If you’re anything like me, the warm, cozy aroma of spiced rolls baking in the oven is pure comfort in edible form. That’s exactly why this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has become a treasured go-to for mornings that need an extra hug or evenings calling for a sweet reward. Imagine soft, pillowy dough swirled with a perfect blend of chai spices that tickle your senses with cinnamon, cardamom, and a whisper of cloves, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. These rolls are simply irresistible, blending the classic cinnamon roll with the exotic warmth of chai, making them a standout treat anytime you crave a little magic in your baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to creating something truly special. Each component plays a key role in texture, flavor, or richness, coming together to form the unforgettable layers of this chai-spiced delight.
- Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Activates the yeast for a fluffy, light dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that makes the rolls rise perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Provides richness and moisture in the dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and enrich the dough’s texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- All-purpose flour (3 3/4 cups plus extra): The sturdy base that creates the tender dough.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully with the spices.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The warm, sweet backbone of the chai flavor.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a zesty brightness that lifts the spice mix.
- Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a fragrant, floral note that makes these rolls special.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a deep, aromatic warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a nutty, cozy undertone.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A surprising pinch that adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): For spreading on the dough to carry all the spices.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by waking up your yeast in the warm milk, letting it get foamy and alive—that’s your sign it’s working. Then, mix in sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to create a flavorful base. Gradually fold in the flour until the dough comes together, soft but not sticky. Knead for several minutes until it’s smooth and elastic; this step builds the structure needed for soft, fluffy rolls. Once kneaded, tuck the dough into a greased bowl and cover it to rise until doubled, typically about an hour. It’s like a spa treatment for your dough, ensuring lightness and volume.
Step 2: Mix the Chai Spice Filling
While the dough rises, blend your brown sugar with the chai spice mix—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. This fragrant combination is the heart of the Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, infusing every bite with layers of warm, complex flavor.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a generous rectangle, about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface to ensure the sugar and spices stick and melt into the dough beautifully. Then, sprinkle the chai-spiced sugar mixture liberally over the butter for maximum flavor impact. You can already smell the enticing aroma coming together.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, creating a tight log that holds all those wonderful spices inside. Cutting this log into 12 equal pieces helps keep the rolls uniform in size and ensures every roll gets its fair share of filling. Place them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to rise again; this second rise lets them puff up to soft perfection before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes, watching as they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This stage seals in the moisture and caramelizes the sugar, giving the rolls their irresistible crust and tender interior. The aroma alone is worth the wait!
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, whip up the glaze by beating softened cream cheese and butter together with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk little by little to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Spreading this over the warm rolls right out of the oven adds the perfect sweet, tangy creaminess that complements the spiced dough beautifully.
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, consider sprinkling toasted chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the glaze. A dusting of a little extra cinnamon or a few fennel seeds can also add a striking finish and an additional aromatic twist that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a frothy latte to echo and enhance the warming spices. For a heartier brunch, add fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait, balancing the sweetness with freshness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of individual glaze servings or extra spiced nuts for guests to customize their rolls. Wrapping each roll in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift or party favor, perfect for sharing this cozy treat beyond your kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover rolls in an airtight container or cover them well with plastic wrap to keep them soft and fresh. Stored this way, they stay delicious for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy every last bite without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, allow them to rise again briefly, then bake as usual. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls individually in airtight bags, then thaw and reheat when craving a warm treat.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave them briefly for about 20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes. Add a fresh swipe of glaze if desired to revive that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a chai tea bag instead of the ground spices?
Absolutely! For an even more authentic chai flavor, steep a chai tea bag in the warm milk before mixing it with the yeast. This infuses the dough with subtle tea notes that complement the spices perfectly.
Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making them a delicious choice for a meat-free breakfast or dessert.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
To make a vegan-friendly version, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use a vegan butter alternative, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. The glaze can also be adapted by using vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The dough should rise until doubled in size, typically about one hour for the first rise and 30-40 minutes after shaping. If your kitchen is cooler, this may take longer. Avoid over-proofing as it can weaken the dough’s structure.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Yes! After rolling and cutting the dough into rolls, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking. This makes for an easy, impressive morning treat.
Final Thoughts
This Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has captured my heart with its perfect balance of warming spices and sweet indulgence, making every bite feel like a cozy celebration. Whether you’re sharing with family, impressing friends, or treating yourself during a quiet moment, these rolls turn an ordinary day into something a little more special. Give it a try—you’ll discover why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again!
Print
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, featuring a rich cream cheese glaze that balances spice with creamy sweetness. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or special occasions, these rolls combine aromatic flavors and a tender texture for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Chai Spice Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until all ingredients are combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook for about 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare Spice Mixture: While the dough is rising, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground black pepper to create the chai spice filling.
- Roll Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the chai-spice sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes until they are puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving to enhance the flavor and add a creamy sweetness.
Notes
- For a stronger chai flavor, steep 1 chai tea bag in the warm milk before adding the yeast.
- These rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking to save time.
