Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, blending warm spices with a rich, gooey filling. Ideal for autumn gatherings or cozy mornings at home, they bring a delightful twist to the classic cinnamon roll. With their soft texture and decadent chai cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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 Topping
• How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Knead the Dough
• Step 4: Let It Rise
• Step 5: Prepare Filling
• How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• With a Warm Beverage
• On a Festive Brunch Table
• As Dessert
• 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
• How do I make vegan Chai Cinnamon Rolls?
• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
• What’s the best way to store leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls?
• How do I enhance the chai flavor in my Chai Cinnamon Rolls?
• Can I make these Chai Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
• What makes these Chai Cinnamon Rolls so special?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chai spices and brown sugar creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls make an excellent centerpiece for brunches or festive gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, making them versatile for everyone.
• Decadently Gooey: The sticky chai caramel sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence that you won’t be able to resist.
• Comforting Delight: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a cozy fall treat that warms the soul.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easy and efficient, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Baking dish: A good-quality dish is crucial for even baking and achieving that perfect golden-brown top.
• Kitchen thermometer: Ensures milk is at the right temperature for activating yeast, leading to better rise.

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

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
• 2 chai tea bags
• 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 Topping

• 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 the milk to around 110 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and spices. Once combined, add in the yeast mixture along with eggs and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Using a dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed until smooth and elastic—about 5 minutes. Gradually add in softened butter until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—approximately 60 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan. Steep chai tea bags in hot cream for about 10 minutes. Remove tea bags once infused.

Continue with further steps as needed!

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving chai cinnamon rolls is all about enhancing their delightful flavors and creating a cozy atmosphere. Here are some creative ways to serve these indulgent treats that will impress family and friends alike.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: Pair your rolls with a warm chai latte for a truly aromatic experience.
• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can complement the spices in the cinnamon rolls.

On a Festive Brunch Table

• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a refreshing side.
• Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche can provide a savory contrast to the sweet rolls.

As Dessert

• Ice Cream: Serve warm chai cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra decadence.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting chai cinnamon rolls involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your rolls turn out soft, fluffy, and flavorful.

• Boldly Bloom Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is activated properly by mixing it with warm milk and sugar before adding it to your dough.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Knead Well: Take time to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for fluffier rolls.
• Let It Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise in a warm place, which enhances flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dry cinnamon rolls. Aim for golden brown tops.
• Soak in Flavor: Consider letting your filling sit for a few minutes before spreading it on the dough to deepen the flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can create an even more satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Crispy Bacon: The saltiness of crispy bacon provides a great contrast to sweet chai cinnamon rolls.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
3. Sausage Links: Savory sausage links add heartiness, making your brunch feel complete.
4. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast gives a fresh twist while being trendy and nutritious.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Nut Butter Spread: Serve nut butter alongside for those who enjoy an extra layer of creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chai cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Wrong Yeast Temperature: Using milk that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Always warm milk to about 110 degrees F to ensure proper blooming.

• Improper Measuring of Flour: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to dry rolls. Spoon and level the flour for accuracy.

• Skipping the Rise Time: Not allowing enough time for the dough to rise can result in dense rolls. Be patient and let your dough double in size.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can develop gluten and make your rolls tough. Mix until just combined for soft, fluffy results.

• Ignoring Freshness of Spices: Old spices lose flavor over time. Use fresh spices for a more vibrant chai flavor in your cinnamon rolls.

• Not Using Enough Filling: Under-filling your rolls can lead to bland bites. Make sure you generously spread the chai filling for maximum flavor.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• These rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds, checking if it’s warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make vegan Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut oil, and vegan cream cheese.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast but skip the blooming step; just mix it directly into your dry ingredients.

What’s the best way to store leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How do I enhance the chai flavor in my Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Consider adding extra chai spices or steeping chai tea bags longer in the milk before mixing into your dough.

Can I make these Chai Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Refrigerate overnight and bake them fresh in the morning!

What makes these Chai Cinnamon Rolls so special?

The combination of warm spices from chai tea mixed with gooey sweetness makes these rolls a cozy treat perfect for fall!

Final Thoughts

These delicious chai cinnamon rolls are not only perfect for breakfast but also make an indulgent dessert. Their soft texture and aromatic spices will surely please any crowd. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits for an extra touch! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of warmth and comfort this fall season.