These soft and spiced chai cinnamon rolls are like a warm hug on a plate! Filled with cozy chai flavors and a swirl of sweet cinnamon, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a roll (or two!) before they even cool down. I love pairing them with a cup of tea for that extra cozy vibe. ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the dough, providing structure. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better results.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead and skip the proofing step with warm milk.
Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, almond milk or oat milk works well. Just ensure they’re warm, not hot!
Chai Spices: The combination of spices is what makes these rolls special. If you don’t have a specific spice, feel free to tweak the amounts or use a store-bought chai spice mix.
Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, you can substitute regular sugar, but it won’t blend as smoothly. If looking for less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze.
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading dough is key to developing gluten, which gives your rolls that soft and chewy texture. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking. You can use your hands or a rolling pin.
- Flatten your dough slightly with your palms.
- Fold the dough over onto itself, then push it down with the palms of your hands, rolling it away from you.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process. Continue for about 8-10 minutes – it’ll be smooth and elastic when ready!
Keep in mind that it’s okay if the dough is a bit sticky at first. Adding too much flour can create tough rolls, so resist the urge to over-flour!
Soft and Spiced Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Chai Spice Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp brewed chai tea (strongly brewed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2 to 2.5 hours total. You will need about 20-25 minutes for prep, and then the dough will take around 1 to 1.5 hours to rise, plus another 30-45 minutes for the second rise once the rolls are assembled. Baking will take an additional 20-25 minutes. It’s worth every minute for a delicious, spiced treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Next, add in the melted butter, the egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough. Now, knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Filling:
While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the filling! In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and nutmeg until well combined. Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring around 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, and then sprinkle the spice sugar mixture all over the buttered surface.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Roll the dough out as mentioned above. Next, starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
4. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, pop them into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown on top.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. You may adjust the consistency by adding more chai tea or powdered sugar to your liking.
6. Serve:
Once the rolls are baked, take them out of the oven and drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and enjoy the delicious chai-spiced flavor that will fill your kitchen!
Enjoy your Soft and Spiced Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh for the best flavor and softness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes! You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in warm milk. This can save you a bit of time!
What Kind of Milk Can I Substitute?
You can substitute the warm milk with any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s warm (not hot) to help activate the yeast!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them. To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.