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The Ultimate Gooey Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of warm Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls generously covered in thick caramel icing in a white baking dish.
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Follow these steps to make soft, fluffy, and chewy gluten-free cinnamon rolls using a reliable yeast dough and a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly (for frosting)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (for frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Pour the warm milk into a large bowl. Stir in the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Add the remaining granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix with a sturdy spoon or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has visibly increased in volume. Gluten-free dough may not double like wheat dough.
  6. Prepare filling: While the dough rises, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the 1/4 cup softened butter for spreading.
  7. Shape the rolls: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. Dust a large piece of parchment paper with gluten-free flour. Scrape the dough onto the parchment paper. Gently press or roll the dough into a rough 10×12 inch rectangle.
  8. Fill the dough: Spread the 1/4 cup softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
  9. Roll and cut: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll. Slice the log into 9 equal rolls using a sharp, un-floured knife or unflavored dental floss.
  10. Second rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking pan. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 10 minutes of this rise.
  11. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  12. Make the frosting: While the rolls cool slightly, brown the 1/2 cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it smells nutty and brown bits form at the bottom. Immediately pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  13. Finish frosting: Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cooled brown butter. Beat until smooth. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
  14. Frost and serve: Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best gooey texture.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If your blend does not contain it, add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
  • Browning the butter for the frosting adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon well.
  • If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a solid vegan butter stick and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/gluten-free-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/