Name: Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Dairy-Free Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (dairy-free use Smart Balance or Earth Balance butter); 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already contains it); 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 3 tablespoons melted butter (dairy-free use Smart Balance or Earth Balance butter); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk (dairy-free use almond, cashew, or coconut milk)

There is something truly magical about the way warm cinnamon and sweet glaze come together, and that’s exactly what you get with this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Dairy-Free Glaze Recipe. These cookies capture all the gooey, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, but in a fun, handheld cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a few when no one’s looking. Made with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients and topped with a luscious dairy-free glaze, this recipe is a joy for anyone who craves the cozy taste of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolls themselves. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite treat to bake and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up views of a light green, fluffy dough or batter inside a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the dough looks thick and coarse with a crumbly texture, unevenly spread with small chunks and ridges around the bowl’s edge. On the right side, the batter is smoother and more uniform, with a spongy texture and many small air bubbles visible on the surface, creating a soft and airy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Dairy-Free Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect texture, so don’t skip any! From the creamy butter to the fragrant cinnamon, every item works together like a dream team.

Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture; use dairy-free versions like Smart Balance or Earth Balance if preferred.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and enhances the caramel notes for that classic cinnamon roll sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the cookie’s light texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with its warm, aromatic essence.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture to the dough.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for these cookies, ensuring everyone can indulge gluten-free.
Xanthan gum: Helps mimic the elasticity of gluten, essential if not already in your flour blend.
Gluten-free baking powder: Leavens the dough for a soft yet structured cookie.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create a tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, providing that unmistakable cozy warmth.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze, a silky sweet finish that mimics the classic cinnamon roll drip.
Dairy-free milk: Thins the glaze for the perfect consistency; almond, cashew, or coconut milk all work beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Dairy-Free Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugars. This step creates a light and fluffy base that brings that melt-in-your-mouth texture to your cookies. Take your time here to ensure everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the room temperature eggs and pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. These ingredients add moisture and depth to your dough, making the cookies flavorful and tender from the inside out.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if needed), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pre-mixing these ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which is key for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 4: Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The consistency should feel thick and a little like play-doh, ready to be shaped.

Step 5: Shaping the Dough

Place the dough ball onto a lightly floured parchment paper and spread it into a 7-inch diameter round, about 1 inch thick. Keeping this size and thickness ensures your cookies hold their shape beautifully while baking.

Step 6: Adding the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this fragrant mixture generously over the cookie dough. Lightly pat it down to help it stick and infuse that signature cinnamon roll flavor throughout the cookies.

Step 7: Rolling the Dough

Using the edge of the parchment paper, carefully start to roll your dough into a log shape. Wrapping it in parchment helps keep the roll tight and tidy, making slicing later a breeze.

Step 8: Chilling the Dough

Place the wrapped dough log in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice without losing shape once baked.

Step 9: Preheating and Slicing

Preheat your oven to 375°F. After chilling, slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick cookies using a sharp knife or pastry scraper. Arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow for even baking.

Step 10: Baking to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re just turning golden around the edges. Keep a careful eye on them as oven temperatures vary, and this is the moment when the smell of warm cinnamon truly fills your kitchen.

Step 11: Preparing the Dairy-Free Glaze

While the cookies bake, mix the brown sugar and melted butter first, then stir in powdered sugar until thick but creamy. Slowly add your choice of dairy-free milk to achieve a smooth, luscious glaze that you’ll drizzle or spread on top.

Step 12: Glazing the Cookies

Once baked and slightly cooled, generously drizzle or spread the dairy-free glaze over each cookie. This finishing touch brings an irresistible shine and sweetness, mimicking the beloved frosting of traditional cinnamon rolls.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Dairy-Free Glaze Recipe

The image shows two views of cinnamon roll dough pieces arranged in rows on a white tray. On the left, the dough pieces are raw and pale cream in color, each with a spiral of cinnamon sugar filling visible inside. On the right, the dough pieces are baked, golden brown with a slightly darker cinnamon swirl inside, showing a soft and slightly flaky texture on top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even some finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar can also make these cookies look like dreamy little pastries straight from a bakery window.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of almond milk latte or your favorite herbal tea to complement their spicy sweetness. They are an excellent treat at brunch or as an afternoon pick-me-up paired with fresh fruit on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert tray for a party or place them in cute bakery-style boxes with parchment paper as lovely edible gifts. You might also stack a few and drizzle extra glaze between layers for an eye-catching cinnamon roll cookie stack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, fresh texture. They stay deliciously moist for up to three days when stored properly, perfect if you want to indulge later without baking again.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies for up to two months by placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container. To prevent sticking, layer them with parchment paper. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before glazing or reheating.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies into a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. The glaze will soften beautifully, bringing back the gooey cinnamon roll vibe with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the gluten-free all-purpose flour with your preferred blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or add some separately to ensure proper texture and structure in the cookies.

Is it possible to make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can try egg substitutes like flax eggs or chia eggs; however, it may slightly alter the texture. Using two tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with six tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes) is a great vegan-friendly replacement.

Can the dough be made ahead and frozen before baking?

Definitely! After rolling the dough into the log and wrapping it, freeze it for up to a month. When ready, thaw completely in the refrigerator before slicing and baking as directed.

What other dairy-free milks work well for the glaze?

Almond, cashew, coconut, or oat milk are all fantastic choices. Pick whichever flavor you prefer or have on hand—the glaze will work beautifully with any of them.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking?

Chilling the dough log thoroughly before slicing helps retain shape. Also, keeping the dough thickness right around one inch and spacing cookies well apart on the baking sheet prevents excessive spreading.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that feels like a big, warm hug in cookie form, this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Dairy-Free Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the best parts of a cinnamon roll and a cookie in a way that’s both simple and mind-blowingly delicious. Whether you’re gluten intolerant, dairy-free, or simply craving something cozy, these cookies will quickly become your go-to comfort snack. Don’t wait to try them—you’ll love every bite!