Description
Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and the warm, spiced flavors of chai tea, featuring cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Soft, fluffy, and finished with a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle yeast on top, and let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, flour, and cinnamon. Mix and knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves in a bowl.
- Punch down the dough and roll into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with filling.
- Roll the dough into a log, cut into 12 pieces, and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk glaze ingredients together. Let baked rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze before serving.
Notes
- Use dairy-free milk and butter for a vegan version.
- Add cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
- Top with shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: chai cinnamon rolls, chai dessert, spiced cinnamon rolls, holiday brunch, cozy breakfast, cardamom rolls, chai spiced rolls