Who says you can’t enjoy delicious, fluffy cinnamon rolls when you’re living gluten-free? Our gluten-free cinnamon roll buns recipe is here to prove that you can have your cake (or roll) and eat it too! We’ve crafted a recipe that’s not only gluten-free but also allows for alternative sweeteners, making it a perfect treat for those watching their sugar intake. Let’s roll into the world of heavenly, guilt-free cinnamon buns!
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Joy of Gluten-Free Baking
- Understanding Gluten-Free Flour Blends
- Ingredients: Quality is Key
- The Science of Sweetness: Alternative Sweeteners
- Step-by-Step Recipe
- Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Gluten-Free Buns
- Variations and Add-ins
- Serving and Storing
- Nutritional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Embracing Gluten-Free Delights
Introduction: The Joy of Gluten-Free Baking
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat, but for those avoiding gluten, they often seem out of reach. Our gluten-free cinnamon roll buns recipe changes that narrative. We’ve combined the perfect blend of gluten-free flours with the right techniques to create rolls that are just as fluffy and delicious as their gluten-containing counterparts. Plus, with our tips on using alternative sweeteners, you can enjoy these treats without worrying about sugar spikes.
If you’re curious about the science behind creating gluten-free baked goods that rival traditional recipes, check out our article on the science behind gluten-free buns. It’s fascinating stuff!
Understanding Gluten-Free Flour Blends
The key to successful gluten-free baking lies in using the right flour blend. For our gluten-free cinnamon roll buns recipe, we recommend a mix of:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- 1 cup potato starch
- 1/2 cup almond flour
This blend provides the right balance of structure, texture, and flavor. For more information on creating the perfect gluten-free flour blend, take a look at our guide to the best gluten-free flour blends for perfectly fluffy buns.
Ingredients: Quality is Key
The dough:
- 4 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (as described above)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 cup warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup alternative sweetener (more on this below)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
The filling:
- 1/3 cup softened butter or coconut oil
- 1/3 cup alternative sweetener
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
The glaze:
- 1 cup powdered alternative sweetener
- 2-3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
The Science of Sweetness: Alternative Sweeteners
Using alternative sweeteners in our gluten-free cinnamon roll buns recipe not only makes them suitable for those watching their sugar intake but also adds unique flavors. Here are some options:
- Stevia: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener. Use about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of pure stevia powder to replace 1/4 cup of sugar.
- Monk Fruit: Another natural, zero-calorie option. Use a 1:1 ratio for sugar replacement.
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol with 6% of the calories of sugar. Use a 1:1 ratio, but you may need to add more liquid to your recipe.
- Xylitol: Another sugar alcohol, use a 1:1 ratio but be aware it can cause digestive discomfort in some people.
Remember, these sweeteners can affect the texture and browning of your buns differently than sugar, so you may need to adjust baking times slightly.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Now, let’s bake some incredible gluten-free cinnamon roll buns!
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the gluten-free flour blend, salt, and xanthan gum.
- Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and remaining sweetener to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- On a gluten-free floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sweetener mixture.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered alternative sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with glaze.
Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Gluten-Free Buns
- Don’t overmix: Gluten-free dough can become gummy if overmixed.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and better rising.
- Let it rise: Gluten-free dough needs time to develop structure.
- Add moisture: Gluten-free baked goods can dry out quickly. A pan of water in the oven can help.
- Check early: Gluten-free baked goods often cook faster than their gluten-containing counterparts.
Variations and Add-ins
Feel free to experiment with your gluten-free cinnamon roll buns recipe. Try these tasty variations:
- Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/2 cup of milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice to the filling.
Serving and Storing
Serve these gluten-free cinnamon roll buns warm for the best experience. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per roll (based on 12 servings, using erythritol as the sweetener):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Net Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these dairy-free? Yes! Use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- How can I make the rolls softer? Adding 1/4 cup of apple sauce to the dough can help keep them moist and soft.
- Can I prepare these the night before? Yes, you can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake in the morning. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Why didn’t my rolls rise? Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. Also, gluten-free dough often doesn’t rise as much as regular dough, but it will puff up during baking.
Conclusion: Embracing Gluten-Free Delights
Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of making delicious gluten-free cinnamon roll buns. These sweet, fluffy treats prove that a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean missing out on your favorite indulgences. With the right blend of flours and some baking know-how, you can create cinnamon rolls that rival any gluten-containing version.
Remember, gluten-free baking is as much an art as it is a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. With practice, you’ll be whipping up perfect gluten-free cinnamon roll buns in no time.
Happy baking, and enjoy your guilt-free cinnamon roll buns!
Discover the health benefits of cinnamon (Healthline)
Explore the nutritional benefits of almond flour (USDA FoodData Central)