Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect fusion of warm spices and sweet dough, with a hint of chai flavor throughout. The soft, pillowy rolls are swirled with a spiced chai filling and topped with a rich chai caramel sauce that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a comforting, aromatic treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
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2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
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1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
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4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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3/4 tsp ground ginger
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1/4 tsp ground allspice
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/2 tsp ground cardamom
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1/8 tsp ground cloves
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1 1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
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2 eggs, whisked
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
For the Chai Caramel Sauce:
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1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
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2 chai tea bags
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1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
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1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
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1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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3/4 tsp ground ginger
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1/4 tsp ground allspice
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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3/4 tsp ground cardamom
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1/8 tsp ground cloves
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1/3 cup (116 g) honey
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1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
For the Chai Filling:
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1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
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1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
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1/2 tsp ground allspice
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1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
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1 tsp ground cardamom
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1/4 tsp ground cloves
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy. -
Mix Dry Ingredients for the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves), salt, and sugar. -
Combine Dough Ingredients
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and the bloomed yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. -
Add Butter and Let Rise
Add the softened butter and knead it into the dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. -
Prepare the Chai Caramel Sauce
While the dough rises, make the chai caramel sauce. Heat the heavy cream and chai tea bags together in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, then add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Prepare the Chai Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Stir until well combined. -
Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the chai filling evenly across the dough, then pour the heavy cream evenly over the filling. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log and pinch the seams to seal. -
Cut the Rolls
Slice the dough into 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a damp towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes or until they puff up. -
Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Serve
Drizzle the chai caramel sauce over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them in the morning.
Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices depending on your taste preference.
Storage: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including rise time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Keywords: chai cinnamon rolls, chai spiced rolls, cinnamon rolls with chai, chai caramel sauce, homemade cinnamon rolls, spiced dessert rolls