I’ll be honest—I’ve got a thing for cinnamon rolls. That warm, spiced aroma, the buttery softness, the swirls of brown sugar that melt in your mouth—it’s like comfort food wrapped in a hug. But let’s be real, making traditional cinnamon rolls takes patience.
And if you’re gluten-free? That’s a whole extra level of baking gymnastics.
So, I took the best parts of a cinnamon roll and turned them into something easier: soft, gluten-free sugar cookies with a cinnamon swirl.
No yeast, no rising time, just mix, bake, and devour. Whether you’re dunking them in coffee or sneaking one before bed, these cookies bring all the cozy vibes—minus the gluten.
Baking Tips & Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for vegan butter and use almond or oat milk.
- Want an extra crunch? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- For a more caramelized flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temp, or freeze for longer.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a cold glass of almond milk. Stack them on a plate for brunch, wrap them in parchment for a sweet holiday gift, or, honestly, just enjoy them straight from the cooling rack. No judgment.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft, cinnamon-swirled sugar cookies that taste just like a cinnamon roll—without the hassle.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (I like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (skip if your flour blend already has it)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free alternative)
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Icing (Optional but Recommended!):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps it hold its shape when rolling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Set aside—it should have the consistency of a spreadable paste.
Step 3: Roll, Fill & Slice
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log (just like you would for cinnamon rolls). Place it seam-side down.
- Use a sharp knife to slice into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s okay!
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
Notes
Chill the dough before rolling for best results. Drizzle with icing for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg