Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chai cinnamon rolls are the perfect combination of warmth and spice. The chai flavors are present in every bite—from the dough and filling to the caramel sauce and frosting. The sticky chai caramel sauce adds richness, while the cream cheese frosting gives it a tangy balance. They’re gooey, indulgent, and simply irresistible!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• Whole milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves
• Salt, granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter

For the chai caramel sauce:

• Heavy cream
• Chai tea bags
• Brown sugar, butter, vanilla, honey, and salt

For the chai cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices

Directions

1. Bloom the yeast: Warm the milk and dissolve sugar to activate the yeast.
2. Make the dough: Combine flour, spices, salt, and sugar. Add in eggs, vanilla, butter, and yeast mixture, and knead until soft. Let it rise for 1-2 hours.
3. Prepare the chai caramel sauce: Brew chai tea and mix with brown sugar, butter, and spices. Spread it in the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Roll the dough: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with the chai brown sugar filling, and roll tightly. Cut into 12 rolls.
5. Second proof: Let rolls rise for another hour.
6. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
7. Make the frosting: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and chai spices to make the frosting.
8. Serve: After cooling for 10 minutes, frost the rolls and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Total Time: 4 hours (includes proofing and baking time)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with dairy-free options and use a non-dairy milk.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Spicier: Add extra ground cinnamon or cardamom for more chai flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

FAQs

Can I prepare these rolls the day before?

Yes, prepare them up until the second proofing step, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow them to proof at room temperature before baking.

What can I substitute for chai tea bags?

Use a strong brewed chai concentrate or make your own chai spice mix.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, freeze unbaked rolls before the second proofing. Let them thaw and proof before baking.

How can I avoid over-proofing the dough?

Ensure the dough is kept in a warm, but not hot, place, and don’t exceed the recommended rise times.

How do I store the frosting?

Store frosting separately in the fridge and apply after reheating the rolls.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and your proofing environment is warm. If it’s too cold, the dough may take longer to rise.

Can I make these rolls smaller?

Yes, simply cut the dough into smaller pieces for mini rolls.

Can I make this recipe without the frosting?

Yes, the rolls are delicious even without frosting or you can drizzle a simple glaze.

What is the best way to cut the dough into rolls?

Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices without squashing the dough.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.

Conclusion

These chai cinnamon rolls are a unique and indulgent treat filled with spice and sweetness. The chai caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting elevate these rolls to an irresistible level of deliciousness. Perfect for fall, or any time you want to impress with a cozy and flavorful baked good!

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Chef Sara
• Total Time: 4 hours (including proofing and baking time)
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall treat, featuring soft, fluffy dough, a spiced chai filling, and a decadent chai caramel sauce. Topped with a chai cream cheese frosting, these rolls are warm, gooey, and irresistible—perfect for cozy mornings, holidays, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

• For the dough:

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

• For the chai caramel sauce:

  • Heavy cream
  • Chai tea bags
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter
  • Vanilla
  • Honey
  • Salt

• For the chai cream cheese frosting:

  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chai spices

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Instructions

• Bloom the yeast: Warm the milk and dissolve sugar to activate the yeast.
• Make the dough: Combine flour, spices, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead until soft and let rise for 1-2 hours.
• Prepare the chai caramel sauce: Brew chai tea and mix with brown sugar, butter, and spices. Spread it in the bottom of a baking dish.
• Roll the dough: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with the chai brown sugar filling, and roll tightly. Cut into 12 rolls.
• Second proof: Let rolls rise for another hour.
• Bake: Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
• Make the frosting: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and chai spices.
• Serve: After cooling for 10 minutes, frost the rolls and serve.

Notes

• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with dairy-free options and use non-dairy milk.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Spicier: Add extra ground cinnamon or cardamom for a stronger chai flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Fall Treat
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American