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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Indulgent chai-spiced cinnamon rolls with multiple layers of warm spices, cream cheese frosting, and caramel sauce. Takes 4 hours including proofing time.
Ranah
Updated on Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:45:41 GMT
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Picture the most perfect cinnamon roll, now add the warm, aromatic spices of chai - that's what we're creating here. These rolls combine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls with the exotic warmth of cardamom, ginger, and spice. Each pillowy-soft roll sits in a pool of chai-spiced caramel and gets crowned with chai cream cheese frosting, creating a breakfast treat that's truly unforgettable.

My first attempt at these rolls happened during a rainy autumn morning, and the whole house filled with the most incredible aroma. Even my coffee-drinking husband couldn't resist the chai spices wafting from the kitchen. Now they're our special weekend tradition.

Essential Ingredients Explained

  • Active dry yeast: Fresh yeast is crucial - check the expiration date before starting
  • Whole milk: The fat content creates the richest, most tender dough
  • Chai spices: The blend of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves creates that authentic chai flavor
  • Brown sugar: Its molasses content helps create that gorgeous caramel sauce
  • Heavy cream: Creates the most luxurious texture in both sauce and frosting
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Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin with perfectly warm milk for blooming the yeast
It should feel like warm bath water on your wrist. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won't activate it
When making the dough
Add flour gradually until it just pulls away from the bowl - the exact amount can vary based on humidity
The first rise is crucial
Look for the dough to truly double in size. In winter, I turn on my oven light and let it rise there
Roll the dough into a precise rectangle
Taking time here ensures even-sized rolls
When spreading the filling
Leave a small border at one long edge - this helps create a proper seal

The Art of Perfect Rolls

After dozens of batches, I've discovered that the key to evenly sized rolls lies in the cutting technique. Using unflavored dental floss creates the cleanest cuts without squishing the dough. I learned this trick from my grandmother, who used to make cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning. The floss slips under and around the dough, crossing over to make a perfect slice.

Mastering the Chai Spice

Getting the right balance of chai spices took several attempts. Too much cardamom can overwhelm, while too little gets lost. I've found that toasting the spices briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the recipe intensifies their flavor beautifully.

The Magic of the Bottom Sauce

The caramel sauce on the bottom is like a secret treasure. It starts out looking quite liquid, but during baking, it transforms into this incredible sticky-sweet layer that makes each roll special. Once, when I accidentally used cold cream instead of room temperature, I noticed the sauce didn't spread as evenly - now I make sure everything is at room temp.

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One winter morning, I discovered that placing the rising dough near a sunny window created the perfect environment for proofing - now it's my favorite spot for yeast doughs.

These chai cinnamon rolls have become more than just a recipe in our house - they're a ritual, a way to make ordinary mornings feel special. Whether you're baking them for a holiday breakfast or just because it's Saturday, they fill your home with the most incredible aroma and bring everyone to the kitchen. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, warm chai spices, and that incredible caramel sauce creates something truly magical.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can prepare them the night before and let them do their second rise in the refrigerator overnight.
→ What if I don't have all the chai spices?
You can use a pre-made chai spice blend, or focus on the main spices: cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
→ Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, freeze them unfrosted and add the frosting after thawing and reheating.
→ Why do the ingredients need to be at specific temperatures?
Warm milk activates the yeast, while room temperature butter and eggs help with proper dough development.
→ How do I know when they're properly proofed?
The dough should double in size during both the first and second rise.

Spiced Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with chai spices, filled with brown sugar chai filling, and topped with chai cream cheese frosting and caramel sauce.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Dough

01 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F
02 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
03 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
04 4 ¾ cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
05 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
06 ¾ tsp ground ginger
07 ¼ tsp ground allspice
08 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
09 ½ tsp ground cardamom
10 ⅛ tsp ground cloves
11 1 ½ tsp salt
12 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
13 2 eggs, whisked
14 1 tbsp vanilla extract
15 ½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened

→ For the Chai Caramel Sauce

16 ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream
17 2 chai tea bags
18 ½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
19 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
20 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
21 ¾ tsp ground ginger
22 ¼ tsp ground allspice
23 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
24 ¾ tsp ground cardamom
25 ⅛ tsp ground cloves
26 ⅓ cup (116 g) honey
27 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
28 ¼ tsp salt

→ For the Chai Filling

29 ½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
30 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
31 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
32 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
33 ½ tsp ground allspice
34 ½ tsp ground nutmeg
35 1 tsp ground cardamom
36 ¼ tsp ground cloves
37 ¼ tsp salt
38 ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)

→ For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

39 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
40 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
41 ¾ cup (97 g) powdered sugar
42 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
43 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
44 ¼ tsp ground ginger
45 ⅛ tsp ground allspice
46 ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
47 ¼ tsp ground cardamom
48 Pinch of cloves

Instructions

Step 01

Warm milk to 110°F. Add yeast and 1 tsp sugar, let bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Combine flour, spices, salt, and remaining sugar. Add bloomed yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until combined, then knead in softened butter until smooth dough forms.

Step 03

Let dough rise in warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 04

Heat cream with chai tea bags. Combine with butter, brown sugar, spices, honey, vanilla, and salt. Pour into baking pan.

Step 05

Roll dough into rectangle. Spread with butter-spice filling mixture. Roll up and cut into 12 pieces.

Step 06

Place rolls in pan with caramel. Let rise 1-1.5 hours until puffy.

Step 07

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Pour cream over rolls halfway through baking.

Step 08

Mix frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over slightly cooled rolls and serve.

Notes

  1. Requires proofing time
  2. Uses multiple chai spice blends

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or large bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese)
  • Eggs
  • Gluten (flour)