If you adore the comforting warmth of chai spices and the irresistible fluffiness of cinnamon rolls, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This recipe lovingly combines cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla in a soft, tender dough rolled with a spiced sugary filling, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze to create an extraordinary pastry experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack, these rolls fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of chai and make for an unforgettable indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture. The blend of warm chai spices infuses deep flavor, while the basics like flour, yeast, and butter create a tender, risen dough that practically melts in your mouth.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for rising.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become fluffy.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and helps keep the rolls moist and tender.
- Large eggs: Contribute to structure and a rich flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that builds the dough’s texture.
- Ground cinnamon and cardamom: The chai-inspired spices that give a warm, aromatic touch to both dough and filling.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle floral note to the dough and glaze.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the filling with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that ties the whole roll together.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Pinch of salt (for glaze): Enhances the richness and balances sweetness.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk with sugar and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, which is crucial for that perfect fluffy dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour with the chai spices—cinnamon and cardamom—and salt. Then pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a dough begins to form. It may be a bit sticky, which is perfect.
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and leave it somewhere warm to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This rising step is when all the magic happens, giving you light, airy rolls.
Step 4: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixed with cinnamon and cardamom. This filling is where the chai flavors intensify and create that wonderful, sticky-sweet swirl inside every roll.
Step 5: Shape and Cut Rolls
Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, then slice it into 12 even pieces. Place these slices cut side up in a greased baking dish, giving them space to puff up. Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes; this second rise is what makes them pillowy and tender.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown on top. The smell at this stage will be incredible, filling your kitchen with spicy, sweet goodness.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it melt into every nook and cranny for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The classic sweet glaze is divine on its own, but for a little extra wow factor, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds, or even a dusting of extra cinnamon right before serving. These simple garnishes add texture and visual appeal that impress guests and family alike.
Side Dishes
Chai Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with warm beverages such as chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance the sweet spices with fresh and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch or arranging them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch spread. You can even pull them apart and serve as finger food at gatherings — they’re perfect for sharing the love of this chai-spiced delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chai cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but to keep them soft and delicious, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap is key. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best reserved for warmer climates or longer storage.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead of time, these rolls freeze beautifully. Freeze them right after cutting and placing in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow the second rise before baking as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm and fresh, pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Adding a little extra drizzle of glaze or butter after reheating brings them back to life in the best possible way.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just remove it and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and filling for the freshest rolls.
Can I substitute spices if I don’t have cardamom?
If cardamom isn’t available, you can replace it with a bit of ground ginger or allspice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile that complements the cinnamon.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Yes, by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, using vegan butter, and replacing eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives, you can enjoy a vegan version of this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe without losing much on taste or texture.
How long do the cinnamon rolls keep fresh after baking?
When properly stored, fresh cinnamon rolls retain their best quality for about two days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is advisable to keep them from drying out.
Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
Definitely! A bread machine makes kneading and the first rise so convenient. Just add ingredients according to your machine’s instructions and proceed from rolling and filling once the dough is ready.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking from scratch, especially when it involves chai spices and luscious cinnamon rolls. This Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings warmth, spice, and sweetness together in a way that feels like a celebration every time you take a bite. So go ahead, try it out, and share these delightful rolls with the people you cherish — trust me, they’ll ask for this recipe again and again.
Print
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these aromatic Chai Cinnamon Rolls infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Soft, fluffy, and glazed to perfection, these rolls bring a comforting chai-inspired twist to a classic cinnamon roll recipe, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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 sugar and yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until the dough forms a rough ball.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly on top of the dough.
- Add Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough rectangle.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut into 12 equal slices and arrange the slices in a greased baking pan with some space between them.
- Second Rise: Cover the arranged rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the top and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute cardamom with nutmeg or cloves for a different spice note.
- For an extra soft texture, brush melted butter on the rolls right after baking.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving for best flavor.
