Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall-inspired treat, combining the warm, spiced flavors of chai with a soft, fluffy dough, gooey brown sugar chai filling, and a luscious chai cream cheese frosting. To make them even more decadent, they are drenched in a sticky brown sugar chai caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or an indulgent dessert, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy Dough – A perfectly tender texture thanks to yeast and whole milk.
• Rich Chai Spice Flavor – Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
• Gooey Brown Sugar Chai Filling – A deliciously spiced, buttery filling that melts into the rolls.
• Chai Cream Cheese Frosting – A silky, tangy frosting infused with chai spices.
• Brown Sugar Chai Caramel Sauce – A decadent sticky glaze at the bottom for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• Whole milk (warm)
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Chai Filling

• Brown sugar (light, packed)
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cardamom
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground allspice
• Ground cloves
• Unsalted butter (softened)

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Chai tea bags (steeped in milk)

For the Brown Sugar Chai Caramel Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Honey
• Heavy cream
• Chai spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough – In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Knead until smooth.
3. First Rise – Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Brown Sugar Chai Filling

1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
2. Stir in softened butter until combined.

3. Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
2. Spread the chai filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll tightly from the long side into a log, then cut into 12 equal rolls.

4. Second Rise

1. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes, or until puffy.

5. Make the Brown Sugar Chai Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir in honey, heavy cream, and chai spice blend.
3. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolls.

6. Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Make the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Steep chai tea bags in warm milk for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the chai-infused milk and mix until smooth.

8. Frost and Serve

1. Let rolls cool slightly before spreading chai cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and enjoy warm.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 rolls
• Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours

Variations

• Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls – Add ½ cup pumpkin puree to the dough for a fall twist.
• Nutty Rolls – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling for extra crunch.
• Vegan Option – Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese substitutes.
• Extra Spiced Version – Add a pinch of black pepper for a stronger chai flavor.
• Maple Drizzle – Swap honey for maple syrup in the caramel sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping. Thaw and bake when ready.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

What if I don’t have chai tea bags?

Use a homemade chai spice blend with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

How do I make the rolls extra soft?

Let the dough rise fully and avoid overbaking. Cover warm rolls with foil if they brown too quickly.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Use 2 teaspoons of instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable, but avoid over-flouring.

Can I skip the caramel sauce?

Yes, but it adds extra moisture and flavor to the rolls.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and use soft, not melted butter in the filling.

What’s the best way to serve these?

Enjoy warm with a cup of chai tea or coffee for the ultimate experience.

Can I make these rolls without eggs?

Yes! Replace eggs with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.

What pairs well with these rolls?

Serve with chai tea, spiced lattes, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall indulgence—soft, gooey, and infused with warm chai spices. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are a cozy, decadent treat that will fill your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla. Try this recipe today and enjoy every sticky, spiced bite!