If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the comforting spice of chai together with the gooey, swirly satisfaction of homemade sweet rolls, you’ve found your match with Chai Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine pillowy dough filled with warm cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and a touch of black pepper, all smothered in a luscious cream cheese glaze. This recipe makes your kitchen smell incredible, and each bite feels like wrapping up in your favorite blanket with a hot mug of something steamy. Whether you’re celebrating a crisp fall morning or just want to shake up your weekend baking, Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate way to bring bakery-level indulgence to your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chai Cinnamon Rolls is their blend of everyday staples and a few key spices. Each ingredient plays its part, from fluffy dough to aromatic filling and creamy glaze, building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture.
- Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Warm milk wakes up the yeast for a tender, rise-and-shine dough; try steeping a chai tea bag for extra flavor!
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This is the secret to pillowy, cloud-like rolls—make sure it’s fresh for the perfect rise.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just enough sweetness to the dough without overpowering the spices.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/4 cup softened): Melted in the dough for tenderness; softened for spreading and ultra richness in the filling.
- Eggs (2 large): Eggs give the rolls their signature fluffy pull-apart texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A hint brings out every note of spice and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3 3/4 cups, plus more for dusting): Choose a good-quality brand for dough that’s soft but sturdy enough to hold all that filling.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): For a deep, cozy caramel flavor in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The classic heart of any cinnamon roll—always generous!
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth that makes these rolls taste like autumn in a bite.
- Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers floral, slightly citrusy notes that set these apart from ordinary cinnamon rolls.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): These bring depth and earthy spice to the swirl.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Just a little for rich, nutty complexity.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): The not-so-secret ingredient that gives these rolls classic chai zing.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The base of a tangy, silky glaze that clings to every crevice.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For that perfectly sweet and slightly snowy finish on top.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A dash brings all the flavors together in the glaze.
- Milk for glaze (1–2 tablespoons): Thin the glaze just enough for swoon-worthy drizzle action.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring your warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkling in the active dry yeast. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes—you’re looking for a frothy, bubbly top. If you want an extra kick of spice, drop a chai tea bag into the milk before adding the yeast and steep for a few minutes. This simple step makes sure you get those bakery-style rolls with a deep, fragrant lift!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Whisk in the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt until everything is well blended. Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing as you go, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook here—it makes the job a breeze. Otherwise, prepare for a little upper-body workout as you knead!
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes (or let your dough hook handle it) until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour. This is when the dough does its magic—the wait pays off with rolls that are ultra soft and fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Chai Spice Filling
While your dough rises, mix up the chai-spiced sugar. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl. The aroma alone feels like a hug! This is truly what transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into unforgettable Chai Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough—don’t skimp!—then sprinkle the chai-spice sugar across every inch. Pressing it in a bit helps those flavors seep into every swirl.
Step 6: Roll Up and Slice
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice it into 12 equal rolls (a little dental floss works wonders for super-clean cuts). Arrange the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again and let them rise for 30 to 40 minutes until they’re puffy and nearly doubled.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the baking dish in and let the rolls bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until beautifully golden on top. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is absolute heaven. Pull them out when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While your Chai Cinnamon Rolls are still warm, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to get a velvety glaze. Smother the rolls generously. The glaze will melt into all the nooks, creating gooey pockets of sweet-tangy perfection.
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, you can dust the tops with a touch of ground cinnamon or cardamom just before serving. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for a nutty crunch or scatter some edible dried rose petals for a bakery-style finish that will wow everyone at the table.
Side Dishes
These rolls are incredible on their own but truly shine when paired with a cup of hot chai latte or robust coffee. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple Greek yogurt parfait—the bright acidity and creaminess balance the sweet, spiced flavors of the Chai Cinnamon Rolls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Host a cozy weekend brunch and serve the rolls straight from the pan, letting everyone dig in family-style. Or stack the rolls on a rustic wooden board dusted with powdered sugar for a coffeehouse look. You can also turn individual Chai Cinnamon Rolls into portable desserts by wrapping them in parchment and tying with twine—adorable for gifting or party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls, let them cool completely before covering the pan tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep deliciously moist at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. Keep the rolls well covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Chai Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled, unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe container or wrap well in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and warm gently before glazing and serving for that just-baked taste any time.
Reheating
Pop individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until soft and gooey again. If you’ve frozen the rolls, thaw first and then glaze after reheating for the freshest experience.
FAQs
Can I make Chai Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After placing the cut rolls in your baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking. Perfect for fuss-free brunches or holiday mornings.
How do I get an even stronger chai flavor?
For bolder spice, steep a chai tea bag in your warm milk before making the dough, or even sprinkle extra cardamom and ginger into the filling. You can also whisk a little instant chai powder directly into the glaze for a finishing touch.
What’s the best way to cut the dough into rolls?
Dental floss is a baker’s secret here! Slide a piece under the rolled dough, bring the ends up and cross them over to slice through gently. This keeps your Chai Cinnamon Rolls perfectly round and prevents squishing.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. The rolls will still be plush and full of chai spice—nobody will guess they’re dairy-free!
Do the rolls stay soft after baking?
Yes, especially thanks to the rich dough and gooey glaze. Just make sure to cover any leftovers tightly, and if you notice them firming up, a quick warm-up in the microwave will restore the soft, pillowy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a more comforting way to fill your home with delicious aromas and treat your loved ones than baking a batch of Chai Cinnamon Rolls. With every swirl of spiced sugar and dreamy glaze, these rolls are sure to bring cozy café vibes and big smiles to your table. If you crave something familiar yet a little bit special, give this recipe a go—you’re in for a real treat!
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Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of chai with a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls. These chai cinnamon rolls are a perfect blend of cozy spices and sweet glaze, making them ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Chai Spice Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Chai Spice Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Roll out dough, spread softened butter, sprinkle chai-spice sugar mixture, roll into a log, cut into rolls, place in a baking dish, let rise, then bake.
- Glaze: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- For a stronger chai flavor, steep 1 chai tea bag in the warm milk before adding the yeast.
- These rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
