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Chai Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, spiced twist on the classic, with fluffy dough, rich brown sugar chai filling, and a luscious chai cream cheese frosting. Topped with a sticky brown sugar chai caramel sauce, these rolls are the perfect cozy fall treat!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 chai tea bags
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 7 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chai Cinnamon Filling

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tsp ground ginger
  • 6 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp ground clove
  • 1 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Brown Sugar Chai Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

1️⃣ Infuse the Milk & Activate the Yeast

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. Add chai tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and let the milk cool to about 110°F (43°C).
  2. Stir in yeast and granulated sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  2. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size.

3️⃣ Make the Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, spices, and honey.
  2. Stir in softened butter until a thick paste forms.

4️⃣ Roll & Fill the Dough

  1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  2. Spread the chai cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls.
  4. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.

5️⃣ Make the Brown Sugar Chai Caramel Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat.
  2. Stir continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

6️⃣ Bake the Rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour half of the caramel sauce over the rolls before baking.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

7️⃣ Make the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.

8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Spread the frosting over warm rolls.
  2. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and serve warm!

Notes

  • For extra spice, add a pinch of ground black pepper to the filling.
  • These rolls are best eaten fresh, but can be stored for up to 2 days and reheated.
  • Make ahead: Refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight and bake in the morning!
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Holiday Treat