If you’re craving a warm, spiced treat that perfectly balances tradition with a cozy twist, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls infused with the inviting flavors of chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom, rolled into a sweet, buttery filling, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. These rolls are a delightful upgrade to classic cinnamon rolls, combining the comforting aroma of chai tea with that melt-in-your-mouth richness we all love. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these chai cinnamon rolls will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the foundation for making these chai cinnamon rolls shine. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the warm milk activating the yeast, the spices giving depth and warmth, or the sugar that adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the rolls’ soft texture.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender and soft.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and contributes to the dough’s slight sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your rolls rise and become fluffy.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and moisture to dough and filling.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help give the dough a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The main body of the dough, giving it strength and texture.
- Ground cinnamon and cardamom: Infuse the dough and filling with that unmistakable chai spice warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and aroma in both dough and glaze.
- Brown sugar: Creates a deeply caramelized, rich filling.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the sweet, silky glaze that crowns the rolls.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
- Pinch of salt (for glaze): Rounds out the sweetness and enhances flavor balance.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by stirring sugar and yeast into the warm milk, then let it sit until foamy—this foaming means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough, ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully and develop that light, airy texture you want.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour with cinnamon, cardamom, and salt, blending the chai spices evenly into the flour. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until a dough forms. This step combines all your dry and wet ingredients into a fragrant, cohesive dough that’s about to become a delicious breakfast treasure.
Step 3: Knead and Let Rise
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—this kneading develops gluten, which gives your rolls that perfect chewiness. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rise for one hour or until it doubles in size. This resting time is essential for lightness and flavor development.
Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle your cinnamon, cardamom, and brown sugar mixture across the top. This luscious filling is what creates the gooey, spiced center that makes each bite unforgettable.
Step 5: Shape and Slice
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays in place. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices, then arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan. This method gives you uniform rolls that bake evenly and look inviting.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes—this second proofing guarantees that pillowy softness inside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 7: Prepare and Add Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create a glaze that’s sweet but balanced. Drizzle this over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven—it melts slightly on top, adding a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish that ties together the whole chai cinnamon rolls experience.
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the glaze is a classic finish, consider sprinkling a dusting of ground cinnamon or crushed toasted cardamom pods for an elegant and extra flavorful touch. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
Side Dishes
These chai cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea to amplify the flavors, or coffee for a traditional breakfast vibe. For a balanced brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to add freshness and bright textures to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the chai cinnamon rolls in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a beautiful serving platter lined with a colorful cloth napkin to enhance their warm and inviting appeal. For special occasions, top each roll with a small edible flower or a drizzle of honey for a stunning, gourmet look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and moist. If your environment is warm, storing them in the fridge will extend freshness but may require reheating to regain softness.
Freezing
To keep your chai cinnamon rolls fresh longer, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through. For extra indulgence, add a little extra glaze or a pat of butter before serving to revive their fresh-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before continuing with the rolling and filling steps for best results.
What if I don’t have cardamom?
If cardamom isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a bit of ground nutmeg or cloves, but be careful as these spices are stronger; start with less and adjust to taste to keep the chai signature flavor balanced.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for texture and rise, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier roll. Whole wheat flour can be used, though it will result in a denser texture and more rustic flavor.
How can I make the rolls less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut back slightly on the sugars in both the dough and filling, and adjust the glaze by using less powdered sugar or diluting it with milk for a lighter drizzle.
Are these rolls vegan-friendly?
The recipe as written uses butter and eggs, but you can swap those with plant-based butter and egg replacers to make a vegan chai cinnamon rolls recipe that still tastes delicious and keeps its soft texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of chai spices and freshly baked cinnamon rolls. This Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings a comforting, aromatic twist to a classic favorite that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to these rolls not just once, but time and time again for that perfect bite of cozy bliss.
Print
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine classic cinnamon roll sweetness with aromatic chai spices like cardamom and cinnamon, creating a warm and fragrant treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough envelops a spiced brown sugar filling, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt. Add in the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a towel and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the top of the dough.
- Add Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Shape Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape, starting from one of the longer sides. Cut the log into 12 even slices and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare Glaze and Serve: While the rolls are baking, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze. Once the rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the glaze over them before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough sufficiently is key to achieving the ideal fluffy texture in the rolls.
- You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.
