Name: Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16 ounce bag bob’s red mill gluten free bread mix; ½ cup white sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cup whole milk; 2 eggs, room temperature; 6 tablespoons butter, melted then cooled slightly; 2 teaspoons vanilla; ~ ¼ cup GF all purpose flour for rolling the dough; 6 tablespoons softened butter; ¾ cup white sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon; ¾ teaspoon ginger; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon cloves; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional; ¼ cup melted butter; 4 ounces plain cream cheese; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla

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There’s something undeniably enticing about the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Add in the delightful hint of carrots, and you have a treat that tantalizes your taste buds like no other. These Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are not just any cinnamon rolls; they have that cozy taste of carrot cake blended with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon, creating a pastry that’s both comforting and satisfying.

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Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or a casual weekday snack, this recipe brings a whimsical touch to any meal. Plus, with a few easy swaps, like using gluten-free ingredients, they become a delightful option for everyone at the table. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to treat yourself to a batch that’s simply unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes of prep time and is mostly hands-off while they bake.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of carrot, spices, and sweet cream cheese glaze creates a flavor explosion that is absolutely delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls are fluffy and golden, topped with creamy glaze, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or just an indulgent afternoon snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Being gluten-free, these rolls cater to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (16 ounce) bag Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Bread Mix: This special blend offers the best texture for your rolls, ensuring they rise beautifully.
½ cup white sugar: Sweetness is key, and granulated sugar gives that delightful taste that complements the spices.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: Essential for letting your rolls rise and become fluffy, it’s crucial to use instant yeast here.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift, contributing to the overall fluffiness of the rolls.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and helps enhance sweetness.
1 ¼ cup whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast while adding moisture to the dough.
2 room-temperature eggs: These will help bind the ingredients and provide richness.
6 tablespoons melted butter (cooled slightly): This adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor to the dough.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor; it lifts the entire recipe.
~¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour: Use this for rolling the dough out to prevent sticking—don’t mix it into the dough!
6 tablespoons softened butter: For spreading on the dough, this contributes to the gooey center.
¾ cup white sugar (for the filling): Keeps the cinnamon sugar filling sweet and indulgent.
1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon: The star of the show, bringing that warm, cozy flavor.
¾ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle warmth that enhances the carrot flavor.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: A pinch to add a deeper spice profile.
¼ teaspoon cloves: Gives a warm richness to the filling.
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
¼ cup melted butter (for glaze): To add richness and help the glaze stick to the rolls.
4 ounces plain cream cheese: The creamy base that will enrich and flavor the glaze.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetness for the glaze, creating that lovely finish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): A touch of vanilla enhances the creaminess.

How to Make Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free bread mix, instant yeast, ½ cup of white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a dough hook on low until combined. Make sure you are using instant yeast and discard any other yeast packets that come with the flour.
Warm the Milk: Heat the whole milk in the microwave for about 1 minute, making sure it’s warm like bathwater—not too hot so it kills the yeast.
Add the Liquid Ingredients: With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour the warm milk into the dry mix, followed by the melted butter, room-temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix for about 30 seconds, then scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined.
Incorporate Carrots: Stir in the grated carrots, then knead the dough on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes. Let the dough rest for a few minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this mixture aside for later.
Melt More Butter: Melt the 6 tablespoons of softened butter in a bowl, ensuring it’s just softened—not runny.
Roll Out the Dough: Place your dough on a generously floured surface (I recommend parchment paper with gluten-free all-purpose flour to avoid sticking). Roll it out into a 12×15 inch rectangle.
Add Filling: Carefully brush the melted butter on the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the surface. If desired, add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Cut into Rolls: Starting from the long edge, cut the dough into 12 strips, each about 1 ¼ inches wide. You can also go for 10 larger rolls, cutting each approximately 1 ½ inches wide.
Shape and Rise: Roll each strip into a roll and arrange them in a greased 9×13 baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and then a dish towel, placing it in a slightly warm spot to rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the Oven: About 10 minutes before the rolls are done rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake: Once the rolls have puffed up a bit (they won’t double in size), pop them in the oven and bake for 24-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the melted butter and cream cheese for the glaze. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Glaze the Rolls: After the rolls have cooled for about 5 minutes, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Enjoy every fluffy bite!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days for the best texture. To extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’re looking to save them for later, freeze your cinnamon rolls in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds, though the texture may slightly change; a dash of butter can help refresh their softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature; this will help with better mixing and rising.
If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more gluten-free flour as needed while rolling.
Additionally, when mixing in the carrots, ensure they are finely grated for better incorporation and texture.
Experiment with different nuts or even raisins for added texture and flavor.
These cinnamon rolls are also delightful when served warmed up with an extra drizzle of glaze or a pat of butter.

Indulging in these Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls not only brings a wholesome sweetness to your day but also fills your kitchen with the lovely aroma of spices and love. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. There’s endless joy in experimenting with this recipe!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! If you’re not gluten-sensitive, you can easily substitute regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free mix. Just ensure that you adjust the liquid ingredients as needed, as all-purpose flour may absorb moisture differently.

How do I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk. For the butter, consider using vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure your cream cheese is dairy-free as well.

What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?

If your rolls aren’t rising well, make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. The milk should be warm (not hot), as too much heat can kill the yeast. If your house is cool, try placing the dough in a warmer spot or using the oven with just the light on to create a slightly warmer environment.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the rolling stage and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling out and filling. Alternatively, fully assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate. They can be baked fresh the next morning!

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