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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls: Fall’s Cozy Sweet Indulgence

Indulge in Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls, a warm blend of aromatic spices, perfect for cozy breakfasts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk warmed to 110°F for optimal blooming
  • teaspoons Active Dry Yeast check freshness
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar coconut sugar is a substitute
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour can replace half with bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger optional for milder spice
  • 1 teaspoon Salt balances sweetness
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter softened, or use dairy-free butter
  • 2 large Eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract can be omitted
For the Caramel Sauce
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream can swap with coconut cream
  • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar dark brown sugar is also great
  • 2 tablespoons Honey maple syrup is a substitute
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese or vegan cream cheese
  • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter softened
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar reduce for lower sugar needs

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warmed whole milk (110°F), 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir gently and set aside for about 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a stand mixer, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and the bloomed yeast mixture. Knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. In a saucepan, gently heat ½ cup of heavy cream on medium-low until warm. Steep in 2 chai tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and whisk in ½ cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  5. In a mixing bowl, blend ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
  6. After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x12 inches. Spread the filling, then roll it tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.
  7. Pour warm caramel sauce into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls in the dish, drizzle with heavy cream, cover, and let proof for 1 hour.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown and the kitchen smells amazing.
  9. While rolls bake, prepare frosting by beating 8 ounces of cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon until creamy.
  10. Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then generously frost with the cream cheese frosting while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh yeast and measure flour accurately.

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