Fluffy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gluten-free diets have gained popularity over the years, not just among those with gluten intolerances but also among health-conscious individuals. If you think that following a gluten-free diet means sacrificing delicious baked goods, think again! In this guide, we'll teach you how to make fluffy gluten-free cinnamon rolls that are soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re gearing up for a special brunch, a coffee date, or simply craving something sweet, these cinnamon rolls will surely satisfy your taste buds. So, let's get started!

Ingredients

To make your fluffy gluten-free cinnamon rolls, you'll need the following ingredients:

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    • 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • ½ teaspoon salt
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 2 large eggs
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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  • For the icing:
  
  
  
  

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    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 1–2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix the gluten-free all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together until they are well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until a dough begins to form. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal for gluten-free dough. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

2. Knead and Let Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour). Knead the dough gently for about 1-2 minutes until it is smooth. Shape it into a ball and place it back into a greased bowl.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm environment. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the filling ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until you have a spreadable consistency.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it again to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. The exact dimensions aren't critical, but aim for around 10x14 inches.

Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll it.

5. Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, pinch the seams to seal. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each piece should be about 1 inch thick.

6. Second Rise

Place the sliced cinnamon rolls in a greased baking pan; a 9x13 inch pan works well. Ensure they are touching slightly for that perfect fluffy texture. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the second rise is complete, bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them!

Making the Icing

While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls.

Conclusion

Your fluffy gluten-free cinnamon rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Serve them warm for the best taste, and watch as they disappear quickly. Happy baking!