There's a special kind of magic in baking, particularly when it comes to making something as traditionally indulgent as cinnamon rolls accessible to those who follow a gluten-free lifestyle. It's about more than just substituting ingredients; it's about reclaiming a piece of something lost and dearly missed. It's about inclusion and the joy of being able to partake in a shared experience, regardless of dietary restrictions. These delicious gluten-free cinnamon rolls are the real deal, light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. They are iced with the perfect cream cheese frosting that includes a secret ingredient. Salt.

In this journey of gluten-free baking, every success, every perfectly soft and gooey cinnamon roll, is a small victory. It's a testament to the resilience and creativity of those who refuse to let a gluten intolerance dictate their culinary landscape. And while the process might sometimes be fraught with challenges, the rewards are sweet indeed.

Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls in Pan Cooked Frosted

Cinnamon rolls, those delightful spirals of dough filled with a sweet and spicy mixture of cinnamon and sugar, have a history that is as rich and layered as the pastry itself. The exact origins of the cinnamon roll are a bit murky, with similar types of sweet, rolled breads appearing in various cultures throughout history. However, it's widely accepted that the cinnamon roll as we know it today has its roots in Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden and Denmark, where it is known as "kanelbulle" and "kanelsnegl," respectively. These countries have embraced the cinnamon roll, making it a staple in cafes and homes, particularly enjoyed during fika, the Swedish coffee break that is a cherished part of daily life.

The traditional Swedish kanelbulle differs slightly from the more heavily iced versions popular in North America. Instead of a thick layer of frosting, these Scandinavian cinnamon rolls are often simply brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar, sometimes pearl sugar, after baking, which gives them a more subtle sweetness and allows the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon to shine through. The affection for cinnamon rolls spread across the globe over time, with each culture adding its twist to the classic recipe. In the United States, the cinnamon roll became synonymous with comfort food, often served as a luxurious breakfast item or a treat to accompany coffee, growing larger and sweeter, crowned with cream cheese or vanilla icing. This evolution reflects not only the adaptability of the cinnamon roll but also its enduring appeal across different cultures and tastes.

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Ingredients
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Fluffy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

The beauty of home baking lies in the personal touch you bring to each recipe. Whether it's a family tradition, a Christmas morning surprise, a personal preference for how much cinnamon to use, or the choice between a simple sugar glaze or a rich cream cheese frosting, these choices make each batch of homemade gluten-free cinnamon rolls uniquely yours.

Pysillum Husks
Warm Water
Sugar
Tapioca Starch
Arrowroot Powder
Millet Flour
Cassava Flour
Instant Yeast
Baking Powder
Xanthan Gum
Salt
Whole Milk
Egg
Unsalted Butter
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Cream Cheese
Heavy Cream

See the recipe card for quantities.

Variations

The variations are endless here. Each of these fillings can transform the traditional fluffy gluten-free cinnamon roll into something new and exciting, allowing you to tailor your baking to seasons, special occasions, or simply your current craving. Experimenting with different fillings not only diversifies the flavors in your baking but also personalizes the experience, making each batch unique.

Cardamom and Sugar: Using ground cardamom instead of cinnamon offers a unique, aromatic twist that's both floral and spicy.
Chocolate and Hazelnut Spread: Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough before rolling.
Almond Paste and Sliced Almonds: Apread almond paste over your dough and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Lemon Curd: Spread lemon curd over the dough before rolling. Try our recipe for gluten-free lemon sweet rolls.
Apple Pie Filling: Mix finely chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a filling that turns your cinnamon roll into an apple pie hybrid. This is especially comforting in the fall.
Raspberry Jam and White Chocolate Chips: Spread raspberry jam over the sought and sprinkle with white chocolate chips for a sweet-tart combination that melts into a creamy texture.
Pumpkin Spice and Brown Sugar: Mix pumpkin puree with pumpkin spice and brown sugar for a festive, fall-inspired roll.
Coconut and Lime: Mix Shredded coconut and sugar with lime zest and lime juice for a tropical twist.

Storage

These will stay delicious in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for two to three days.

Top tip

Pop it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to reheat after being in the refrigerator.

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Fluffy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious gluten-free cinnamon rolls are the real deal, light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. They are iced with the perfect cream cheese frosting that includes a secret ingredient. Salt.

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 40

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Dough

3 tablespoon Psyllium Husks
¾ Cup Warm Water
¼ Cup White Sugar
1 Cup Tapioca Starch
2 tablespoon Arrowroot Powder
1 Cup + 1 tablespoon Millet Flour
3 tablespoon Cassava Flour
2 teaspoon Instant Yeast
1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
1 teaspoon Salt
¾ Cup Warm Whole Milk
1 Large Egg Room Tempature
3 tablespoon Unsalted Melted Butter

Cinnamon Filling

⅓ Cup Melted Butter
⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon Cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

5 tablespoon Cream Cheese, softened
3 tablespoon Unsalted Soft Butter
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 tablespoon Heavy Cream
¼ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

Mix psyllium husks with warm water and let it sit until it forms a gel.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the tapioca flour, millet flour, cassava flour, yeast, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt to the sugar mixture, mixing well.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, add in the psyllium gel, warm milk, egg, and melted butter.
Using the dough hook attachment of a stand mixer, mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides.

Assembling the Rolls

Butter a 14-inch cast iron skillet or round baking dish.
Mix ⅓ cup melted butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the filling.
Roll out the gluten-free dough on a floured surface with a rolling pin, spread the filling evenly, slice into strips with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, and roll each strip.
Arrange the rolls in the cast iron skillet for proofing.

Proofing for Baking

For best results let the dough rise in a warm spot covered with a tea towel until doubled in size, about an hour to an hour and a half, then bake rolls in a preheated 350ºF oven. Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden about 20-25 minutes.