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
