why make this recipe

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. They combine the comforting flavors of chai spices with soft, fluffy dough, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. The addition of chai tea not only adds warmth and depth but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. These rolls are indulgent and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

how to make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Making Chai Cinnamon Rolls is straightforward. You’ll begin with preparing the dough and then create a chai caramel sauce and filling. Finally, assemble everything together, bake the rolls, and whip up a delicious chai cream cheese frosting to top them off.

Ingredients:

• 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 Chai Caramel Sauce:

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

• For the Chai Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)

Directions:

1. For the Dough:

   • Warm the milk to about 110 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
   • In a larger bowl, mix the flour, spices, salt, and sugar. Add the foamy yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   • Mix in the softened butter until a dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

2. For the Chai Caramel Sauce:

   • Heat heavy cream and steep the chai tea bags in it for about 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and set aside.

3. For the Chai Filling:

   • In a bowl, mix the butter, sugars, spices, honey, vanilla, and salt to create a thick paste.

4. Assembling & Baking the Chai Rolls:

   • Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the chai filling over it, then drizzle chai caramel sauce on top. Roll tightly and cut into pieces.
   • Place them in a baking dish and cover; let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden.

5. For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and other spices, mixing well.

how to serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are best served warm. Drizzle the chai cream cheese frosting on top just before serving for a lovely finish. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal treat for brunch or afternoon snacks.

how to store Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

tips to make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure the milk is at the right temperature for blooming the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold might not activate it.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
• You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge for a slow fermentation.

variation

You can use different spices based on your preference, or even add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I freeze the Chai Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let them rise before baking.

What can I serve with Chai Cinnamon Rolls?
They go well with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee. You can also serve them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.

Try Also: Irresistible Dessert Ideas from Paula’s Kitchen

• How to Make the Perfect Tuxedo Cake at Home
• No-Bake Layered Brownie Dessert
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bars
  
  

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining comforting chai spices with soft, fluffy dough, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 1 1/4 cups 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 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 granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened

For the Chai Caramel Sauce

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

For the Chai Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 cup 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 honey
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, very softened
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup 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
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)

Instructions

 

For the Dough

• Warm the milk to about 110 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
• In a larger bowl, mix the flour, spices, salt, and sugar.
• Add the foamy yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Mix in the softened butter until a dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

For the Chai Caramel Sauce

• Heat heavy cream and steep the chai tea bags in it for about 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and set aside.

For the Chai Filling

• In a bowl, mix the butter, sugars, spices, honey, vanilla, and salt to create a thick paste.

Assembling & Baking the Chai Rolls

• Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the chai filling over it, then drizzle chai caramel sauce on top.
• Roll tightly and cut into pieces.
• Place them in a baking dish and cover; let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden.

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and other spices, mixing well.

Notes

These rolls are best served warm. Drizzle the chai cream cheese frosting on top just before serving for a lovely finish. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

Keyword Baking, Chai Cinnamon Rolls, Chai Spices, Cinnamon Rolls, Sweet Treats