Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s aromatic, cozy, and packs a serious flavor punch, these Chai Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the softest, pillowy rolls swirled with a rich chai-spiced filling, then slathered with a dreamy cream cheese frosting laced with warm spices. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a special breakfast, or just to brighten up a weekend, Chai Cinnamon Rolls bring the magic of chai tea and classic cinnamon rolls together in one irresistible package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—each component plays a crucial role in making these Chai Cinnamon Rolls unforgettable. From the aromatic spice blend to the creamy frosting, every ingredient brings something special to the table.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving your rolls their signature soft and chewy bite.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough, enhancing its flavor.
• Active dry yeast: Our leavening superstar, ensuring the rolls rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
• Warm milk: Provides moisture and warmth, activating the yeast and creating tender dough.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Lends richness and softness to both the dough and filling.
• Eggs: Add structure and give the rolls their plush, bakery-style texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The classic spice, essential for both the filling and the frosted topping.
• Ground cardamom: Infuses each bite with warm, floral, chai-inspired notes.
• Ground ginger: Offers a gentle heat and brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
• Ground allspice: Adds depth and complexity to the spice mix.
• Ground cloves: Delivers a bold, cozy warmth that defines true chai flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Rounds out the spice blend with its subtle, nutty aroma.
• Packed light brown sugar: Melts into a gooey, caramel-like swirl inside every roll.
• Cream cheese: The base of our tangy, luscious frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting for a silky finish.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a mellow, creamy undertone to the icing.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a soft, even dough. It might seem simple, but this step is key for a uniform rise and texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a shaggy dough begins to form. The warmth from the milk helps activate the yeast, while the butter and eggs create a luxuriously rich dough you’ll love working with.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture—think soft and supple, not sticky. If you’re new to kneading, just keep folding and pressing until the dough springs back when poked.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size and feel airy to the touch—proof that your yeast is hard at work.

Step 5: Make the Chai Spice Mix

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. This is where the signature flavor of Chai Cinnamon Rolls comes alive, filling your kitchen with the scent of cozy afternoons and spiced treats.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

Mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and your homemade chai spice mix until you have a rich, fragrant paste. This filling will melt into the dough as it bakes, creating those dreamy swirls in every roll.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Roll your dough into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Try to keep the thickness even for consistent baking and beautiful spirals.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Gently spread your chai spiced filling over the surface of the dough, reaching all the corners. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy—it’s worth it for those gooey centers!

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long edge, to create a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces, using dental floss or a sharp knife for clean, pretty rounds.

Step 10: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place each roll, cut side up, in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. This close arrangement allows them to bake up soft and pull-apart style.

Step 11: Second Rise

Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up and fill the pan, promising those irresistible, bakery-worthy layers.

Step 12: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and your kitchen smells like pure heaven. Let them cool just slightly—frosting melts best on warm rolls.

Step 13: Make the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and another hit of chai spices. The result is a luxurious, spiced frosting that perfectly complements the rolls.

Step 14: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the warm Chai Cinnamon Rolls. Watch as it melts into the swirls and brings every bite together. Now, grab a roll (or two!) and enjoy the reward for all your baking efforts.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra chai spice mix or ground cinnamon on top of the frosted rolls. A handful of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful crunch and make your Chai Cinnamon Rolls look straight out of a bakery display.

Side Dishes

Chai Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with a hot mug of chai tea, classic black coffee, or even a cool glass of milk. If you’re serving them for brunch, consider adding a fruit salad or a platter of fresh berries to balance the sweetness and make the meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, try serving individual rolls in decorative cupcake wrappers for a brunch spread, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for a festive centerpiece. For an extra-cozy touch, present them in a cast iron skillet straight from the oven—everyone will want to dive right in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store your Chai Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, especially if you reheat them a little before eating.

Freezing

Chai Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully. Once they’re baked and cooled (before frosting), wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight and reheat before adding fresh frosting.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste, pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm a whole tray in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a fresh dollop of frosting if you like—because there’s no such thing as too much!

FAQs

Can I make Chai Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking in the morning for fresh, warm rolls with minimal effort.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

If you’re missing one or two spices, don’t stress! Use what you have, and the rolls will still be delicious. You can also use a store-bought chai spice blend if you’re in a pinch.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dough and filling, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The result will be just as soft and flavorful.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Check that your yeast is fresh and your milk isn’t too hot or cold. If your kitchen is chilly, let the dough rise in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven to help it along.

How can I get perfectly even rolls?

Use a ruler to measure your dough rectangle and mark even slices before cutting. Dental floss slides easily through the dough for clean cuts and pretty spirals every time.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Chai Cinnamon Rolls is truly a labor of love, but the payoff is so worth it. With their soft texture, swirled spiced filling, and dreamy frosting, these rolls are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again!

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