Irresistible Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are an aromatic treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the unique spices of chai. Imagine walking into a kitchen where sweet dough and fragrant spices mingle in the air, making your heart flutter with anticipation. These rolls are not just a dessert; they are a cozy hug in pastry form.

Have you ever had one of those moments when a sweet aroma transports you to a time when life was simpler? Just like that fluffy, spiced cloud of goodness rising in your oven, a delightful memory surfaces: a rainy afternoon spent with family, surrounded by laughter, cups of chai, and, of course, the best cinnamon rolls ever. Get ready to indulge in this delightful recipe that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fill your home with a comforting scent that beckons friends and family to gather around.

Ingredients for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chai Cinnamon Rolls:

1 1/4 cups whole milk – This rich base helps create a soft, tender dough. Use fresh milk for the best results.
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – Vital for helping the dough rise and achieve that perfect fluffiness.
1 tsp granulated sugar – Just a touch to help activate the yeast and boost flavor.
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your rolls, giving them structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor and aroma.
3/4 tsp ground ginger – Adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the cinnamon.
1/4 tsp ground allspice – Enhances the chai experience with a unique, warm spice profile.
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – Offers a touch of earthiness and warmth.
1/2 tsp ground cardamom – Essential for an authentic chai flavor, lending a fragrant, floral note.
1/8 tsp ground cloves – A little goes a long way to add a warm depth to the rolls.
1 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 tbsp granulated sugar – A bit more sweetness to round out the dough.
2 eggs – Give the rolls richness and help bind everything together.
1 tbsp vanilla extract – Provides a delicious aromatic quality; use pure vanilla if available.
1/2 cup unsalted butter – Adds that luscious, creamy flavor and helps keep the rolls moist.
1/3 cup heavy cream – Creates a dreamy texture in the filling and extra moisture in the final rolls.
2 chai tea bags – Essential for that authentic chai flavor throughout the rolls.
1/2 cup light brown sugar – Sweetness with a hint of caramel for the filling.
1 tbsp heavy cream – For drizzling over the rolls before baking to ensure moisture and richness.
6 tbsp unsalted butter – Softened for spreading in the filling and aiding in the dough’s richness.
6 oz cream cheese – For the frosting, creating a perfect smooth texture.
3/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it that delightful finish.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chai Cinnamon Rolls:

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine active dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant, which signals your yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.

Step 2: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, all the chai spices, salt, and an additional tablespoon of sugar. This aromatic blend is the heart of your rolls and will bring a delightful fragrance to your kitchen.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter into the dry mixture. Next, pour in your yeast mixture. Mix it until well blended; your dough should start coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 7-10 minutes until it pulls away from the bowl and springs back when pressed gently. This is a workout worth your while!

Step 5: Let It Rise
Shape your kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and set it in a warm place for 1-1½ hours until it has doubled in size. If you’re getting impatient, no worries—good things take time!

Step 6: Prepare the Chai Caramel Sauce
While the dough rises, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Steep your chai tea bags in the cream for about 10 minutes, then allow it to cool. In another bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar, chai spices, honey, and salt, then stir in the chai-infused cream.

Step 7: Roll It Out
Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread the delicious chai filling over the dough, then roll tightly from the edge closest to you, forming a log.

Step 8: Cut and Arrange
Slice your roll into 12 equal pieces, about 1 ½ inches wide. Place them flat in a greased 9×13 inch dish where your chai caramel sauce awaits. Pour any remaining heavy cream between the rolls.

Step 9: Second Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it proof again in a warm place for about an hour. Your rolls should puff up nicely during this time.

Step 10: Preheat and Bake
About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 11: Frosting Glory
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices until combined and creamy.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes. Generously slather on your creamy frosting, then gather everyone around the table to enjoy this amazing treat. Trust me, it’s a moment you won’t want to miss!

Perfecting Chai Cinnamon Rolls Cooking Process

Start with blooming the yeast in warm milk before diving into mixing your dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it springs back, then let it rise while you prepare the chai caramel. Assemble your rolls, let them prove, and bake until golden.

Add Your Touch to Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Feel free to swap whole milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Add nuts like pecans for extra crunch, or mix in dried fruits such as cranberries for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.

Sometimes I make these Chai Cinnamon Rolls for brunch, and the smiles they bring family and friends make all the flour and sugar worth it. It’s always a hit!

FAQs About Chai Cinnamon Rolls

What is Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, infused with the rich, aromatic spices found in chai tea. They offer a comforting blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, making them perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat anytime. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the sticky chai caramel sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor. Topped with indulgent cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a treat that will elevate your brunch game to a whole new level.

How do I store leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

To keep your Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are warm and cozy. This will bring back their delightful softness and make them taste freshly baked!

Can I make Chai Cinnamon Rolls without dairy?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version of Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you can easily swap whole milk for almond milk or oat milk. For the butter, consider using coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The spices will shine through just the same, and your rolls will still be deliciously fluffy. Don’t hesitate to customize based on your dietary restrictions; these rolls can be adapted to fit various preferences without sacrificing flavor.

What makes Chai Cinnamon Rolls special?

The magic in Chai Cinnamon Rolls lies in their unique blend of spices and the addition of chai tea, which brings a warm, cozy essence to each bite. The chai-infused caramel sauce provides richness and sweetness, distinguishing them from regular cinnamon rolls. Plus, the creamy frosting melds beautifully with the warming spices to create a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms your soul. They are perfect for special occasions or simply a delightful treat at home!

Conclusion for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion that transforms the classic cinnamon roll into a fragrant, spiced experience. With their fluffy dough, rich chai-infused caramel, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to become a favorite at any brunch gathering. Making Chai Cinnamon Rolls is not just about baking but creating sweet memories that linger long after the last bite. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure with Chai Cinnamon Rolls; you won’t be disappointed!

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in these warm Chai Cinnamon Rolls, infused with chai spices and topped with cream cheese frosting. A cozy treat for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Additional Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Dough Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk warm
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar
• 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
• 2 whole eggs whisked
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Chai Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Chai Caramel Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 6 oz cream cheese softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• pinch ground cloves

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Dish
• whisk
• Rolling Pin
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Stand mixer
• Saucepan

Method

 

Making the Dough and Filling

1. Bloom the yeast by mixing active dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk together; let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, chai spices, salt, and sugar together.
3. Add the whisked eggs, vanilla, and softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix.
4. Add in the yeast mixture and mix until blended. Knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl and springs back when pressed.
5. Form the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours until doubled in size.

Preparing the Chai Caramel

1. For the chai caramel sauce, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan, add tea bags to steep for 10 minutes, then let cool.
2. In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, chai spices, honey, vanilla, and salt together; stir in the chai-heavy cream mixture.
3. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread the caramel sauce mixture evenly over the bottom.

Assembling and Baking

1. For the chai filling, mix the butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt together in a small bowl.
2. Roll the risen dough into an 18x12 inch rectangle, spread the chai filling over, and roll tightly from the end closest to you.
3. Cut 12 rolls about 1 1/2 inches wide and place them in the casserole dish with the caramel sauce; pour heavy cream in between the rolls.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F about 15 minutes before baking.
6. Bake for 29-32 minutes until golden brown.

Frosting and Serving

1. For the cream cheese frosting, mix softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices; mix until fluffy.
2. Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then cover with cream cheese frosting and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For variations, consider using different milks or adding nuts and dried fruits to the filling.

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