Gluten free cinnamon roll cookies are an indulgent delight that bring comfort and joy. These chewy cookies showcase warm cinnamon flavors and a creamy frosting, making them perfect for family gatherings or quiet afternoons at home. Easy to make and totally satisfying, they’re a must-try for any cookie lover!
Table of Contents
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Chewy Delight
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These gluten free cinnamon roll cookies are not just any cookies; they’re chewy, with crisp edges filled with pockets of cinnamon goodness. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping dietary restrictions in mind. Plus, they’re kid-approved and great for meal prep!
Understanding the Texture and Flavor
Imagine biting into a warm cookie, with a gentle crunch on the outside and a soft, chewy center. The cinnamon filling adds an irresistible sweetness, and the cream cheese frosting drizzled on top takes it over the top with a creamy finish. Each bite is a delightful experience!
Gathering Your Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Crafting Your Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling and Freezing
Start by preparing the cinnamon filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for about 30 seconds until well combined. Scoop this filling into ½ to 1 teaspoon-sized balls and place them on a plate to freeze while you prepare the cookie dough.
Making the Cookie Dough
In a separate bowl, cream the room-temperature butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer. Mix for about 30 seconds until creamy, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Gradually add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, folding them in until just combined.
Assembling the Cookies
Once the dough is ready, fold in half of the frozen cinnamon filling balls. Scoop the dough into 12 cookies, using about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons for each. Press the remaining cinnamon filling balls onto the tops of these dough balls to create a delightful surprise in every cookie.
Chilling the Dough for Success
Place all the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for 1 hour. This step is crucial for preventing excessive spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies hold their shape while becoming deliciously chewy!
Baking and Shaping Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While waiting, whisk together the white sugar and cinnamon for the coating. After chilling, roll the dough balls in this mixture and arrange them on the baking sheet, ensuring no more than 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, with 14 minutes being optimal. When they come out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently shape them into perfect circles while warm.
Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting
For the frosting, whisk together cream cheese, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle this velvety frosting over the tops for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies
The Importance of Chilling
Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Measuring Flour Correctly
Always spoon and level your flour to ensure accurate measurements. This helps in achieving the perfect dough consistency.
Butter Temperature Matters
Using room-temperature butter is key. If you need to soften it quickly, microwave it for just 20-25 seconds, ensuring it’s soft but not melted.
Achieving Even Spreading
Placing the cinnamon filling on top of the dough balls encourages even spreading during baking, creating those delightful pockets of flavor.
Shaping Warm Cookies
Use a round cookie cutter immediately after baking to shape your cookies while they’re still warm. They will set perfectly once cooled.
Baking Sheet Spacing
Be mindful of spacing on your baking sheet. Arrange no more than 6 cookies per sheet to allow enough room for spreading.
Storing and Freezing Your Cookies
Room Temperature Storage
Store your gluten free cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Unbaked Dough
If you’d like to prepare ahead, after chilling the dough for 1 hour, scoop the dough balls and place them in a ziplock bag. Freeze until you are ready to bake. Bake from frozen at 325°F, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
To freeze baked cookies, cool them completely without glaze, then store them in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Reheat at 300°F for 5-10 minutes before adding the glaze.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Flour Substitutions
If you don’t need them to be gluten-free, regular all-purpose flour can be used in the same measurements.
Butter and Dairy-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative. This keeps your cookies just as delicious!
Sugar Variations
Coconut sugar can replace regular sugar, resulting in a darker cookie with a unique flavor profile.
Egg Replacements
For egg-free cookies, use 3 tablespoons of applesauce, a flax egg, or a store-bought egg replacer.
Cookie Bar Variation
If you want to experiment, these cookies can be baked as cookie bars in an 8×8 glass dish. Just extend the baking time to 25-30 minutes.
Vegan Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies
To make these cookies vegan, use a flax egg, dairy-free butter, and oat milk for the frosting. You won’t be disappointed!
Related Recipes to try
- Easy 4th Of July Cookies
- Airbrushed Patriotic Bunting Cookies
- Patriotic Star Brownies
- 4th Of July Brownies
FAQs
Where can I find the recipe?
You can find the complete recipe right here on this page!
Are these cookies gluten free?
Yes, these cookies are made with gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, making them safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long do these cookies take to bake?
These cookies take about 12 to 15 minutes to bake, with 14 minutes being the optimal time for a perfect texture.
Conclusion
These gluten free cinnamon roll cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. For more inspiration, check out our other recipes like the Easy 4th Of July Cookies and Patriotic Star Brownies for festive ideas. Enjoy the warmth of homemade cookies with your family today!
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Delicious Treat
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- plate
- Electric mixer
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- cookie cutter
- wire rack
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon filling by beating softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until combined.
- Scoop the filling into small balls and freeze them while you prepare the dough.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and mix until just combined. Ensure flour is spooned and leveled before measuring.
- Gently fold in half of the frozen cinnamon filling balls into the dough.
- Scoop the dough into 12 cookies, about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons each.
- Press the remaining cinnamon filling balls onto the tops of the dough balls.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Whisk together the white sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the chilled dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and arrange them on the baking sheet, with no more than 6 cookies per sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Immediately after baking, use a round cookie cutter to gently shape the cookies into circles while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, whisk together cream cheese, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies.