Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls are what every breakfast table dreams about… but honestly? Tracking down a recipe that actually tastes fluffy (not gritty or dry), that’s a different level of struggle. I remember staring into bakery windows, watching those gooey swirls taunt me, thinking, “Why is it so hard to find something I can ACTUALLY eat?” Well, those days are over now. After way too many weird experiments, I’m finally sharing my go-to gluten-free dairy-free cinnamon rolls! If you want to geek out even more, check out this Gluten-Free Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for a tangy twist, or try a fun take with this Apple Cinnamon Sweet Gluten-Free Bread that practically tastes like dessert for breakfast.
What to expect from this gluten free cinnamon roll recipe
Alright, let’s get real. Don’t expect a dry, crumbly situation here. These gluten free cinnamon rolls? They’re fluffy, soft, and shockingly close to “real deal” rolls. I’m not kidding when I say there’s serious pillow-like texture. This isn’t that sad “gluten free and dairy free cardboard bread” from your supermarket’s freezer.
The swirl? Gooey, sticky, cinnamon-packed, and seriously aromatic. Like, I-want-to-stick-my-face-in-the-pan levels of cinnamon. The tops bake up golden with just a bit of caramelized crunch, while the center stays tender and pull-apart dreamy.
Bake ‘em fresh, and you’ll never miss the gluten or the dairy. My cousin, who is extremely suspicious of “anything free”, asked for seconds. Yeah, that’s how good they are.
“Hands down, the best cinnamon rolls I’ve had since giving up wheat. My kids scarfed them down and my picky husband didn’t realize they were gluten free and dairy free until I told him!” — Real comment from my questionable text thread
Flour mix for gluten free cinnamon rolls
Okay, so I’ll just say it: the flour blend makes or breaks your cinnamon rolls. Don’t settle for just rice flour (unless you like sadness). I mix together a reliable gluten-free all-purpose blend with a bit of extra tapioca starch for softness. If you can find a mix with xanthan gum in it, bonus — it helps everything stick together.
Some people toss in sorghum for “bread flavor”. I’m not mad at it, just saying my own preference leans toward a blend that doesn’t taste like a farm. Best tip? Sift your flours. No one likes lumps.
Just as a fun fact, if you’re geeking out on the science, check out this Science Gluten Free Dairy Free Bread. It’s wild how much the right mix changes everything. In short, a good flour blend means you get soft, bendy dough and zero grit.
Tips for making the BEST gluten free cinnamon rolls
Here’s my non-negotiables, learned the hard way after too many “meh” batches. Gluten free cinnamon rolls can turn out tough if you mess up a step — so keep these in mind:
• Let the dough rest. Sounds boring but seriously, it lets the flour hydrate and gives you the soft texture you’re craving.
• Use parchment paper to roll up your dough. Game changer. No sticky messes, less swearing.
• Warm your milk (dairy-free milk, obviously) before mixing. Helps the yeast, you know?
• Don’t overbake. That’s the fastest way to lose the gooey magic.
Not to mention, if you want to branch out or troubleshoot, the Troubleshooting Gluten Free Dairy Free Bread is a life saver. It’s shocking what a difference the tiniest detail makes.
Baking pan sizes for gluten free cinnamon roll dough
Let’s talk pans. Use a pan that lets the rolls touch while they bake, but not so tight they’re squished before they even go in the oven. I get the best results with a glass or metal 9×9 inch dish. Sometimes I use a round cake pan if I’m feeling fancy, but honestly? Even a rectangular dish does the job.
Don’t use a huge pan unless you’re doubling the dough, or you’ll end up with sad, dry rolls sitting all alone. Small muffin tins also work, by the way, if you like your cinnamon rolls as individuals.
Important thing? Grease that pan well. Coconut oil spray, vegan butter — whatever fits your diet. You’ll thank me when it’s time to get those rolls out.
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls FAQs
You probably have questions — I know I did (and even after baking 50+ trays I still do).
That’s normal. Gluten free dough isn’t like regular dough. If it’s impossible to shape, just chill it for 10 minutes.
Definitely! Just cover and chill before baking. In fact, letting them rise overnight is perfect for holidays.
Almond or oat milk have the best flavor for me. Soy works too, but it’s stronger. Avoid rice milk, makes the dough a tad gummy.
Oh, absolutely. Bake, cool, and freeze. Rewarm in the microwave for that just-baked smell.
You might like peeking at this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Bagel recipe or treat yourself to incredible Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread Yeast-Free — both are totally doable in real life.
Your weekend just got so much sweeter
If you ever thought gluten-free dairy-free cinnamon rolls weren’t worth the fuss, trust me, just try this once. It’s a whole situation: the smell, the sticky fingers, the “how are these THIS good?” gasps around the table. If you crave more treats, check out The Ultimate Gluten Free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls from The Loopy Whisk for another solid take, or dig into Indian cinnamon roll variations at The Loopy Whisk. And if you’re still hungry, the Best Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread and entire category of gluten-free bread recipes on NoGluBread will absolutely inspire your kitchen. Get cozy, make a batch, and invite someone over — because fresh cinnamon rolls make everything better.
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Fluffy and gooey gluten-free dairy-free cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress every breakfast lover.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine the gluten-free flour blend and tapioca starch in a bowl. Sift to remove lumps.
- In a separate bowl, warm the almond milk and add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and yeast. Let it activate for 5-10 minutes.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough between parchment paper into a rectangle.
- Spread a thin layer of coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log and slice into rounds.
- Place cinnamon roll rounds in a greased baking dish and cover to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
Best served fresh. Leftovers can be wrapped and stored in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free