Close to perfect Gluten free cinnamon roll

Dearest friends,

I've been working on a soft, sweet, delectable cinnamon roll for about a month. As the anniversary of my friend's death nears I find myself looking for comfort and warm familiar things. While I try not to emotionally eat, sometimes I allow myself to have a simple, wholesome and good thing. Good for the soul that is. We're not perfect but sometimes we need a reminder of just how sweet life can be with a little effort.  These cinnamon rolls reminded me just of that. Even when life is tough, perseverance is key to redemption. 

I tried tirelessly different cinnamon roll recipes. Most cinnamon rolls came out to dense and rock hard when using a gluten free flour. Finally with a lot of pinterest searching I found a great pioneer women recipe and adapted it to make these delectable beauties. 

What you'll need:

2 1/2 c gf all purpose flour

1 c milk 

1/4 c oil

1/4 c sugar 

1/2 packet active dry yeast

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder 

1/4 tbsp salt

2 tbsp butter 

Cinnamon 

Sugar 

Dried sliced and chopped apples* optional 

Icing:

2 tsp vanilla 

5 tbsp syrup

2 tbsp agave nectar 

Method: 

1. In saucepan heat milk, oil and sugar until almost a boil(stir occasionally). Once almost boiling turn off heat. Add active dry yeast to top for 1 min then stir in. 

2. Add in flour

3. Let sit for 30 mins

4. Stir in baking soda, powder, salt. Knead dough.

5. Place dough on oiled and floured Saran Wrap, then roll out dough. (Dough is slightly crumbly so I flattened with my hands instead of rolling pin). 

6. Melt butter and pour on top along with gracious amounts of cinnamon and sugar and chopped apples

7. Roll up dough into long cylinder and cut into small rolls (I used piza cutter to cut dough)

8. Place in pie pan and bake at 400 for about 20 mins or until brown on edges 

Once baked in a small mixing bowl add icing ingredients together then pour over cinnamon rolls. Wait for rolls to cool and enjoy 

What recipes have you been searching to make? Any gluten free alternatives that seem impossible to find? What small things have brought you joy recently?