Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the warm, aromatic spices of chai, including cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Soft, fluffy, and generously frosted with a spiced cream cheese glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or a cozy 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
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt until evenly combined. This forms the dry base for your dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Add the warm milk, melted butter, and room-temperature eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a tender crumb.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. This will be used in both the filling and frosting for a consistent chai flavor.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, mix the softened butter and packed brown sugar with the chai spice blend 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, creating an even layer for spreading the filling.
- Apply the Filling: Spread the chai spiced filling evenly over the prepared dough rectangle to ensure every bite is flavored.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Cut into Portions: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces to create individual cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown on top.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly so they’re warm but not hot for frosting application.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chai spices, then beat until fluffy and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Generously spread the chai cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting spice blend.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading is essential to develop the dough’s texture for soft rolls.
- You can make the chai spice mix in advance to save time.
- For extra soft rolls, cover them with a clean kitchen towel instead of plastic wrap during rising.
- Serve the rolls warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
