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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai Cinnamon Rolls – Your Cozy Fall Indulgence Awaits

Chai Cinnamon Rolls: A soft, fluffy treat infused with warm chai spices and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Warm to about 110°F
  • 1 packet Active Dry Yeast Ensure it is fresh
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated White Sugar For blooming the yeast
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Spoon and level for accuracy
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adjust based on preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger Can reduce for milder spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Allspice Optional variation
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg A little goes a long way
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom Adjust quantity to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cloves Use sparingly
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor
  • 2 large Eggs Whisked well before incorporation
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract Use pure for best results
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Very softened for mixing
For the Chai Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with another cream
  • 2 bags Chai Tea Bags Optional if different flavor desired
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Ensure packed in measurement
  • 1/4 cup Honey Can use maple syrup as substitute
For the Chai Filling
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Softened for spreading
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Spices Same as dough spices
For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Cream Cheese Room temperature
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust for preferred sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds flavor

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • saucepan
  • baking dish
  • Rolling Pin
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 packet of active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons of granulated white sugar, and 1/2 cup of warm whole milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a stand mixer, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and other dry ingredients.
  3. Add the bloomed yeast mixture, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, then knead for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream, steep 2 chai tea bags for 10 minutes, then combine with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey, stirring until smooth.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and chai spices for the filling.
  7. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the chai filling, and tightly roll it into a log.
  8. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal sections and place them in the casserole dish over the caramel.
  9. Pour 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls and let them proof for 1 hour until puffed.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 29-32 minutes until golden brown.
  11. While the rolls cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting and blend until fluffy and smooth.
  12. Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure your milk and butter are warm for best dough texture. Allow rolls to cool before frosting.

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