Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the cozy warmth of a cup of chai in a bite-sized breakfast treat, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the answer. It takes the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls and elevates them with a lovely blend of chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves, delivering a fragrant, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe combines tender, fluffy dough with a richly spiced filling and a luscious chai-infused glaze, making it a perfect weekend indulgence or a special occasion treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the soft texture and distinctive chai taste of this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the basics like flour and yeast to the aromatic spices, every element is essential for that perfect balance of flavors and appearance.

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft, tender crumb that makes these rolls irresistible.
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise and fluff up beautifully.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough without overpowering the spices.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a soft dough.
• 1 egg: Gives the dough a slight richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweet, moist, and perfect for layering in the filling.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: The classic cinnamon roll spice, warm and comforting.
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom: Brings a floral, slightly citrusy note typical of chai.
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Adds a gentle spicy warmth.
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Intense and aromatic, perfect for chai’s signature spice blend.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Earthy and sweet, rounding out the chai spices beautifully.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: For spreading over the dough before the spice mixture, ensuring a moist filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add the right amount of sweetness and a smooth finish.
• 2–3 tbsp brewed chai tea (cooled): Infuses the glaze with authentic chai flavor and a lovely tea aroma.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and depth in the glaze.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that your yeast gets evenly distributed and the dough will rise properly while keeping a consistent flavor throughout.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. The warmth of the milk activates the yeast, while the butter and egg enrich the dough, setting up the perfect base for those soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently to bring everything together into a soft, somewhat sticky dough. This step sets the stage for a tender crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten structure that helps your rolls rise and stay fluffy after baking.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in size. Watching the dough puff up is always one of the most satisfying parts of baking cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: Prepare the Spiced Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This chai spice blend creates that heady aroma and rich flavor that makes these rolls irresistibly unique.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 by 10-inch rectangle, ready to be layered with that decadent chai filling.

Step 8: Add the Butter and Spices

Spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the chai spice mixture generously on top. The butter helps the sugar-spice mixture stick and melt perfectly as the rolls bake, creating a moist, flavorful filling.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, then cut it into 12 even slices. This ensures each roll has a beautiful swirl of the chai-infused filling in every bite.

Step 10: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, cover them again, and allow them to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and ready for baking.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Step 12: Prepare the Chai Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze that ties the whole recipe together with a sweet, spicy finish.

Step 13: Serve with a Drizzle

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the chai glaze over the top, then dive in while warm for the ultimate cozy treat.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls. A dusting of extra cinnamon or a light sprinkle of ground cardamom on top can boost the exotic spice profile even further.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for a perfect partner pairing. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples also complements the sweet spice, making your breakfast or brunch plate bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the cinnamon rolls in a circular pattern for a pull-apart bread effect, perfect for sharing. You can also try stuffing cream cheese or mascarpone inside before rolling them up to add a creamy surprise to each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious, almost as good as fresh!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing by arranging them on a baking sheet, flash freezing, then transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls wrapped tightly to preserve freshness.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Reapply a bit of glaze or butter to refresh their melt-in-your-mouth softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough for this recipe?

While you can swap in your favorite dough, using the dough recipe here ensures the texture meshes perfectly with the chai spices. The enriched dough helps balance the flavorful filling and glaze for the best experience.

What type of chai tea is best for the glaze?

A robust, spiced chai blend works best. You want a chai tea that has strong notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to amplify the flavor in the glaze beautifully.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

You can adapt the recipe by substituting the milk with plant-based milk, using vegan butter, and replacing the egg with a flax or chia egg. The yeast will still work, but expect subtle differences in texture.

How spicy are the chai cinnamon rolls?

They’re warmly spiced without being overpowering—the chai spices bring aromatic warmth and depth rather than intense heat, making them friendly for most palates.

Can these rolls be frozen before or after baking?

Yes! You can freeze them either way. Freezing before baking lets you bake fresh rolls anytime, while freezing baked rolls makes for quick warm-ups later. Just be sure to thaw properly before reheating or baking.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a true flavor celebration that I absolutely adore sharing. If you want to fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of chai spices and enjoy soft, sweet rolls that bring a bit of tradition with a twist, give this recipe a try soon. It’s an absolute winner for cozy mornings, special gatherings, or whenever you need a comforting treat that feels like a warm, spicy hug.

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