Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls filling your kitchen on a crisp morning. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with warm chai spices and swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, making them the perfect indulgence for breakfast or brunch.

I first experimented with adding chai spices to my cinnamon rolls after a cozy afternoon sipping homemade chai. The blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon felt like a natural fit, transforming a classic treat into something truly special. Now, these rolls are a staple in my household, especially during the colder months when we crave a little extra warmth and comfort.

Why You'll Love These Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked good. These Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two comforting flavors: the classic gooey cinnamon roll and the aromatic spice blend of chai.

First off, the chai spice mix takes these rolls to the next level. Instead of just cinnamon, you'll get hints of cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

They're also soft and fluffy, thanks to a perfectly balanced dough that stays pillowy even after baking. No dry or tough cinnamon rolls here!

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead prep. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge, making it easier to bake fresh rolls in the morning.

Best of all, these rolls pair beautifully with your favorite tea or coffee, making them the ideal cozy treat for any time of day.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls comes from a few key ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing just the right balance of structure and softness. If you want a slightly richer dough, you can substitute part of it with bread flour for extra chewiness.

The chai spice blend is what makes these rolls special. A mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg creates that signature warmth. You can adjust the proportions based on your personal preference.

Brown sugar and butter come together to create the gooey filling. The molasses in brown sugar deepens the flavor, making the filling extra rich and caramel-like.

For the dough, warm milk and yeast work together to create a soft, airy texture. Be sure your milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.

Finally, the cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. A blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla gives these rolls a tangy sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.

How To Make These Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls is easier than you think. Let’s go step by step.

Start by activating the yeast. Warm the milk until it's about 110°F, then mix it with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Next, mix together the dough ingredients. In a large bowl, combine flour, chai spices, sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Slowly add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Mix softened butter with brown sugar and the chai spice blend until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly across the surface, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fluffy. As they bake, prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk for the perfect drizzleable consistency.

Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the glaze on top. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate treat!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though they disappear quickly!), these Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls store well.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just warm them slightly before eating to get that fresh-baked softness back.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven to refresh their texture.

You can also freeze these rolls! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm up in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls is their versatility. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up.

If you love extra spice, add a pinch of black pepper to the chai spice mix for a little kick. This mimics the spiced heat you’d find in traditional chai tea.

For a richer flavor, swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar in the filling. It adds a hint of caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

If you're dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Almond milk and coconut milk both work well in this recipe, and you can make a simple dairy-free glaze using powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.

Want to add a little crunch? Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling before rolling up the dough.

These rolls are also great with a maple glaze instead of the traditional cream cheese frosting. Just mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a sweet, aromatic drizzle.

No matter how you make them, these Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls are bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy every gooey, spiced bite!

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