Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, infused with warm chai spices and topped with a creamy icing. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chai spice blend (or a mix of ground cardamom, ginger, cloves, and allspice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Making the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preparing the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chai spice. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle evenly with the chai sugar mixture. Roll tightly into a log, slice into 12 rolls, and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Baking: Cover and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Making the icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until desired consistency is reached. Spread over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can make these rolls ahead by refrigerating them overnight before the second rise.
- To enhance the chai flavor, add a teaspoon of brewed chai concentrate to the icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
