The Cozy Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting delectable chai-spiced cinnamon rolls brings warmth to your kitchen and soul.

Aromatic spices dance through soft, pillowy dough, promising a sensory adventure.

Fragrant cardamom, ginger, and cloves weave magic into every tender spiral.

Cozy mornings deserve something extraordinary that makes you smile instantly.

Sweet layers unfold like a comforting narrative of spice and comfort.

Baking these rolls connects you with traditional flavors reimagined through a modern lens.

Let’s create something magical that will make everyone gather around with anticipation.

Ingredients for Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture for the soft cinnamon rolls.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
• Instant Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: A classic combination that creates the signature sweet and spicy chai-spiced filling.
• Cardamom, Ginger, Nutmeg: Aromatic spices that give a warm, complex flavor to the rolls.
• Powdered Sugar, Cream Cheese, Vanilla Extract: Key components for creating a smooth, creamy glaze that complements the spiced rolls.

How to Bake Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough Base

Create a magical foundation by blending flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl.

Gently combine the dry ingredients until they’re perfectly mingled.

Step 2: Bring the Dough to Life

Pour in warm milk, melt the butter until silky, and crack in a fresh egg.

Stir and mix everything together, transforming the ingredients into a soft, pliable dough.

Step 3: Knead and Nurture

Massage and work the dough on a clean surface for 8-10 minutes.

The dough will become smooth and elastic.

Place it in a cozy spot and let it rise for an hour, allowing it to double in size.

Step 4: Craft the Chai-Spiced Filling

• Ground cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter

Mix these ingredients into a fragrant, spreadable mixture.

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Delights

Gently roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread the chai-spiced filling evenly across the surface.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into beautiful individual rolls.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place the rolled slices into a generously greased baking dish.

Allow them to rise again for 30 minutes, becoming puffy and irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Drizzle with Heavenly Glaze

Whisk together a luscious glaze using powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, letting it cascade down the sides.

Tips for Perfect Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating soft, fluffy rolls.
• Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic dough that rises beautifully and gives tender texture.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water for consistent, optimal rising.
• Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls evenly without crushing delicate dough.
• Loosely cover rolls with aluminum foil halfway through baking if they're browning too quickly, ensuring even golden color.

Variations of Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• Vegan Chai Rolls: Replace milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and egg with flax egg. Use plant-based cream cheese for glaze.
• Gluten-Free Spice Rolls: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend. Add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Low-Sugar Chai Rolls: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Replace traditional glaze with Greek yogurt-based topping for reduced calories.
• Cardamom Orange Variation: Add orange zest to filling. Incorporate ground cardamom into dough and replace cinnamon with orange-infused spice blend.

Serving Ideas for Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm chai-spiced cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of black tea or coffee for a perfect morning treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve these rolls as a stunning centerpiece during weekend brunches, garnished with fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
• Holiday Morning Delight: Create a festive breakfast spread by placing these rolls alongside seasonal fruits and a light yogurt parfait, perfect for Christmas or New Year's morning.
• Afternoon Tea Twist: Enjoy these rolls during afternoon tea time, complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Store Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Place rolls in freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Warm wrapped rolls at 300F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent hardening.

FAQs

• What are chai spices in this recipe?

Chai spices include cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes black pepper – creating a warm, aromatic blend that gives these cinnamon rolls a unique, complex flavor profile.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and baking in the morning.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these rolls?

You’ll just need basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking dish, and measuring cups – nothing complicated or specialized.

Why Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls Are Irresistible

• Savor Exotic Flavors: Infuse your baking with a delightful twist of chai spices that transform traditional cinnamon rolls into a mouthwatering treat bursting with warm, aromatic notes.
• Wow Weekend Bakers: Perfect for home bakers looking to elevate their skills with a recipe that sounds impressive but is actually straightforward to create, requiring basic baking knowledge.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These rolls bring families together with their irresistible aroma and comforting texture, making them ideal for lazy mornings, brunch gatherings, or special weekend breakfasts.
• Quick-to-Prepare Delight: Requires minimal complex steps and uses common kitchen ingredients, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning pastry that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm chai-spiced cinnamon rolls blend aromatic Indian spices with classic American pastry. Fragrant cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon create a comforting breakfast treat you’ll savor with morning coffee.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base:

• 2 3/4 cups (330g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients including flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl to create a uniform base.
2. Incorporate warm milk, melted butter, and egg into dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Vigorously knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, ensuring smooth and elastic texture, then allow to rest and expand in a warm environment for approximately one hour.
4. Prepare chai-spiced filling by thoroughly combining all designated ingredients, creating a fragrant and flavorful mixture.
5. Gently roll out risen dough into a rectangular shape, spread filling evenly across surface, then carefully roll into a tight cylindrical form and slice into individual rolls.
6. Arrange rolls in a generously greased baking dish, leaving sufficient space between each piece, and let them rise again for 30 minutes to achieve optimal volume.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and aromatic, ensuring even coloration and complete cooking.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and silky, then delicately drizzle over warm rolls, allowing the glaze to cascade and settle into delectable crevices.

Notes

• Enhance yeast activation by ensuring milk is precisely lukewarm, around 110°F, to prevent killing the yeast or slow rising.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting cardamom, ginger, and clove ratios to match personal taste preferences or regional chai styles.
• Opt for instant or active dry yeast, but adjust proofing time accordingly – instant yeast requires less rising time compared to traditional active dry yeast.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting milk with almond or oat milk and using plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 193 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg