Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you adore the cozy warmth of chai spices and the comforting fluffiness of cinnamon rolls, you are in for a treat with this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls perfectly blend the fragrant notes of cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg with the classic cinnamon sweetness, creating a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Each bite delivers a tender, buttery dough swirled with spiced sugar, all topped with a luscious chai-infused glaze that will make your kitchen smell like a dream come true.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to life, you’ll use a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create extraordinary flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of butter to the warm spice mix that makes these rolls uniquely delicious, each element plays a starring role.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough that gives these rolls their tender, soft crumb.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise perfectly, creating fluffy rolls without fuss.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the spices.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for just the right rise.
• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness to the dough and moistens the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds a subtle richness for fluffiness.
• Brown sugar: Creates a deep, caramel-like sweetness inside the cinnamon chai filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that makes the rolls irresistible.
• Ground cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg: These chai spices bring the warmth and complexity that define this special recipe.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth glaze that finishes the rolls with a sweet shine.
• Brewed chai tea: Adds the authentic chai flavor to the glaze, making every bite sing with spice.
• Vanilla extract: Balances the spice and sweetness with its fragrant warmth.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

Start by whisking together the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. These dry ingredients form the structure of your dough and give it flavor. Then, in a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to create a rich, velvety wet mixture. Gradually pour this into the dry mix, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead for Perfection

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step is where the magic happens — kneading develops gluten that gives your rolls their wonderful chew and structure. It’s a perfect moment to enjoy the tactile joy of bread making.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your smooth dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and tuck it away in a warm spot. The dough needs around 60 to 90 minutes to rise and double in size—a crucial step that ensures your rolls bake up light and fluffy.

Step 4: Craft the Spiced Filling

While your dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg for the chai cinnamon filling. This blend of spices brings that unmistakable chai flavor that turns ordinary cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary.

Step 5: Roll, Spread, and Slice

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out into a 16 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface—this keeps the filling moist and adds richness. Then sprinkle the chai spice mixture generously over the buttered dough. Roll the dough up tightly along the long side to capture those beautiful spirals, and cut into 12 equal rolls.

Step 6: Rise and Bake

Arrange your rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they’re delightfully puffy. This second rise is key to achieving soft, tender rolls bursting with fluffy goodness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible.

Step 7: Whip Up the Chai Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract to make a silky glaze. Once the rolls cool just slightly, drizzle this chai-infused glaze all over the warm cinnamon rolls to add a layer of sweet, spicy magic.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped toasted nuts or a pinch of extra chai spices over the glaze right before serving. A dusting of cinnamon or cardamom powder adds a tempting aroma and visual appeal, making these treats even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with classic beverages like hot chai tea or a creamy latte for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich spice flavors, balancing sweetness and texture beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the rolls in individual ramekins or rustic cast-iron skillets that keep them warm longer. You can also pull apart the rolls for a communal experience that’s perfect for sharing and casual brunch gatherings. Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of honey gives your presentation a delightful flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover chai cinnamon rolls fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigeration slows spoilage but may firm up the rolls slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise again, and bake fresh. Alternatively, freeze fully baked rolls in a sealed bag and reheat when ready.

Reheating

The best way to warm up your chilled or frozen chai cinnamon rolls is by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, tented with foil to keep them moist. A quick zap in the microwave also works for a soft, warm treat but may sacrifice some texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of chai tea?

While regular black tea adds a nice flavor, chai tea contains that special blend of spices that really defines this recipe. Using chai tea in both the filling and glaze ensures you get the authentic, warming spice profile.

Is it possible to make the dough without an egg?

Yes, you can omit the egg and substitute with an extra bit of milk or a flaxseed egg for a vegan option, but the texture might be slightly less rich and tender. The egg helps with binding and rises beautifully.

How do I know when the rolls are fully cooked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when pressed. If you have a kitchen thermometer, an internal temperature of about 190°F indicates they are perfectly baked through.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to balance chewiness and tenderness. Using whole wheat flour will yield a denser roll, so if you try it, consider mixing with all-purpose and adjusting liquids.

What’s the best way to make the glaze thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. For a thinner glaze, add a splash more brewed chai tea or vanilla extract gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings together the rich, fragrant spices of chai with the timeless comfort of cinnamon rolls to create a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these rolls are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this spiced sweet adventure — I promise every bite will warm your heart and lift your spirits!

Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 52 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with warm chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves, delivering a fragrant and delicious twist perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft, fluffy dough filled with chai-spiced brown sugar and finished with a chai-infused glaze makes for an irresistible treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg

Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp brewed chai tea (cooled)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl to combine the key dry components of the dough evenly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg, ensuring the milk is about 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
3. Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing until a soft dough forms that is not too sticky or dry.
4. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten structure.
5. First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes until it has doubled in size.
6. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to create the chai spice filling.
7. Roll Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×10 inch rectangle.
8. Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the chai spice mixture on top, covering the entire surface.
9. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 12 equal slices to form individual rolls.
10. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
11. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
12. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
13. Make Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract until smooth to create the chai glaze.
14. Serve: After baking, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then drizzle the chai glaze generously over the top and serve warm to enjoy.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm and not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use freshly brewed chai tea cooled to room temperature for the glaze to maintain flavor and consistency.
• Allow the rolls to rise fully; patience leads to fluffier, softer cinnamon rolls.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheat gently in the microwave to restore softness before serving leftovers.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American