There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. But if you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle, finding a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth version might feel impossible. The good news? It’s not! I’m about to show you how to make perfectly soft and fluffy gluten-free cinnamon rolls, topped with an irresistibly creamy almond milk icing that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a gluten-free newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds.
What Makes Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Different?
When you’re baking without gluten, it’s a whole different ballgame. Gluten is the magic ingredient that gives traditional cinnamon rolls their stretchy, soft texture. But don’t worry, with the right combination of gluten-free flours and a few smart tricks, you can still get that light, fluffy texture you’re craving.
Why Gluten-Free Baking Can Be Tricky
The absence of gluten makes it challenging to achieve the same texture as wheat-based rolls. Gluten provides structure and elasticity, so gluten-free dough can be crumbly or dense if not done right. That’s why we’re using a mix of gluten-free flours, like rice flour and tapioca starch, and a good binder (like xanthan gum) to mimic that structure.
Helpful Hint:
If your dough seems too sticky, don’t worry! Gluten-free dough is often stickier than traditional dough. Dust your hands with a little extra gluten-free flour to make it easier to handle.
How to Make Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Making fluffy cinnamon rolls from scratch isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, especially with a gluten-free twist. I’ll walk you through the steps, and by the end of this, you’ll have soft, tender rolls ready to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Tapioca starch
- Almond milk
- Dry yeast
- Maple syrup or sugar
- Xanthan gum
- Cinnamon
- Coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- Butter (or vegan butter)
- Vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to create these perfect gluten-free cinnamon rolls:
- Start by warming your almond milk. You want it warm to the touch but not too hot, around 110°F. This will help activate the yeast.
- Add the yeast and maple syrup (or sugar) to the warm almond milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. This is how you know your yeast is working.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your gluten-free flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to form a rectangle. Spread a layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon and coconut sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into even rolls (about 1-inch thick).
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Making Almond Milk Icing
No cinnamon roll is complete without a drizzle of sweet icing. The almond milk icing is creamy and balances the warm spiciness of the cinnamon. Best part? It’s super simple to whip up!
Ingredients for the Icing
- Powdered sugar
- Almond milk
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of almond milk until you reach a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Drizzle the icing over your warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls with Almond Milk Icing
Prep Time: 1 hr | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 1 hr 25 min
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm almond milk to 110°F. Add yeast and maple syrup, and let it froth.
- Mix flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum in a bowl.
- Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix to form a dough.
- Let the dough rise for an hour, then roll out and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll up, slice, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Helpful Hint:
For a richer icing, try adding a tablespoon of melted vegan butter to your almond milk icing mix. It gives the icing a creamier texture and a deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Alternatives
| Alternative Filling | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Chopped Apples & Cinnamon | Replace the sugar filling with finely chopped apples tossed in cinnamon for a fruity twist. |
| Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread | Spread a thin layer of dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread before rolling up the dough for a sweet, nutty flavor. |
| Pumpkin & Spice | Use a spiced pumpkin puree to fill the rolls for a fall-inspired variation that’s cozy and rich. |
| Maple Pecan | Add a mixture of chopped pecans and maple syrup to the filling for a sticky, crunchy texture. |
Can You Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to save some time, you can make these gluten-free cinnamon rolls ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them. There are two options depending on your schedule and preference: prepping them the night before or freezing them for longer storage.
How to Prepare the Night Before
If you want freshly baked cinnamon rolls first thing in the morning, here’s what you do:
- Follow the recipe as usual until you’ve placed the sliced rolls into the greased baking dish.
- Instead of letting them rise again at room temperature, cover them tightly and place them in the fridge overnight.
- In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Helpful Hint:
If you’re making these the night before, you can prep the almond milk icing ahead of time too. Just store it in the fridge, and give it a good stir before drizzling it on the fresh-baked rolls.
Can You Freeze Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, freezing is a great option if you want to have cinnamon rolls on hand for whenever the craving strikes. Follow these simple steps:
- After cutting the dough into rolls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours).
- Transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months.
- When you’re ready to bake, let the rolls thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bring them to room temperature and bake as directed.
Freezing allows you to prepare a big batch of gluten-free cinnamon rolls and enjoy them whenever you want, without the hassle of making the dough from scratch every time.
What Makes Almond Milk Icing a Perfect Match?
The almond milk icing is a game-changer. It’s light, smooth, and perfectly complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the cinnamon rolls. Plus, it’s a great dairy-free alternative that works well for those who need to avoid dairy or are looking for a plant-based option.
Why Choose Almond Milk Over Regular Milk?
Almond milk has a slightly nutty flavor that adds depth to the icing, while also keeping it light and not overly rich. For those who follow a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, it’s an excellent option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Plus, it’s easy to make or find in stores!
If you prefer a thicker, creamier icing, you can adjust the amount of almond milk to your liking. A little less almond milk will give you a thicker glaze, while more will create a thinner drizzle.
Gluten-Free Flour Options for Cinnamon Rolls
Choosing the right gluten-free flour is crucial for the texture of your cinnamon rolls. While you can use a pre-made gluten-free flour blend, knowing the components that make up a good blend can help you get that perfect consistency.
Which Gluten-Free Flours Work Best?
- Rice Flour: Rice flour is a staple in gluten-free baking. It’s neutral in flavor and helps create a light, airy texture in baked goods.
- Tapioca Starch: Tapioca starch helps to give the dough some chewiness and flexibility, mimicking the role of gluten.
- Almond Flour: Almond flour can be added to give the rolls a more tender texture, though it’s not essential for this recipe.
When combined, these flours work together to create a dough that’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold its shape during rising and baking.
Can You Substitute Other Gluten-Free Flours?
If you don’t have one of the flours listed above, don’t worry. Here are some alternatives that you can try:
- Sorghum Flour: Sorghum flour can replace rice flour for a similar light texture but adds a bit more flavor.
- Potato Starch: This can be used in place of tapioca starch if needed, though the rolls may turn out slightly denser.
- Oat Flour: Gluten-free oat flour can be used for a heartier texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Can You Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls?
If you’re vegan or dairy-free, it’s easy to adapt this recipe to fit your needs. Here’s how you can make these cinnamon rolls completely vegan:
Simple Vegan Substitutions
- Butter: Replace regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Both work well in this recipe, though vegan butter will give you a closer match to the traditional buttery flavor.
- Milk: Swap out the almond milk with any other plant-based milk, like oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. All will provide a creamy texture for the dough and icing.
With these simple swaps, you’ll have a batch of vegan cinnamon rolls that’s just as fluffy and delicious as the original version.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
There are a few tricks that can take your gluten-free cinnamon rolls from good to perfect. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
How to Get the Dough to Rise Properly
Gluten-free dough can sometimes struggle to rise because it lacks the gluten structure that helps trap air. Here’s how to get the best rise:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast won’t rise properly, leading to dense cinnamon rolls.
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in the oven with the light on or next to a warm window.
How to Prevent Dry Rolls
Gluten-free baked goods can dry out quickly if you’re not careful. Here’s how to keep your cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy:
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake and take them out when they’re just golden brown.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or almond milk before baking to keep the dough moist.
Helpful Hint:
If you live in a dry climate, try adding a pan of water to the oven while the rolls bake. This will create steam and help keep the rolls from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up
Gluten-free baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these fluffy gluten-free cinnamon rolls prove that you can enjoy delicious, tender baked goods without gluten. With their soft texture, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a drizzle of almond milk icing, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast or a special treat, they’re perfect for anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle.
By using simple ingredients and following some key baking tips, you can achieve rolls that are just as soft and flavorful as their gluten-filled counterparts. Keep experimenting with different flour combinations and feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. The next time you’re craving cinnamon rolls, you won’t have to miss out—these gluten-free cinnamon rolls are the perfect solution.