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
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 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.
