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Chai Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Spicy, and Irresistibly Gooey

A cozy blend of chai spices and traditional rolls, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Substitute with almond milk for dairy-free.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh for best rise.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated White Sugar (for yeast)
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Bread flour can be used for chewier rolls.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon Use fresh for best taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar (for dough) Brown sugar can be used for added moisture.
  • 2 large Eggs Flax eggs for a vegan version.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Almond extract is a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Coconut oil for dairy-free.
Chai Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can be omitted for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 chai Chai Tea Bags Chai concentrate can be used.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Maple syrup is an alternative.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Spices can be added for flavor.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • whisk
  • Dough Scraper

Method
 

Making Chai Cinnamon Rolls
  1. Start by warming your milk until it's comfortably warm but not boiling, around 110°F. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl; let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, salt, and sugar until well combined. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just steaming. Remove from heat, steep chai tea bags for 10 minutes, then cool slightly. Mix in brown sugar and butter until dissolved. Pour into a greased baking dish.
  5. Combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt for the filling. Spread evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  6. Punch down the dough and roll out into a large rectangle. Spread the filling mixture, roll tightly, pinch to seal, and cut into 12 rolls.
  7. Place rolls cut side up in the baking dish over the caramel sauce. Let rise for about 1 hour until puffed up.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F about 15 minutes before baking.
  9. Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown and center feels set.
  10. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  11. Spread frosting over warm rolls, allowing it to melt into the rolls before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for a week, or frozen for up to 2 months.

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