Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls and the rich, spicy warmth of chai. This Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe elevates a classic breakfast treat into something extraordinary, infused with the deep, aromatic flavors of chai spices. The soft, pillowy dough is swirled with a decadent chai-spiced filling and topped with a luscious chai caramel sauce. These rolls are the ultimate indulgence for chilly mornings or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extra special.

The dough is tender and fragrant, thanks to the combination of warm milk and the perfect mix of chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Once baked, the rolls are smothered in a chai caramel sauce that’s both rich and comforting, making them impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or just because, these Chai Cinnamon Rolls will be an instant favorite.

Let’s explore why these cinnamon rolls are so irresistible, and how you can easily make them at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Spiced Perfection: The chai spices infuse every layer of dough and filling, creating a comforting and aromatic flavor profile.
2. Soft, Fluffy Texture: The dough is incredibly soft and pillowy, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
3. Indulgent Caramel Sauce: The chai caramel sauce adds a rich, velvety finish to the rolls, taking them to the next level.
4. A Unique Twist on Tradition: This recipe puts a unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls, incorporating the deep, warming flavors of chai.
5. Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat for family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• Whole milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated white sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground allspice
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cardamom
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Granulated white sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter (very softened)

For the Chai Caramel Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chai tea bags
• Unsalted butter (very softened)
• Light brown sugar (packed)
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground allspice
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cardamom
• Ground cloves
• Honey
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

For the Chai Filling

• Unsalted butter (very softened)
• Light brown sugar (packed)
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground allspice
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cardamom
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Heavy cream (for pouring between the rolls)

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and crunch.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute dairy-free butter, milk, and cream, and use a vegan egg substitute.
• Cinnamon Swirl Only: If you’re not in the mood for chai, simply omit the chai spices from the dough and filling for a classic cinnamon roll.
• Glaze Instead of Sauce: If you prefer a simpler topping, drizzle a vanilla glaze over the rolls instead of the chai caramel sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spices to your liking. You can make them spicier or milder depending on your preference for chai flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and pour it into a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast and 1 tsp of sugar over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast has bloomed, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter to the milk mixture. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Chai Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Place the chai tea bags in the cream and steep for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard. In a separate pan, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour in the chai-infused cream and stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.

Step 5: Make the Chai Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and salt until well combined. Add the heavy cream and mix to create a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).

Step 7: Assemble the Rolls

Spread the chai filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, and slice it into 12-15 rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Drizzle with Chai Caramel Sauce

Once the rolls are done baking, pour the chai caramel sauce over the top while they’re still warm, letting the sauce soak into the rolls.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool slightly, then serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy the perfect blend of chai spices and sweet cinnamon goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Proof Your Yeast: Make sure the yeast is properly activated by ensuring the milk is warm but not too hot—around 110°F is perfect.
• Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is very soft for both the dough and filling to ensure smooth mixing.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading the dough can result in tough rolls. Knead just until smooth and elastic.
• Chai Flavor: If you want a stronger chai flavor, steep the tea bags in the cream for a longer time.
• Let the Rolls Rest: Let the rolls rest and rise properly to ensure they are fluffy and light.

How to Serve

• Serve the chai cinnamon rolls warm for breakfast or brunch, paired with a cup of chai tea or coffee.
• These rolls also make a perfect dessert, especially when drizzled with extra chai caramel sauce.
• For a fun twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a few seconds before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. After rolling and slicing the dough, place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftover rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you don’t need to bloom it in warm milk. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

2. Can I make the chai caramel sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the chai caramel sauce up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before using.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, but homemade chai caramel adds a special touch and enhanced flavor.

4. How do I get the perfect swirl in the rolls?

Make sure to roll the dough tightly and slice evenly for perfect swirls.

5. Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?

You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar or white sugar for a slightly different flavor.

6. How long do I need to let the dough rise?

Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cold, it may take a bit longer.

7. Can I freeze the baked rolls?

Yes, you can freeze baked rolls. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

8. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter, eggs, and milk with dairy-free alternatives.

9. How do I keep the rolls from getting too dry?

Make sure to cover the rolls properly while they rise and keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking them.

10. Can I adjust the chai spice blend?

Yes, you can adjust the spices to your preference, increasing or decreasing the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, and other spices as desired.

Conclusion

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and indulgence. Whether you’re a chai lover or just looking to elevate your cinnamon roll game, this recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Soft, fragrant dough, chai-spiced filling, and a rich caramel sauce make these rolls impossible to resist. Make them for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself—you’ll be glad you did!

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