Gluten-Free Rolls Recipe

Name: Gluten Free Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup water, warmed; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; 1 packet active rise yeast (✅); 1 cup whole milk (✅); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon cider vinegar (✅); 2 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (with xanthan gum) (Tested with Namaste Perfect Flour Blend ); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum; 1-2 tablespoons soft butter

Our gluten-free rolls are super soft and moist. They are easy to make, and are a soft and fluffy roll recipe that is perfect for dinners or the holiday table.

Going gluten-free, our family knew that finding a way to recreate rolls for the holiday season was necessary. There is just something about a hot roll smothered in butter that makes the season extra special. After many trials (and errors), we are happy to be sharing a successful gluten-free roll recipe that does not compromise on flavor or texture.

Looking for other holiday staples that have been made gluten-free? Check out our Gluten Free Cornbread Dressing, Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (Fresh Green Beans), Gluten-Free Pecan Pie, Gluten-Free Impossible Pumpkin Pie and Baked Sweet Potato Slices.

While avoiding gluten is necessary for those with celiac disease, it does play a vital role in the binding and elasticity of bread products. The question then becomes how do you make bread without gluten? Xanthan gum is the secret ingredient! It allows gluten-free bread to hold shape without the use of gluten.

This recipe was tested successfully with both Namaste Perfect flour blend and Mama’s almond blend all-purpose gluten-free flour both with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum added. The extra xanthan gym is required for rolls as the amount in the flour blend is not quite enough to reach the desired bread texture.

If baking with another flour blend brand, we cannot guarantee the same results as all gluten-free flour blends are not created equal. We do recommend a flour blend that contains xanthan gum or adding additional xanthan gum according to the package.

A picture of the ingredients needed for gluten free rolls.

Along with the flour and xanthan gum, gather the remaining ingredients and equipment to get started on this recipe.

Equipment

Stand mixer with paddle attachment
thermometer
whisk
spatula
measuring cups and spoons
spoon
butter knife
muffin tin
liquid measuring cup
nonstick cooking spray ✅
plastic wrap
tin foil
cookie scoop
pastry brush

Ingredients

1/4 cup water, warmed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 packet active rise yeast ✅
1 cup whole milk ✅
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon cider vinegar ✅
2 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (with xanthan gum) Tested with Namaste Perfect Flour Blend
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1-2 tablespoons soft butter

How To Make

We walk you step by step through the directions to successfully make gluten-free yeast rolls. A printable recipe card is available below if preferred.

Heat the water then add the yeast and sugar.

Heat the water to 105°-110°F. Add the yeast packet and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and set aside.

Next, heat the milk to 105°-110°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer, blend together the warmed milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, eggs, oil, and cider vinegar. Continue blending for about 2-3 minutes or until the top get a little foamy.

Add the remaining ingredients

Blend the yeast mixture into the wet ingredients.

Add the flour, salt, and xanthan gum. Mix slowly until blended then turn the mixer to high speed and blend for 3 minutes.

dry ingredients added to wet ingredients for rolls

Prepare the pan and divide the dough

Spray the muffin with nonstick cooking spray. Using a cookie scooper or spoon, divide the dough into the muffin tin. Spray one side of plastic wrap and place it over the rolls.

Cover and let rise

Set the rolls in a warm part of the kitchen and let them rise for about 40 minutes. The rolls will not double in size, but they will rise. Preheat oven to 375°F.

gluten free roll dough scooped into muffin tin

roll dough in muffin tin covered with plastic wrap

Bake

Bake the rolls for 6 minutes then cover them with tin foil to keep them brown over-browning. Cook for an additional 14-15 minutes. Immediately brush the tops of the rolls with butter using a pastry brush. Best enjoyed right away, otherwise reheat and serve warm.

Tips For Making Gluten Free Rolls

Don’t omit the sugar as an ingredient – it is required to active the yeast and help the rolls rise.
Ensure the milk is warm – not too hold or too cold – before mixing in the yeast. Cold milk will not activate the yeast and hot milk will kill the yeast causing the rolls to not rise.
If planning to use a different flour blend, test this recipe before the day you plan to serve. This will allow you to make any necessary changes.
Measure gf flour correctly by scooping then leveling off with a knife to ensure the exact quantity needed is added to the mixing bowl. Too much flour can result in a crumbly and dry dinner roll.
Sprinkle the tops with seasonings after brushing with the egg wash for a flavor boost. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or rosemary are all delicious spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between active vs instant yeast?

Both are used to help bread rise, active yeast requires proofing whereas instant or rapid-rise yeast does not. By proofing the active yeast in a warm liquid before mixing it into the recipe, you can ensure the yeast is activated (bubbles will form). With instant yeast, there is no way to tell until the bread does or doesn’t rise. Either could be used for this recipe. However, we recommend active yeast if you are looking for the assurance the yeast is active and the rolls will rise.

What to serve gf rolls with?

Serve with any recipe as part of a holiday meal or pair with soups, salads or casseroles anytime throughout the year. These rolls are also fantastic to serve with butter or vegan butter drizzled with honey for a hint of sweetness.

Can you freeze yeast rolls?

These rolls do freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. After completely cooled, package in an air tight container or Ziplock bag. Simply reheat in the microwave in increments when ready to eat.

How many rolls does a single batch make?

You will end up with approximately 8 rolls with a single batch.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Use a kitchen thermometer to test the temperature of the water before adding yeast. Yeast activates the best between 105°-110°F.
The yeast should be foamy before adding to the wet ingredients. If not, try again by combining new yeast and sugar with warm water.
Spread rolls with butter, garlic butter, honey butter, pumpkin butter, jelly, jam or honey.

More Gluten Free Bread Recipes

These are must try gf bread recipes!

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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