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 (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)

Nothing beats the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls first thing in the morning. That's why I'm so excited to share this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that’s fluffy, tender, and absolutely bursting with cinnamon-y goodness — and yes, completely gluten-free!

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

This Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has quickly become my go-to when I want a treat that feels indulgent but is free from gluten. I can’t tell you how many times I have whipped up a batch on weekends to share with family — they disappear fast!

Fluffy & Soft Texture: Unlike many gluten-free baked goods, this recipe delivers rolls that are light and tender, not dense or crumbly.
Reliable Ingredients: Using King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour ensures you get consistent, great results every time — no guessing games here.
Rich Cinnamon Filling: The brown sugar and cinnamon mix fills these rolls with just the right amount of sweet spice that you’ll crave.
Options for Frosting or Glaze: Whether you want creamy cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze, this recipe lets you choose your favorite finishing touch.

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 ingredient in this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has a purpose, blending together to create dough that's easy to work with and tastes incredible. The flour choice is a serious game-changer, and I love using real butter for richness.

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 specially crafted for gluten-free bread baking, making it perfect for soft, airy rolls. Avoid substitutions unless you want to experiment!
Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and helps with yeast activation.
Instant Yeast: Responsible for that beautiful rise. I always make sure this is fresh for the best results.
Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and controls yeast activity.
Baking Powder: Gives a tiny lift, ensuring softness.
Warm Whole Milk & Warm Water: Liquids activate the yeast and provide moisture — warming them just right is key (about body temperature).
Eggs (Room Temperature): Help with structure and richness; I always take them out of the fridge early to warm up.
Melted Salted Butter: Incorporated into the dough for tenderness and flavor.
Very Soft Butter: Used in the filling, adds that irresistible richness.
Brown Sugar: Gives the filling a deep sweetness and slight caramel note.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice — fresh cinnamon makes all the difference for aroma.
Optional Vanilla Bean Powder: Adds subtle complexity in flavor if you have it on hand.
Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream & Vanilla Extract: Combine for the glaze, which you can adjust to your preferred thickness.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese & Butter: Create the luscious frosting that pairs so well with these rolls.

📝

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 adaptable this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is. Sometimes I add chopped pecans inside for crunch, or swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze when I'm feeling nostalgic.

Nutty Variation: Toss in toasted walnuts or pecans with the cinnamon sugar for an added texture boost — it’s one of my favorite tweaks that everyone raves about.
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap the butter and cream cheese for vegan alternatives; just keep an eye on dough softness since those behave differently.
Vanilla Bean Boost: If you have vanilla bean powder, adding a half teaspoon enhances the dough’s aroma beautifully.
Glaze or Frosting: Depending on the occasion, a lighter glaze keeps it simple, but the cream cheese frosting makes it feel like a celebration.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dough – Get Your Hands Cozy

Start by combining the gluten-free bread flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Then add your warm milk, water, eggs, and melted butter. I like using a stand mixer with a dough hook — it helps develop that lovely stretch we want without overworking. The dough will be a bit sticky, which is totally normal for gluten-free recipes. Cover and let it rest for about an hour — during this time, you’ll notice it puff up slightly, which is a beautiful sign!

Step 2: Roll it Out and Layer Your Filling

Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface (I use extra King Arthur flour here) and gently roll it into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches. Spread the very soft butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mix on top. If you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of vanilla bean powder to the filling — it’s subtle but unforgettable.

Step 3: Roll Up & Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp, un-serrated knife or dental floss, slice it into 12 even rolls. Don’t rush this part—get nice even cuts to help the rolls cook uniformly.

Step 4: Proof and Bake to Perfection

Place the rolls in a greased pan, leave a bit of space, cover loosely with a towel, and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The smell is absolutely intoxicating here!

Top Tip

Through my many attempts, a few things really helped the softness and flavor of these gluten-free cinnamon rolls stand out. Trust me, these tips will save you time and keep your rolls irresistibly tender.

Use the Right Flour: I’ve tried substitutes, but King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour gives the fluffiest, most reliable dough every time.
Monitor Liquid Temperature: Warming milk and water but not overheating keeps yeast happy and dough perfectly risen.
Don’t Skip Proofing Twice: The two rises are key for softness and that classic cinnamon roll texture — be patient, it’s worth it!
Frost While Warm: Spreading cream cheese frosting while rolls are warm makes it luscious and melts into every swirl.

How to Serve Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

gluten-free cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I love a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of cream cheese frosting. Fresh fruit like raspberries on the side adds a nice tart contrast and makes it feel a bit fancy without a fuss.

Side Dishes

I often serve these cinnamon rolls with a cup of rich coffee or hot chai tea. For a brunch spread, they’re wonderful alongside fresh fruit salad or simple scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I arrange the cinnamon rolls in a circular cake pan and drizzle the frosting in a spiral for a beautiful “cinnamon roll wreath.” You can also top with edible flowers or colorful berries for seasonal flair — everyone notices the effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. I usually place them in a single layer with parchment paper between if stacking to prevent sticking. After that, they’re still good refrigerated for up to 5 days, but always bring them back to room temp with a few seconds in the microwave for soft texture.

Freezing

I love freezing these rolls after they’re baked but unfrosted. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven — just like fresh!

Reheating

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm several in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10 minutes to keep them soft. Add frosting or glaze after warming for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different gluten-free flour for this recipe?

For the best texture and rise, I highly recommend sticking with King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour. Other blends might differ in protein content and moisture absorption, which can affect softness and dough handling.

How do I make sure my cinnamon rolls turn out soft and not dry?

Follow the proofing times carefully and avoid overbaking. Using room temperature eggs and warm liquids helps the dough rise well. Don’t skip the second rise, which is crucial to keeping the rolls fluffy.

Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before baking?

Absolutely! After rolling and slicing the dough, cover and refrigerate the rolls overnight. They’ll continue to slowly rise, and you can bake them fresh the next morning — convenience without compromise.

What’s the best frosting option for this Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

The cream cheese frosting is my favorite for its tangy richness, but a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract is a lighter alternative that still adds sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has honestly brightened my weekends more times than I can count. The joy of pulling warm rolls fresh from the oven, frosting them, and sharing with loved ones is incomparable. You’ll appreciate how approachable it is — gluten-free baking doesn’t have to be intimidating! I can’t wait for you to try these and make your kitchen smell like heaven.