If you are searching for a cozy, fragrant twist on a classic treat, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Infused with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea, these rolls explode with flavor in every bite. Soft, fluffy dough meets a rich, spiced filling and a luscious chai cream cheese frosting, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds. This recipe brings the comforting essence of chai into a baked delight that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special dessert. Get ready to fall in love with cinnamon rolls all over again through this beautifully spiced version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these divine chai cinnamon rolls is surprisingly straightforward because of the simple but essential ingredients. Every item plays an important role, from the tender dough to the fragrant chai spices that bring the rolls alive with flavor and a lovely golden color.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups / 500g): The base of the dough, providing structure and the perfect soft yet sturdy texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100g): Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons / 1 packet): Essential for making the dough rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness of the rolls.
- Warm milk (1 cup / 240ml): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup / 113g): Infuses richness into the dough and makes it soft.
- Large eggs (2, at room temperature): Boost the dough’s elasticity and add moisture.
- Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): The star spice providing classic cinnamon roll warmth.
- Cardamom (1 teaspoon): Adds a unique floral and slightly citrusy note, key in chai spices.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle spicy heat.
- Ground allspice (½ teaspoon): A warming component that deepens the chai flavor.
- Ground cloves (½ teaspoon): Lends a strong, aromatic punch that elevates the spice mix.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a sweet and nutty undertone.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup / 113g): The base for the filling, making it spreadable and rich.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup / 200g): Brings moisture and deep caramel notes to the filling.
- Cream cheese (8 oz / 226g), softened: Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that complements the spices beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup / 113g): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups / 240g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances the chai spices in the frosting.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Gives the frosting a gentle cinnamon warmth.
- Ground cardamom (½ teaspoon): Infuses a delicate chai-inspired fragrance into the frosting.
- Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat to the frosting’s flavor profile.
- Ground allspice (¼ teaspoon): Offers depth and richness to the frosting’s chai spice blend.
- Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the spice notes with its aromatic strength.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Provides a warm, sweet finish to the frosting.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This combination creates the foundation for your dough, ensuring it rises well and develops the perfect texture. Then, stir in warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until a soft dough forms. This dough promises to be soft and buttery, destined to rise beautifully into fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic — this is key for creating that tender crumb. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This rest period lets the flavors develop and the texture perfect itself.
Step 3: Mix the Chai Spice Mix
While the dough rises, combine the ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl to create your chai spice mix. This blend will bring all those iconic chai chai flavors into your rolls, giving them a warming and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Mix together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and your chai spice mix until well combined. This filling will create that wonderful sweet, spiced layer inside each roller, marrying perfectly with the fluffy dough.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Roll your dough out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12 inch (40 by 30 cm) rectangle. Spread the chai spiced filling evenly over the entire surface, covering every inch with that sweet, buttery goodness. Then, roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside.
Step 6: Cut and Let Rise Again
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges. Place the rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch (23 by 33 cm) baking dish, making sure they are snug but not squished. Cover once more and let rise for an additional 30 minutes — this second rise is essential for extra fluffy rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before moving on to frosting. This brief cooling prevents the frosting from melting too much, helping it stay creamy and just the right consistency.
Step 8: Prepare the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting and Serve
Whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg), beating until fluffy. Spread the luscious chai cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. This final, sweet, spiced touch finishes them perfectly and makes them utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Give your chai cinnamon rolls an extra flourish by sprinkling some crushed pistachios or chopped toasted almonds on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the flavor and add an inviting look. These simple garnishes not only add texture but also complement the chai spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of chai tea or your favorite black tea to mirror the spice notes. For a more substantial brunch, pair with fresh fruit like sliced oranges or a simple mixed berry salad to add a refreshing contrast. A hot latte or warm apple cider also makes a cozy companion to these warmly spiced rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the rolls in a rustic wooden tray lined with a colorful cloth napkin for that inviting, homemade feel. You can also serve individual rolls on small plates with a dollop of whipped cream spiced lightly with cinnamon. For a festive twist, add edible flowers or gold leaf for a touch of elegance and whimsy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the frosting moist. If you want to keep them even fresher, refrigerate for up to 4 days, but bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these delicious rolls either baked or unbaked. For unbaked, place the cut rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. For baked rolls, freeze after cooling and frosting by wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and slightly crispy on the edges. Alternatively, you can microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but this may make the rolls softer. Add a little extra frosting if desired after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the eggs if needed, but they help tenderize the dough and add richness. Without eggs, your rolls may be slightly less soft but still delicious if you compensate with additional liquid and fat.
What if I don’t have all the chai spices? Can I substitute?
Absolutely! If you don’t have every spice, cinnamon and cardamom are the most important for that chai flavor. Ground pumpkin pie spice can be used as a shortcut but add a pinch of ginger and cloves if possible to keep that chai authenticity.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
To make vegan chai cinnamon rolls, substitute milk with a plant-based option like almond or oat milk, replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg in place of the eggs. Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting for the full effect.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking the next day for fresh, homemade rolls with less morning prep time.
How spicy are the chai cinnamon rolls? Will kids like them?
The spice blend is warm and aromatic but not overpowering or hot. Most kids enjoy the gentle cinnamon sweetness, especially with the creamy frosting. If you want to tone down spices, reduce the cloves and allspice slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a heartwarming way to bring new life to a beloved classic. If you adore the cozy flavors of chai, these rolls deliver that comfort with every sumptuous bite. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these spiced, soft, and frosted rolls will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen and beyond. So go ahead and treat yourself—warm, fragrant, and utterly irresistible chai cinnamon rolls await you.
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Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warm and aromatic flavors of these Chai Cinnamon Rolls, combining classic cinnamon roll sweetness with a fragrant chai spice blend. Soft, fluffy dough filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy chai-spiced cream cheese frosting—perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Chai Spice Mix
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Filling
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- Chai spice mix (from above)
Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt until evenly combined. This forms the dry base for your dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and room temperature eggs. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg to create the aromatic chai spice blend.
- Prepare Filling: Mix the softened butter with light brown sugar and the chai spice mix until smooth and well blended to prepare the spiced filling.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform rolls.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chai spiced brown sugar filling all over the rolled dough, covering every inch up to the edges.
- Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized pieces.
- Arrange Rolls for Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, leaving a little space between each for expansion. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
- Make Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the additional chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg—beating until fluffy and well incorporated.
- Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the chai cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls so it melts slightly into the crevices.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy your chai-spiced treat!
Notes
- Use warm milk at about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- For softer rolls, cover the dough with a damp cloth during rising to prevent drying.
- You can prepare the chai spice mix in advance and store it in an airtight container for future use.
- Letting the rolls cool slightly before frosting prevents the frosting from melting too much but keeps it soft.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Roll size can be adjusted depending on preference, but baking time may vary slightly.
