Description

Delightfully aromatic Chai Cinnamon Rolls infused with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other warm spices. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet chai-spiced brown sugar butter filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy chai-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Chai Spice Mix for Filling and Frosting

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Filling

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
Chai spice mix (from above)

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and room temperature eggs to the dry mixture. Mix together until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg to create the chai spice blend.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and the prepared chai spice mix until well combined and smooth.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle.
Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chai spiced butter and brown sugar filling over the rolled-out dough, covering the surface completely.
Form the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log shape.
Cut the Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before frosting so the frosting does not melt completely.
Prepare the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg). Beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast (around 110°F/43°C).
Kneading the dough properly develops gluten, resulting in soft and elastic rolls.
Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm environment for best results.
Use room temperature eggs and butter to help incorporate ingredients smoothly.
Slice the rolled dough carefully for evenly sized rolls that bake uniformly.
If you prefer, you can double the chai spice amount in the filling or frosting for a stronger spice flavor.
Store leftover rolls tightly covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.