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
Scale
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.
