolls?

I prefer spreading the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the spirals, making each bite even more luscious. If you like less sweetness, try the vanilla glaze for a lighter finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like biting into these soft, gluten-free cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven — their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with that rich cinnamon filling always makes me smile. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your kitchen ritual, whether it’s for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or just a sweet pick-me-up. Give it a try and celebrate gluten-free baking that doesn’t compromise on comfort or flavor!