If you crave cinnamon rolls but want to add a touch of exotic warmth and cozy spice, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the familiar soft, fluffy rolls you love infused with fragrant chai spices like cardamom and cinnamon, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that’s perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or any time you need a comforting treat. This recipe combines classic bakery nostalgia with a flavorful twist that will have your whole house smelling like a spice market, inviting everyone to gather around and share in the joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is easier than you think because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays an important role: from the warm milk activating the yeast for that perfect rise, to the spices that deliver the chai magic in every bite.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast gently and adds moisture for a tender dough.
- Sugar: Sweetens and feeds the yeast to create a light texture.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become fluffy.
- Unsalted butter: Both melted in the dough and softened for the filling; it enriches flavor and adds tender crumb.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and add richness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
- Ground cinnamon and cardamom: The heart of the chai flavor, blending warm spice notes beautifully.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and complements the spices perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, creating a sweet, smooth finish.
- Milk for glaze: Thins the powdered sugar for drizzling ease.
- Pinch of salt in glaze: Cuts through sweetness to enhance flavor complexity.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving sugar and active dry yeast in warm milk. This little step wakes up the yeast, creating a foamy layer on top that tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough. It’s one of those satisfying moments that promises wonderful bread ahead.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients and combine
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt — the chai spices are mingling here, setting the stage for the flavor-packed rolls. Then add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until everything starts coming together into a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Knead and let rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. It transforms from sticky to smooth and elastic — that’s when you know it’s ready to develop flavor and structure. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about one hour. This step is what gives you those melt-in-your-mouth soft rolls you’ll adore.
Step 4: Roll out and add the filling
After the rise, roll your dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous layer of softened butter all over it for richness. Then sprinkle the filling mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom evenly atop that buttery canvas. The spices in the filling bring that chai-inspired warmth straight to every swirl.
Step 5: Roll up and slice
Carefully roll the dough into a log starting from the longer edge, creating gorgeously layered spirals. Cut this log into 12 equal slices. Each slice holds layers of buttery, spicy filling, promising a perfect bite every time. Arrange them snugly in a greased baking pan — the close quarters encourage the rolls to puff up beautifully.
Step 6: Final rise and bake
Let your rolls rise once more for about 30 minutes. This final puff-up makes them extra fluffy when baked. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until perfectly golden brown on top — the aroma will be irresistible.
Step 7: Glaze and enjoy
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt to make a silky glaze. Drizzle this over the hot cinnamon rolls; it melts into the swirls, adding a sweet and creamy finish that ties all the spices together perfectly.
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts like pistachios or walnuts over the glazed rolls. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft centers and adds a pop of color and texture that makes the presentation feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of steaming chai tea or coffee, amplifying the spice notes and turning your breakfast or brunch into a cozy occasion. Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait provides a refreshing balance to the sweet richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a muffin pan or traditional round pan, try baking your rolls in individual ramekins for single portions that look elegant and are easy to serve. Another fun idea is to drizzle the glaze in artistic swoops or create a lattice of thin white chocolate for an indulgent twist that delights the eye and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft and flavorful, but be sure to cover them well to keep that tender texture intact.
Freezing
These chai-infused rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist. A quick fresh glaze drizzle after reheating will add that just-baked charm back.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The rolls will still taste fantastic with that chai spice warmth.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but reduce the amount slightly (about 2 teaspoons), and you can add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in warm milk.
How long do these rolls stay fresh?
Freshly baked chai cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed within two days when stored properly at room temperature. After that, they may start to dry out but still taste delicious if reheated gently.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Doubling the recipe is great if you’re feeding a crowd or want extra to freeze. Just be mindful to give the dough enough space to rise and bake accordingly.
What makes these rolls different from classic cinnamon rolls?
The key difference is the addition of chai spices, particularly cardamom combined with cinnamon, both in the dough and filling, giving these rolls a unique, aromatic, and warming flavor profile that sets them apart.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how easily this Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings a fresh, flavorful spin to a beloved classic. It’s a recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth, embraces your senses, and becomes an instant favorite for sharing. Don’t hesitate — roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and make a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe to keep forever.
Print
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, aromatic flavors of chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom in a soft, fluffy yeast dough. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these rolls are the perfect cozy treat for breakfast or dessert, offering a unique twist on a classic favorite.
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 the mixture is foamy, signaling that the yeast is active.
- Prepare dough mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Add the filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and cut: Carefully roll the dough into a log starting from one long edge. Cut the rolled log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in a greased baking pan, cut side up.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare glaze and serve: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt in a bowl to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading time is crucial for a soft and fluffy dough; do not skip or shorten this step.
- The second rise is important for light rolls; be patient for best results.
- Use fresh spices for the best chai flavor in the filling.
- Glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding a little more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
