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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.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
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