Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall treat, combining the warm spices of chai with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delightful brown sugar chai filling. Topped with a smooth chai cream cheese frosting and enveloped in a sticky caramel sauce, they will surely impress at any gathering or cozy family brunch.

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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 Caramel Sauce
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Let It Rise
• Step 3: Roll Out Dough
• Step 4: Add Filling
• Step 5: Roll & Cut
• Step 6: Prepare Caramel Sauce
• Step 7: Second Rise
• Step 8: Bake
• Step 9: Make Frosting
• Step 10: Serve & Enjoy
• How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls
• With Coffee
• Topped with Nuts
• Drizzled with Honey
• Fresh Fruit Slices
• Warmed Up
• With Ice Cream
• 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 make chai cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for chai tea bags?
• How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
• Can I customize the filling?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of chai spices creates a unique taste that sets these rolls apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a quiet Sunday morning, these Chai Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be the star of the show.
• Gooey and Indulgent – With a luscious caramel sauce and creamy frosting, every bite offers a delightful texture that is both satisfying and comforting.
• Easy to Make – Despite their impressive appearance, these rolls are straightforward to prepare, making them accessible even for novice bakers.
• Customizable Options – You can easily tweak the spice levels or add additional fillings to cater to your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Makes it easy to knead dough to the right consistency without much effort.
• Rolling pin – Helps evenly roll out the dough for perfect-sized cinnamon rolls.
• Baking dish – Ensures even baking and makes it easy to transport your finished rolls.

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 Caramel Sauce

• 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• (optional spices as above)

For the Frosting

• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• (spices as above)

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by blooming the yeast in warmed milk mixed with granulated sugar. Allow it to sit until foamy. In another bowl, combine flour, spices, and salt. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry while mixing on low speed until combined. Knead until smooth.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rise in a warm area for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 4: Add Filling

Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough. Mix filling ingredients together and evenly sprinkle them over the buttered surface.

Step 5: Roll & Cut

Starting from one edge, roll up tightly into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 6: Prepare Caramel Sauce

In your baking dish, melt butter for caramel sauce. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Arrange cut rolls on top of this mixture.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover rolls again with plastic wrap or cloth; let rise for another hour until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Frosting

While baking, prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese with powdered sugar and spices until smooth.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy

Once baked, allow cooling slightly before drizzling frosting on top. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness!

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These chai cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert, these rolls are perfect for sharing. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Coffee

• Enjoy your chai cinnamon rolls with a fresh cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the spices in the rolls beautifully.

Topped with Nuts

• Add some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch. This adds texture and enhances the overall flavor.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey can bring out the sweetness in the chai cinnamon rolls. It’s especially great if you prefer a sweeter bite.

Fresh Fruit Slices

• Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast. The fruity notes balance the rich, spiced flavors.

Warmed Up

• Reheat your rolls slightly before serving to enhance their gooey texture. Warmth brings out the aroma and makes them even more inviting.

With Ice Cream

• Pairing your rolls with vanilla ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience. The cold ice cream melts into the warm roll, creating a heavenly combination.

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How to Perfect Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your chai cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips for success.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for optimal rise. This ensures your rolls are fluffy and soft.

• Monitor Dough Temperature: Keep dough at room temperature while it rises. Ideal temperatures help activate yeast efficiently.

• Don’t Overfill: When adding filling, be careful not to overdo it. Too much filling can cause spills during baking and make rolling difficult.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps blend everything evenly for a smoother dough.

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time as ovens vary. Rolls should be golden brown but not overbaked to maintain softness.

• Let Them Cool: Allow your chai cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the rolls too quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your chai cinnamon rolls can enhance your meal even further. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness, making it an ideal light side.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy, protein-rich side that complements the richness of the rolls.

3. Spiced Tea: Serve with spiced tea or masala chai to echo the flavors in the rolls while providing warmth and comfort.

4. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A small dish of warm maple syrup can be served for dipping, adding an extra layer of sweetness that pairs well with chai spices.

5. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or cream cheese alongside crackers for savory contrast against sweet flavors.

6. Savory Scones: Offer savory scones as an alternative option; they provide a nice balance between sweet and savory bites during brunch or tea time.

7. Nut Mixes: A bowl of spiced nuts makes for a crunchy snack option that enhances flavor profiles without overwhelming sweetness.

8. Herbal Infusion Water: Lightly flavored herbal water infused with mint or cucumber offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chai cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome.

• Ignoring yeast activation: Always bloom the yeast in warm milk with a bit of sugar. If you skip this step, your dough may not rise properly.
• Overworking the dough: Knead gently until just combined. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls instead of soft and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for flour and sugar. Incorrect measurements can alter the texture and flavor.
• Skipping the second rise: Allowing the rolls to rise again after shaping is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and rising.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and 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). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm, adding more time if needed.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about making chai cinnamon rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions.

Can I make chai cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Refrigerate overnight before baking for fresh rolls in the morning.

What can I substitute for chai tea bags?

You can use brewed chai concentrate or strong black tea as an alternative if you don’t have chai bags on hand.

How do I know when my rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown, and when you gently press down, they should spring back. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips to your filling for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These chai cinnamon rolls are not just a recipe; they’re an experience of warmth and comfort, perfect for fall baking. Their versatility allows endless customization options, so feel free to tailor them to your taste. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, these gooey treats are sure to impress!