There’s nothing quite as comforting as a batch of fresh, homemade Chai Cinnamon Rolls. These swirled beauties take the classic cinnamon roll and dial up the warmth with the soulful spices found in a cup of chai. Soft, pillowy dough wraps around a rich, spiced filling—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—before being crowned with a sweet chai glaze that’s fragrant and just a little exotic. Whether you share them for breakfast, a cozy brunch, or as an indulgent treat with afternoon tea, these rolls are about to become a new house favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Chai Cinnamon Rolls absolutely irresistible? It all comes down to a handful of simple (yet essential!) ingredients that come together to create something truly special. From the rich, buttery dough to the swirl of bold chai spices in the filling and the delicate chai glaze, every ingredient pulls its weight for flavor, tenderness, and that inviting golden color.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for your dough, providing the perfect structure while keeping the rolls soft and fluffy.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for rise and that signature airy, pillowy cinnamon roll texture.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and activates the yeast—make sure it’s not too hot or cold for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right and helps activate the yeast, too.
- Unsalted butter: Used in both dough and filling, it adds indulgent flavor and keeps the rolls wonderfully tender.
- Eggs: Binds the dough and adds that golden, decadent finish you crave.
- Salt: Brings out all those delicious flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: The base of the filling—the darker caramel notes pair perfectly with chai spices.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic backbone of both cinnamon rolls and chai—can’t do without it!
- Ground ginger: Brings gentle warmth and the essence of chai.
- Ground cardamom: Adds a beautifully fragrant, citrusy note that’s unmistakably chai.
- Ground cloves: Tiny but mighty, a pinch brings deep warmth to your roll’s filling.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers an earthy sweetness, tying the spices together perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the glaze creamy and smooth for that classic finish.
- Brewed chai tea: Infuses the glaze with aromatic chai flavor—let it cool before mixing.
- Vanilla extract: A touch in the glaze softens and rounds out the spice.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Let’s start by awakening our yeast. Combine your warm milk with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. After 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see a foamy cap forming on top—that’s your yeast telling you it’s raring to go!
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, eggs, and that foamy yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms—don’t worry, that stickiness is just a sign good things are ahead! Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes (or let your mixer do the work for about 5), until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Next, pop your dough ball into a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise someplace cozy for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it’s doubled in size. Watching the dough puff up is always a little magical.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over—you want every bite to be rich and buttery. In a small bowl, stir together your brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this spiced sugar generously over the buttered dough; don’t be shy, this is the heart of your Chai Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Proof
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss (my favorite trick!) to slice it into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover up and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, just until they look beautifully puffy.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re gloriously golden brown and your kitchen smells like a chai bakery.
Step 7: Make and Add the Chai Glaze
While the rolls cool just slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, cooled chai tea, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the creamy glaze generously over the warm rolls so it seeps into every swirl. Get ready for oohs and ahhs!
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top makes these Chai Cinnamon Rolls look as dreamy as they taste. If you’re feeling fancy, a little crushed pistachio or a few strands of citrus zest add an elegant pop of color and a hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with chai spices.
Side Dishes
Serve your rolls with a steaming cup of chai or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience. They pair beautifully with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch, or alongside a simple fruit salad for a lighter contrast to all that sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Chai Cinnamon Rolls into a showstopper by baking them in a round skillet for a classic tear-and-share look, or arrange minis on a platter for a brunch buffet. You can even ice them individually and wrap as take-home gifts for guests—it’s breakfast and a little present all in one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and delicious—and maybe even more flavorful as the spices settle in!
Freezing
To freeze, simply allow the baked (but unglazed) rolls to cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, warm them up, and finish with fresh glaze.
Reheating
For that “just baked” experience, reheat rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in a low oven until soft and gooey again. Add glaze after heating to keep it glossy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I prepare Chai Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature, let them finish rising, and bake as usual for a hassle-free breakfast treat.
How do I make the chai flavor in the glaze stronger?
For a more intense chai hit, steep your chai tea longer or swap brewed tea for a splash of chai concentrate in the glaze. This will deepen the flavor and bring the chai to the forefront beautifully.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in the same amount. Skip the proofing step and add it directly to the dry ingredients. The rolls will rise a little faster, so keep an eye on them.
Do Chai Cinnamon Rolls work as a dessert as well as breakfast?
Definitely! These rolls are just as delightful for dessert, especially served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a hot chai latte. Their sweet-spicy richness hits the spot any time of day.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With a few swaps—like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs—you can easily turn your Chai Cinnamon Rolls into a delicious vegan-friendly treat without losing any of that cozy flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new way to wow friends and family or simply want to fill your home with the scent of spices and sweet clouds of dough, you’ll fall head over heels for Chai Cinnamon Rolls. Homemade, tender, and so full of character—give them a try and watch them disappear in a flash!
Print
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of chai with a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls. These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed chai tea (cooled)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy.
- Prepare the dough: Mix flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and yeast. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Fill and roll: Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle sugar-spice mixture, roll up, and slice into rolls.
- Bake: Arrange rolls in a dish, let rise, then bake until golden.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, chai tea, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For stronger chai flavor, steep the tea longer or use chai concentrate in the glaze.
- Rolls can be prepped ahead and baked in the morning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
