As someone who is gluten free and allergic to almonds it is so important to me to provide easy gluten free recipes without tree nuts. When I first went gluten free, it was so hard to find easy breakfast recipes that catered to more than one food allergy or restriction. After that, I was determined to make sure every single one of my recipes catered to people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or food allergies! These gluten free cinnamon rolls are gluten free and nut free. They are perfect for anyone with celiac disease.
These are the best gluten-free cinnamon rolls! This gluten free cinnamon rolls recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or a fun breakfast option. The minimal prep time means you can have a delicious treat ready in no time, just like my gluten free pineapple crisp! Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a satisfying dessert, or grab one at room temperature for a grab-and-go breakfast on busy mornings.
why you’ll love this allergy friendly recipe
- This recipe uses no yeast! No instant yeast, active dry yeast or yeast mixture!
- Versatile: Enjoy warm cinnamon buns for dessert or at room temperature for breakfast.
- It offers the taste and textural delight of a classic cinnamon roll but in a much simpler and quicker form.
- The minimal prep work and short baking time make it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a sweet treat without a huge investment of time.
- Portable: Easy to grab and go for a busy morning.
- The combination of warm cinnamon spice and bursts of sweet jam filling creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
- You can choose any jam flavor you love for the filling of these gluten free cinnamon rolls – strawberry, raspberry, apricot, mixed berry – the possibilities are endless!
- Fun for kids: They can help roll out the dough and choose the jam.
- Perfect gluten free breakfast for christmas morning.
- These are smaller than regular cinnamon rolls or traditional cinnamon rolls. Think mini fluffy cinnamon rolls!
- These pinwheels are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re bite-sized and visually appealing, making them a delightful treat for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying with loved ones.
- They’re fantastic for meal prepping. Portion them out into individual containers for a ready-made grab-and-go breakfast or anytime snack throughout the week. This helps with portion control and ensures you have a healthy and delicious option on hand when you’re short on time.
ingredients & substitutions
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: This is the main dry ingredient in the homemade gluten free cinnamon rolls. It provides structure to the dough. Use any gluten free all purpose flour blends that contains a binder like xanthan gum, guar gum, or psyllium husk. I like to use one that has rice flour. Skip any that contain wheat flour. I like to use bob’s red mill gluten free flour which is available at any local grocery stores.
Nonfat Yogurt: This adds moisture and fat to the dough. You can use full-fat yogurt for a richer taste. Use dairy free yogurt for a dairy free recipe. You can also experiment with flavored yogurts. Use a fruit flavor that matches the jam you use for a fun berry flavored cinnamon roll. Try a chocolate or vanilla flavor for a decedent dessert twist.
Baking Soda: This makes the gluten free cinnamon rolls rise. No substitute recommended.
Cinnamon: This adds warm spice flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
Brown Sugar: for a sweeter taste. Use approx 1/8-1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar or powdered sugar.
Salt (optional): A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor. Skip it if desired.
Jam: This is the sweet filling for the gluten free cinnamon rolls. Use your favorite flavor!
taste & texture
These gluten-free jam pinwheels offer a delightful textural contrast. The dough itself has a slight crumbliness, similar to a shortbread cookie, but becomes soft and slightly chewy when baked. While gluten-free flour blends can sometimes result in a denser texture compared to traditional wheat flour, these pinwheels remain light and enjoyable.
The star of the gluten free cinnamon rolls show is the jam filling. Its sweetness bursts through in every bite, complementing the warm spice of the cinnamon. The jam creates a gooey center that contrasts perfectly with the soft dough, adding a delightful textural surprise. Imagine a soft, slightly crumbly cookie wrapped around a burst of sweet, fruity jam – that’s the essence of these gluten-free jam pinwheels.
directions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and optional salt (dry ingredients). Add in the yogurt (wet ingredients). Stir well until a soft dough forms. You can also add to a bowl of a stand mixer and use the stand mixers to combine. Mix on medium speed as to not overmix.
- Roll it Out: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the gluten-free dough into a large rectangle using a rolling pin. Roll to approx 1/4-inch thickness.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the entire cinnamon roll dough rectangle.
- Double the Swirl: Carefully begin rolling the dough up from a long edge, like a jelly roll. Once rolled, gently lift and place rolls lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolled dough for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Optional Drizzle: While the gluten free cinnamon rolls are still warm, you can drizzle them with additional raspberry jam for a glossy finish.
recipe variations
- Use a fruit flavor yogurt that matches the jam you use for a fun berry flavored cinnamon roll.
- Try a chocolate or vanilla flavored yogurt for a decedent dessert twist.
- Use a dairy free or vegan yogurt for a dairy free or vegan recipe.
- If you are not gluten free you can use regular wheat flour.
- Make your own icing on top by combining 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a richer icing) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Create your own peanut butter icing by combining 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter), 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2-3 cups powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a richer icing)!
expert tips & tricks
- For best results, don’t overmix the dough. Just make sure everything is well combined. Overmixing can make the gluten free cinnamon rolls tough.
- Chill time (optional): For a cleaner cut and easier rolling, consider chilling the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Flour your surface: A well-floured surface prevents sticking and makes rolling out the dough easier.
- Even spread: Aim for a thin, even layer of jam to ensure all bites have the perfect amount of filling.
- Tight roll: Roll the dough up snugly to create defined swirls. Pinching the seam helps prevent the jam from leaking out.
- Control the bake: Keep an eye on the gluten free cinnamon rolls during baking. Take them out when lightly golden brown to avoid drying out.
- Prepare a cream cheese frosting to use on top! You can also eat it right out of the oven, still warm topped with vegan butter.
- Line the baking dish or baking sheet with a large piece of parchment paper to create an easy clean up.
serving, storing and meal prepping
Once cool, slice the gluten free cinnamon rolls into individual pieces and enjoy! Once these delightful pinwheels are cool to the touch, slice them into rounds for a perfect serving size. Enjoy them as is, or for an extra decadent treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Store leftover gluten free cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or covered with a sheet of plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place the cooled pinwheels in a single layer inside the container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a great option for a grab-and-go snack throughout the week. Warm in the microwave the next morning for the best cinnamon rolls breakfast!
If you’re looking to extend their shelf life even further, the freezer is your savior! Let the pinwheels cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped pinwheels in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen gluten free cinnamon rolls, there are two easy ways to reheat it. The first option is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thaw will ensure the dough retains its texture and the jam filling stays delicious.
The second option is for those times when you need a quicker solution. You can reheat a frozen gluten free cinnamon rolls directly in the microwave. However, to avoid any uneven heating or drying out the dough, use the defrost setting on low power and heat it in short bursts, checking on it frequently until warmed through.
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for meal prepping! Once baked and cooled, slice them into rounds and portion them out into individual containers. This way, you’ll have a ready-made, grab-and-go breakfast or snack throughout the week. They’re perfect for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, and the individual portions help you control your portion size.
Looking for more allergy friendly easy recipe?
If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes plus a weekly grocery shopping list. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along!
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1 cup plain fat free yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Pinch salt optional
- 6 tablespoons jam
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and optional salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the nonfat yogurt to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring everything together.
- Roll it Out: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the Jam: Evenly spread your favorite jam over the entire surface of the dough rectangle.
- Double Roll Up: Starting from a long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed to secure it.
- Bake it Up: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough rolls in a greased small baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Nutrition
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