Homemade Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Joy

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls infused with aromatic chai spices create a breakfast sensation that’ll make your morning extraordinary.

The classic sweet roll takes on a delightful twist with this chai-spiced cinnamon rolls recipe.

Fragrant cardamom, ginger, and cloves mingle with soft, pillowy dough and rich cinnamon swirls.

Each bite promises a comforting blend of sweet and spicy notes that dance across your palate.

These rolls offer a cozy embrace of familiar flavors with an unexpected global touch.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste this delectable morning treat.

Flavor Variations for Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• Vegan Chai Rolls: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Chai Rolls: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for structure and texture.
• Nutty Chai Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the chai spice profile.

The Best Way to Serve Chai-Spiced Rolls

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm chai-spiced cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of chai tea or coffee for a perfect morning treat.
• Dessert Delight: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with cream cheese glaze for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning breakfast spread by arranging the rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and whipped cream.
• Weekend Gathering Treat: Wrap rolls in parchment paper and share with friends during a lazy weekend brunch or afternoon tea gathering.

Storing Spiced Cinnamon Rolls for Freshness

• Store covered rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes until completely heated.

FAQs

• What are chai spices in this recipe?

Chai spices typically include ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, creating a warm, aromatic blend that gives these cinnamon rolls a unique, Indian-inspired flavor profile.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and baking the next day.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. When you gently poke it, it should spring back slowly, indicating it’s been kneaded enough.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls – What Sets Them Apart

• Savor Exotic Flavors: Experience a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with aromatic chai spices that transport your taste buds to a cozy, warm destination.
• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal technical challenges, making it accessible for everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Wow Your Loved Ones: Impress family and friends with a homemade breakfast treat that feels like a special occasion, bringing warmth and comfort to your morning gathering.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches, letting you adjust spice levels or add optional glazes to match your unique taste preferences.

Chai-Spiced Roll Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cinnamon rolls.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Butter, Melted: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.

• Brown Sugar, Chai Spices: Create a warm, aromatic filling with complex flavor profiles.
• Softened Butter: Helps the spice mixture adhere to the rolled-out dough.
• Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Nutmeg: Classic chai spices that add depth and warmth to the rolls.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls at Home

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt.

Whisk these components together until they’re evenly distributed, creating a uniform base for your delectable chai-spiced cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Create Dough Mixture

Warm up milk until it’s comfortably tepid, melt butter until smooth, and crack eggs into the liquid.

Pour this wet blend into the dry ingredients.

Knead the mixture thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms that springs back when gently pressed.

Step 3: Allow First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot.

Allow the dough to expand and rise for approximately one hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare Filling and Roll Out

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread softened butter across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle Chai Spice Blend

• Ground cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Generously scatter this spice mixture over the buttered dough.

Step 6: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Arrange these rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving slight space between each.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

They should look puffy and slightly expanded.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and emit an irresistible aroma.

Tips for the Softest Chai Rolls

• Dust work surface with flour to stop dough from sticking and make rolling easier.
• Ensure warm milk is not too hot, which can kill yeast, causing rolls to not rise properly.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like inside an unheated oven with a pan of hot water.
• Adjust chai spice blend to personal taste, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice rolls uniformly for consistent baking and presentation.

Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, fragrant Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls blend Indian and American baking traditions into one delightful pastry. Rich with cardamom, ginger, and clove, these spiraled treats promise a comforting embrace of global flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Flour and Yeast:

• 3 1/2 cups (437.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter (for filling)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring uniform distribution of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Gently incorporate warm milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs into the dry mixture, transforming the ingredients into a cohesive, supple dough through gentle kneading.
3. Allow the dough to rest and expand in a draft-free environment for approximately 60 minutes, or until its volume doubles and becomes pillowy.
4. Using a rolling pin, stretch the dough into a thin, even rectangular shape, then delicately coat the surface with softened butter.
5. Combine brown sugar with aromatic chai spices, creating a fragrant mixture that will infuse the rolls with warm, complex flavors.
6. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, then slice into uniform rounds using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
7. Arrange the rolls in a generously greased baking dish, leaving slight spacing between each piece to allow for additional rising.
8. Permit the rolls to proof for an additional 30 minutes, allowing them to become puffy and voluminous.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the rolls achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior and emit a tantalizing aroma.

Notes

• Enhance rising time in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven for consistent, fluffy texture.
• Swap regular milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-free and vegan versions.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough mixing and better ingredient incorporation.
• Ensure yeast is fresh and active by checking expiration date to guarantee proper rising and soft roll texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg