Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey, Bakery-Style)

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C — not hot!)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg (room temperature)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

2. Add in warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.

3. Mix with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Gluten-free dough will be sticky and softer than wheat dough — totally normal.

4. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes (this helps hydrate the flour).

2. Roll Out the Dough

1. Lay a large piece of parchment paper on your counter.

2. Sprinkle lightly with gluten-free flour.

3. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and pat or roll it into a rectangle (about 10×14 inches).

3. Add the Filling

1. Spread the softened butter over the dough.

2. Mix the brown sugar + cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the top.

4. Roll + Slice

1. Use the parchment paper to help roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.

2. Using a sharp knife or floss, cut into 9–12 rolls.

3. Place them into a greased baking dish.

5. Rise

• Let the rolls rise in a warm spot for 25–35 minutes.
  (Gluten-free dough won’t double, but it will puff slightly.)

6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake rolls for 22–26 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

7. Make the Icing

Beat together:

• cream cheese

• butter

• powdered sugar

• vanilla

• a splash of milk

Mix until smooth, creamy, and irresistible.

8. Frost + Serve

Smear the icing on the warm rolls (the best part).
Eat immediately. Close your eyes. Enjoy life.

ENJOY