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Chai Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: sara
  • Total Time: ~2.5 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious brown sugar chai spice mixture, then topped with a rich chai cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced and sweet, they bring cozy warmth to breakfast, brunch, or dessert!


Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Chai Spice Mix:

  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • Chai spice mix (from above)

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:

    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
    • Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
    • Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Chai Spice Mix:

    • In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Prepare the Filling:

    • Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and chai spice mix until well combined.
  • Assemble the Rolls:

    • Roll dough into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle on a floured surface.
    • Spread chai spiced filling evenly over the dough.
    • Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
    • Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
    • Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Bake:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
    • Let cool slightly before frosting.
  • Prepare the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and spices. Beat until fluffy.
  • Frost and Serve:

    • Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Overnight Option: Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Extra Spice: Add a pinch of black pepper for a stronger chai flavor.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion