Gluten-Free Christmas Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, Gooey Holiday Treat

These gluten-free Christmas cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon. Their gooey filling and creamy glaze make them an irresistible treat for festive mornings. With a tender texture and an indulgent flavor, they’re crafted to be the centerpiece of your holiday breakfast or brunch, ensuring that everyone - including gluten-free eaters - feels included in the joy of the season.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Festive Comfort: These cinnamon rolls capture the magic of the holiday season with their warm, spiced aroma and gooey texture, making them the perfect comfort food for Christmas morning.
• Diet-Friendly: As they are completely gluten-free, these cinnamon rolls are a treat everyone can enjoy without compromise. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or simply looking for a delicious baked good, these rolls deliver indulgence without missing out on texture or flavor.
• Versatile: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Customize the filling with seasonal ingredients like dried cranberries or a drizzle of caramel, or switch up the glaze to match your holiday mood.

Three Factors That Contribute To The Best Rolls

Soft Dough

The secret to these cinnamon rolls is the carefully blended gluten-free flour mix. A combination of gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, and a touch of xanthan gum, ensures a soft, tender dough that rivals traditional cinnamon rolls.

Rich Filling

The buttery cinnamon-sugar filling melts as it bakes, creating a caramelized, gooey layer. Brown sugar provides a deep molasses flavor, while the cinnamon brings a warming spice that’s essential for the holidays.

Creamy Glaze

The luscious cream cheese glaze (or its dairy-free alternative) is the crowning glory of these rolls. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly smooth, it guarantees every bite is pure decadence.

Ingredient Spotlight: Gluten-Free Flour Blend

Why It Matters

The gluten-free flour blend is the backbone of this recipe. It’s what ensures that these cinnamon rolls have the soft, fluffy texture you expect while remaining safe for gluten-free eaters.

Benefits of a Good Flour Blend

1. Structure: Xanthan gum provides elasticity and helps mimic the stretchiness of gluten.
2. Lightness: A balanced blend prevents the rolls from being too dense.
3. Flavor: A well-formulated mix contributes to a neutral base that allows the cinnamon and sugar to shine.

When choosing a blend, look for one with xanthan or guar gum already included to save time and effort.

Ingredient Notes

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Opt for a high-quality blend with xanthan gum for the best results.
• Instant Yeast: This yeast type is quick and reliable, reducing rising time while still delivering a fluffy texture.
• Whole Milk or Dairy-Free Alternative: Either works beautifully to add richness to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter or Vegan Butter: Vital for a tender dough and indulgent filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like depth to the filling.
• Cream Cheese (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Forms the base of the creamy glaze, giving it that signature tangy sweetness.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Tips

• Temperature Check: Ensure the milk is warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Tight Rolls: Roll the dough tightly to ensure the layers hold together and bake evenly.
• Clean Cuts: Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife to slice the rolls without squishing them.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for crunch.
• Fruit Fillings: Dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dates add a festive touch.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the glaze for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Pro Tip

Roll the dough out evenly to about ¼ inch thick, ensuring uniform layers for even baking. When cutting the rolls, aim for pieces about 1.5 inches wide to achieve the perfect balance of dough, filling, and glaze.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Warm and Cozy

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, with the glaze melting into the layers. Pair them with a steaming mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or even spiced apple cider for the ultimate holiday morning experience.

Festive Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Top with crushed peppermint for a whimsical holiday twist.

Balanced Spread

Pair the rolls with a fresh fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast to their sweetness. For a savory balance, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a holiday ham.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Hot coffee, chai tea, or mulled wine complement the warm spices in the rolls.
• Sides: A tangy yogurt parfait or crisp green salad can offset the richness of the rolls.
• Desserts: If serving these rolls as part of a dessert spread, pair them with lighter options like meringues or fruit sorbet.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Place leftover rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezer

If you’d like to prepare these in advance, freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling them. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.

Reheating Tip

For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat rolls in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or until warm.

My Favorite Tools To Make This Dessert

• Stand Mixer: Ideal for kneading the gluten-free dough, ensuring it’s smooth and pliable.
• Rolling Pin: A must for evenly rolling out the dough.
• 9x13 Baking Dish: Provides enough space for the rolls to expand as they bake.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for spreading butter evenly over the dough before sprinkling the filling.
• Thermometer: Ensures your milk is at the optimal temperature for activating the yeast.