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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Irresistible Chai Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Mornings

Indulge in Chai Cinnamon Rolls, the perfect warm and sweet treat for chilly mornings.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Proofing Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Substitute with almond milk for dairy-free.
  • 1 packet Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Can be replaced with coconut sugar.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, use a 1:1 blend.
  • 2 teaspoons Chai Spices Mix of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Replace with vegan butter for dairy-free.
  • 2 large Eggs Substitute with a vegan option if desired.
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar Dark brown sugar can also be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Use vegan butter if preferred.
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream can be substituted for dairy-free.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Swap for dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust to taste.
For the Chai Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup Chai Tea Bags Infuse cream for flavor.
  • 1 pinch Salt Boosts flavor profile.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • oven
  • Rolling Pin
  • knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm whole milk, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of chai spices. Add the bloomed yeast mixture, 2 large eggs, 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until cohesive.
  3. Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Add flour if necessary.
  4. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with chai tea bags. Heat gently, infusing for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  6. In a mixing bowl, blend 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of chai spices until smooth.
  7. After the dough has risen, punch it down, roll into a rectangle, and spread the filling over the dough evenly.
  8. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll dough into a log, cut into 12 equal pieces, and place in a greased baking dish.
  9. Cover rolls with a towel and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.
  10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown.
  11. While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  12. After rolls cool for 10 minutes, spread frosting generously over the tops.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

You can prepare these rolls in advance and enjoy fresh rolls with minimal morning effort. They pair well with a cup of coffee or chai tea.

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