Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comfort of fluffy, freshly baked cinnamon rolls with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea. Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg, these rolls offer a fragrant twist on a beloved breakfast treat, topped with a creamy chai spice-infused cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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 (prepared 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 mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and room temperature eggs. Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten and gives structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, blend the ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. This will be used in both the filling and the frosting for that signature chai flavor.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and the chai spice mix. Stir until well incorporated and smooth.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches (40×30 cm).
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chai-spiced butter and sugar mixture over the entire surface of the dough.
- Form the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal portions and arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes so they puff up and become fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool just enough so the frosting can be spread without melting away.
- Prepare Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the chai spice mix, then beat until fluffy and light.
- Frost and Serve: Generously spread the chai cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm spices and creamy sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- If you don’t have all the chai spices, a pre-made chai spice blend or pumpkin spice mix can be substituted.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp towel while rising to prevent drying out.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven to bring back softness.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference, adding more cardamom or cinnamon for stronger chai flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Inspired by Indian Chai Spices
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
