Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Imagine the cozy spices of gingerbread, the fluffy texture of brioche-style dough, and the sweet swirl of molasses and cinnamon — all without gluten, eggs, or dairy. It’s the perfect recipe to impress family and friends, especially during the holiday season.

These rolls taste best fresh, but if you love easy breakfast ideas, try our make-ahead breakfast recipes for busy mornings.

I’m Aaron, and I’ve always been fascinated by baking recipes that don’t just fit dietary needs but also deliver pure comfort. Today, we’re diving deep into this recipe, originally inspired by Kat from The Loopy Whisk, and showing you how to create rolls that are tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible.

So, grab your apron, because these cinnamon rolls are about to become your new seasonal favorite!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it balances structure and flavor in a gluten-free, vegan-friendly way. While many gluten-free baked goods can turn out dry or crumbly, this dough uses psyllium husk gel, millet flour, and tapioca starch to create that soft, stretchy bread-like texture. Add in gingerbread spices and a rich molasses swirl, and you’ve got rolls that taste like holiday cheer baked into every bite.

Plus, the recipe includes a luscious gingerbread cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully over warm rolls. Trust me — this is one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell like Christmas.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast, Dessert
• Cuisine: Gluten Free
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Proof Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Author: Kat | The Loopy Whisk

Ingredients Breakdown

Gluten-Free Vegan Brioche Dough

The base of this recipe is a soft brioche-style dough made without eggs, butter, or wheat. Here’s what makes it work:

• Psyllium husk gel: Acts as a binder, mimicking gluten’s structure.
• Tapioca starch & millet flour: Light flours that create a fluffy texture.
• Sorghum flour: Adds whole-grain flavor and balance.
• Spices (cinnamon & ginger): Build that gingerbread warmth right into the dough.
• Non-dairy milk & vegan butter: Provide moisture and richness.
• Molasses: Essential for that classic gingerbread taste.

Gingerbread Filling

This filling is what makes the rolls ooze with sticky, spiced goodness:

• Vegan butter: Soft, spreadable, and perfect for binding the spices.
• Molasses: Deep flavor that complements the cinnamon.
• Brown sugar: Caramel-like sweetness.
• Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves): The true heart of gingerbread.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Because no cinnamon roll is complete without frosting:

• Vegan cream cheese: Adds tang.
• Vegan butter: Smooth and creamy base.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens while keeping it light.
• Vanilla & spices: Tie it all together with festive notes.

Step 1: Making the Dough

The first step is to prepare the psyllium gel by mixing psyllium husk and lukewarm water. Within seconds, it thickens into a gel that gives the dough its structure.

Next, whisk together the dry ingredients — starches, flours, yeast, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Add the psyllium gel, lukewarm milk, molasses, and melted vegan butter.

Serious Eats – The Science Behind Great Dough

Knead the dough with a stand mixer or by hand until smooth. It will feel sticky, but that’s normal. If it’s too sticky to handle, a quick chill in the fridge helps. This step ensures soft, fluffy rolls instead of dense ones.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

Mix softened vegan butter with molasses for a rich spread. Separately, combine sugar and spices. Together, they’ll create that gooey, spiced swirl once baked.

Step 3: Assembling the Rolls

Now comes the fun part — rolling and shaping.

1. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch pan and set it aside.
2. Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
3. Spread the molasses-butter mixture evenly across the surface.
4. Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture on top.
5. Slice the rectangle into 12 strips and roll each strip individually.

This technique gives you that signature swirl in every roll. Place them in the buttered pan so they’re just touching.

Step 4: Proofing the Dough

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls proof for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. They should double in size and look pillowy soft.

👉 Pro tip: If your kitchen is chilly, let them rise in a lukewarm oven with a cup of hot water inside for humidity.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Pour warm vegan heavy cream over the proofed rolls for extra softness. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20-22 minutes, until golden brown.

Your kitchen will smell like gingerbread heaven.

Step 6: Frosting the Cinnamon Rolls

Let the rolls cool until just warm — frosting too soon will cause a melty mess.

Whisk together vegan cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger until smooth. Spread generously over the warm rolls and watch it sink into every swirl.

Serving and Storing Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
• Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back their pillowy softness.

Make-Ahead Options

Holiday mornings are busy, so here are two ways to prep ahead:

• Option 1: Make the dough and refrigerate overnight, then shape and bake the next day.
• Option 2: Shape the rolls in the pan, refrigerate overnight, then proof and bake the next day.

Both methods ensure fresh rolls with less morning chaos.

FAQs About Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Final Thoughts

There you have it — fluffy, spiced, and decadent Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls that rival any traditional version. With a little patience, the right gluten-free flours, and Aaron’s baking guidance, you can pull off rolls that are soft, swirled with gooey spice, and topped with creamy frosting.

This recipe is proof that gluten-free and vegan baking doesn’t have to mean compromise — it can mean pure indulgence.

If you’re ready to bake these beauties, head to your pantry, grab your spices, and prepare for a holiday treat that everyone will love. And don’t forget to share them — these rolls are just too good to keep to yourself.

Print