Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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Imagine cozying up on a cool morning with a warm, freshly baked roll in hand that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings the comforting aroma of chai spices wafting through your kitchen. Chai cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the traditional treat, bringing in the richness of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves for a depth of flavor that feels like a warm hug.

These rolls are soft, gooey, and drizzled with a chai-spiced glaze that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a weekend breakfast, or an afternoon indulgence, they add a hint of sophistication and a lot of comfort to any moment.

Why You’ll Love This Chai Cinnamon Roll Recipe

These rolls take the classic cinnamon roll and infuse it with a chai tea-inspired flavor that feels both familiar and exciting. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling perfectly spiced, and the icing brings a creamy finish with hints of vanilla and chai. They’re perfect for making ahead and warming up for guests, or treating yourself to something a bit indulgent.

What Kind of Chai Should I Use?

When selecting chai for this recipe, you want a blend that’s heavy on warming spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. You can use loose-leaf chai tea or chai tea bags. Just be sure to steep it strong so the flavor comes through in the glaze and filling. Homemade chai spice mixes work great too, especially if you like control over the balance of flavors.

Ingredients for the Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai cinnamon rolls need just a few special touches to elevate them beyond the classic. The base ingredients remain familiar, but a few chai-inspired additions make all the difference.

All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the rolls and creates a soft, fluffy dough.

Whole milk – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.

Butter – Gives the dough and filling their tender, rich character.

Yeast – Active dry or instant, it helps the dough rise into pillowy perfection.

Sugar – Sweetens both the dough and the filling.

Brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the spiced filling.

Eggs – Help bind the dough and add richness.

Chai spice blend – The heart of the recipe, combining cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of black pepper.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the glaze with a warm, sweet touch.

Cream cheese – Softened and whisked into the glaze for a tangy contrast.

How To Make the Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it’s just warm to the touch. Stir in a bit of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it bubbles and becomes frothy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add in the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix brown sugar with chai spice blend and softened butter. This will be spread over the dough for that spiced swirl.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle. Spread the chai-spiced butter mixture evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly and slice into rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again until puffy.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden brown and the centers are cooked through, about 25 minutes.

Step 7: Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of chai spice. Drizzle generously over warm rolls.

Serving and Storing Your Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These chai cinnamon rolls are best served warm when the glaze melts into all the swirls and crevices. They feed about 8 people comfortably, making them a great choice for breakfast with family or a cozy brunch with friends. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

What to Serve With Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Hot Chai Latte

Pair with a matching warm chai latte to double down on the spices.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bright contrast to the richness of the rolls, a bowl of berries or citrus segments works beautifully.

Vanilla Greek Yogurt

Adds a creamy, tangy balance and extra protein to make it more filling.

Scrambled Eggs

For a more complete brunch spread, serve with eggs to add savory balance.

Bacon or Sausage

Bring in a salty component to cut through the sweetness.

Maple-Glazed Pecans

For extra crunch and a sweet-savory touch.

Whipped Cream or Mascarpone

If you want to get fancy, a dollop on top elevates each bite.

Want More Cinnamon Treat Ideas?

If you love these chai cinnamon rolls, you might find these comforting options just as irresistible:

• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with fruity flair.
• Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp for a seasonal, spiced dessert.
• Carrot Pound Cake if you’re craving something hearty and gently spiced.
• Big Soft Ginger Cookies for another warm-spiced sweet treat.
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake when you’re feeling indulgent and nutty.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavier on the cardamom? Maybe snuck in some orange zest? I love hearing all the creative variations you come up with. Questions welcome too—we’re all here to bake better together.

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Conclusion

Chai cinnamon rolls are the kind of recipe that brings together comfort, warmth, and a touch of spice. Perfect for quiet mornings, holiday baking, or just because you deserve something delicious. Once you try this chai-spiced take, your cinnamon rolls might never be the same again.

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