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
Scale
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.
