Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for fall, combining the warm spices of chai with soft, fluffy dough. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, they are a delightful way to celebrate the season. The gooey filling, creamy frosting, and rich caramel sauce make each bite an indulgent experience that your family and friends will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chai spices creates a unique taste that stands out among typical cinnamon rolls.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls are incredibly soft due to the careful mixing and rising of the dough.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit any occasion.
• Decadent Frosting: The chai cream cheese frosting adds a rich layer of flavor that complements the rolls beautifully.
• Fun to Bake Together: This recipe is great for family cooking time, allowing everyone to get involved in the process.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easy and ensures it is well-mixed without too much effort.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly, which is crucial for uniform-sized rolls.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your rolls to perfection.

Ingredients

These gooey chai cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with delicious brown sugar chai filling, frosted with chai cream cheese frosting, all while drenched in a truly decadent and sticky brown sugar chai caramel sauce on the bottom. An absolutely incredible, indulgent treat to bake this fall!

Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
– 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 3/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground allspice
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 1 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
– 2 eggs, whisked
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
– 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
– 2 chai tea bags

For the filling:
– 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
– 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
– 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 3/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground allspice
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the frosting:
– 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
– 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
– 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Additional spices as desired for flavor

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it reaches about 110 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is ready, add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Gradually add in dry ingredients while mixing until a dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface or use a stand mixer on low speed until smooth. This should take about eight minutes.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about one hour.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together softened butter, light brown sugar, ground spices for the filling in a bowl until well combined.

Step-by-Step Instructions Continue…

Follow through with additional steps until fully baked! Enjoy crafting these delightful chai cinnamon rolls that will surely be loved by everyone at your table!

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these rolls are versatile and can be paired with different accompaniments.

With Fresh Brewed Chai Tea

• Freshly brewed chai tea complements the flavors of the rolls perfectly, enhancing the aromatic spices.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, making each bite even more indulgent.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

• Enjoy your chai cinnamon rolls warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or chai-flavored ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries or sliced apples provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls and balance the richness.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices in the rolls.

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How to Perfect Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the perfect chai cinnamon rolls, follow these essential tips. They will help you get soft, fluffy, and flavorful results every time.

• Use warm milk: Warming your milk to about 110 degrees F activates the yeast effectively, ensuring good rise.
• Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten in the dough, resulting in soft and elastic rolls.
• Allow ample rising time: Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls.
• Don’t skip chilling: Chilling your dough before rolling makes it easier to handle and shapes better.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature for even cooking.
• Top generously with frosting: The chai cream cheese frosting is a delicious finishing touch that elevates each roll.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These chai cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delightful options to consider when serving them.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries adds a creamy texture and nutritional value.
3. Savory Breakfast Hash: A hearty hash with potatoes, eggs, and veggies offers a savory contrast to sweet rolls.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can enhance your brunch spread and add savory flavors.
5. Coconut Chia Pudding: This healthy pudding is light yet satisfying, making it an excellent addition to breakfast.
6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices make for a crunchy snack alongside your warm rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chai cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Ignoring yeast freshness: Always check the expiration date of your active dry yeast. Using old yeast can result in rolls that won’t rise properly.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures accurate measurements and prevents dense rolls.

• Skipping the resting time: Allow the dough to rise adequately. Rushing this step can lead to tough, less fluffy rolls.

• Overfilling the rolls: Use a moderate amount of filling. Overstuffed rolls can ooze out during baking and create a mess.

• Neglecting frosting temperature: Ensure your cream cheese frosting is at room temperature before mixing. This results in a smoother, creamier texture for spreading.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Add extra frosting afterward if desired.

• Stovetop: Place a roll in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chai cinnamon rolls:

Can I use regular cinnamon instead of chai spices?

Yes, you can use regular cinnamon. However, using chai spices gives the rolls their unique flavor profile that enhances their deliciousness.

How do I know when my chai cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I make these chai cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to customize chai cinnamon rolls?

You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch or incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for added sweetness.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly, leftover chai cinnamon rolls will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Chai cinnamon rolls are an irresistible treat that combines warm spices with gooey sweetness. They make an excellent breakfast or dessert option for any autumn gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or fruits to make them uniquely yours!

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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Amanda
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall indulgence, bringing together the aromatic warmth of chai spices with fluffy, soft dough. Each roll is generously filled with a gooey brown sugar mixture and topped with a rich chai cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later, these delightful rolls will impress family and friends alike. Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this easy-to-follow recipe that turns any gathering into a celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar
• 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 chai tea bags
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened (for the filling)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for the filling)
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger (for the filling)
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice (for the filling)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for the filling)
• 3/4 tsp ground cardamom (for the filling)
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves (for the filling)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, very softened (for the frosting)
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened (for the frosting)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for the frosting)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for the frosting)
• Additional spices as desired for flavor (for the frosting)

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Instructions

1. Warm 1 1/4 cups of whole milk to about 110°F and combine it with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and the spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves).
3. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add in 2 whisked eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling by mixing together softened butter with light brown sugar and spices.
6. Roll out the dough, spread the filling evenly, roll tightly into a log, slice into rolls, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake at 350°F for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (100g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg