Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, featuring a fluffy texture and an irresistible flavor. Ideal for cozy fall mornings, these rolls are sure to impress friends and family alike. The warm chai spices combined with a creamy frosting make for an indulgent treat that suits any occasion, from brunch gatherings to festive holiday celebrations.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For the Filling
• For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients
• Step 3: Knead the Dough
• Step 4: Let It Rise
• Step 5: Prepare Filling
• Step 6: Roll Out Dough
• Step 7: Spread Filling
• Step 8: Roll Up Dough
• Step 9: Second Rise
• Step 10: Bake
• Step 11: Make Frosting
• Step 12: Glaze Rolls
• How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Pair with Coffee
• Add Fresh Fruit
• Top with Whipped Cream
• Serve Warm
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce
• How to Perfect Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Best Side Dishes for Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Reheating Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
• How do I make these chai cinnamon rolls vegan?
• What can I add to customize my chai cinnamon rolls?
• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
• How should I store leftover chai cinnamon rolls?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chai spices and sweet caramel creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Warm & Cozy: Perfect for chilly autumn mornings or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create bakery-quality rolls in your own kitchen.
• Perfect for Sharing: Make this recipe for gatherings, and watch them disappear!
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust spices or toppings according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious chai cinnamon rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Stand mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without any spills.
• Baking dish: Helps achieve that perfect rise while baking, ensuring your rolls stay soft and fluffy.
• Stand mixer: Makes kneading dough easier, giving you more time to enjoy the delicious aroma wafting from your oven.

Ingredients

These gooey chai cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with delicious brown sugar chai filling, frosted with chai cream cheese frosting, all while drenched in a truly decadent and sticky brown sugar chai caramel sauce on the bottom. An absolutely incredible, indulgent treat to bake this fall!

For the Dough

• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar, to bloom the yeast
• 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened

For the Filling

• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 cup (116 g) honey
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• pinch of cloves

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming your milk until it reaches about 110 degrees F.

• In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• In another large bowl or stand mixer bowl, mix together flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and salt.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Once the yeast is foamy:

• Add eggs and vanilla extract into the milk mixture.
• Gradually add this mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until just combined.
• Slowly incorporate softened butter until smooth.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–10 minutes until it’s smooth.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.

• Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While waiting for the dough:

• In a medium bowl, mix together light brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once risen:

• Punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×24 inches.

Step 7: Spread Filling

Spread an even layer of filling over rolled-out dough:

• Use a spatula to spread softened butter over the dough before sprinkling with filling mixture.

Step 8: Roll Up Dough

Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one long side to another:

• Slice into even pieces about 2 inches thick and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover again with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel:

• Let them rise for another hour until they puff up nicely.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F:

• Bake your chai cinnamon rolls for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 11: Make Frosting

While baking:

• Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth in another bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by spices until creamy.

Step 12: Glaze Rolls

Once baked:

• Drizzle chai cream cheese frosting over warm rolls before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These chai cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack, there are many ways to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the spices in the chai cinnamon rolls beautifully. The rich flavors of coffee will elevate your taste experience.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serve with sliced apples, pears, or berries. Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the rolls and adds a refreshing touch.

Top with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top can add a light and airy texture, making each bite even more indulgent.

Serve Warm

• Heat the rolls slightly before serving. The gooey filling and frosting will become extra melty and delicious when warm.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For the ultimate treat, drizzle additional brown sugar chai caramel sauce over the top. It enhances the dessert’s sweetness and flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Creating the ideal chai cinnamon rolls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Old yeast can lead to dense rolls that don’t rise properly.

• Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warmed to around 110 degrees F. This helps activate the yeast without killing it.

• Knead Well: Knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture.

• Let Them Rise: Don’t skip the rising time! Allowing your dough to rise until it doubles in size is essential for light and airy rolls.

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time to avoid overbaking. They should be golden brown but still soft in the center when done.

• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding frosting. This prevents melting and helps maintain a beautiful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai cinnamon rolls can be enjoyed alongside several delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy vanilla yogurt provides a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.

2. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and brightness, making your meal feel lighter while enhancing flavors.

3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and savory notes that pair well with sweet chai cinnamon rolls.

4. Spiced Tea: Enjoying a cup of spiced tea echoes the flavors in your chai cinnamon rolls, creating a harmonious beverage pairing.

5. Maple Bacon: The salty-sweet combination of crispy maple bacon offers a delicious contrast that enhances your breakfast experience.

6. Nuts & Seeds Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts and seeds can provide texture and healthy fats, balancing out the softness of the cinnamon rolls.

7. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory richness that offsets sweetness while adding depth to your meal options.

8. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast adds healthy fats and fiber, making it an excellent side dish alongside sweet treats like chai cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chai cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

• Incorrect Yeast Activation: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If the milk is too hot or too cold, it can kill the yeast or not activate it correctly.
• Overworking the Dough: Kneading too much can lead to dense rolls. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture without overdoing it.
• Insufficient Rising Time: Allow your dough ample time to rise. Skipping this step can result in flat, tough rolls instead of fluffy ones.
• Wrong Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at an incorrect temperature affects the final texture and taste of your chai cinnamon rolls.
• Skipping the Frosting: The chai cream cheese frosting adds essential flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step if you want that extra indulgence!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure rolls have cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm on a skillet with a lid on low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chai cinnamon rolls.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without blooming it first.

How do I make these chai cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make them vegan, substitute milk with plant-based milk and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

What can I add to customize my chai cinnamon rolls?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before rolling and baking.

How should I store leftover chai cinnamon rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These chai cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat perfect for fall baking. Their warm spices create a cozy aroma that fills your home. Plus, you can easily customize them by adding your favorite fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these irresistible rolls with family and friends!