Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are soft, richly spiced, and beautifully aromatic. They feel indulgent yet comforting, and the chai-inspired flavor makes them stand out from traditional cinnamon rolls.
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Chai Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Aromatic Swirls with Warm Spiced Comfort
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chai Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls swirled with a warmly spiced chai sugar filling and topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for cozy mornings or special brunches.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 tbsp softened butter (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Gradually add flour and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over dough.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over butter.
- Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place in a greased baking dish and let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
- For richer flavor, use whole milk.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour forms the foundation of the dough, providing structure while keeping the rolls tender.
Active dry yeast ensures a light, airy rise and soft interior texture.
Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and supports yeast activity.
Unsalted butter enriches the dough and enhances flavor.
Eggs contribute structure and tenderness.
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens overall flavor.
Brown sugar creates a moist, caramel-like filling base.
Ground cinnamon provides classic warmth and sweetness.
Ground cardamom adds floral, aromatic depth characteristic of chai spice.
Ground ginger contributes gentle heat and brightness.
Ground cloves deliver bold, warming spice notes.
Ground nutmeg rounds out the spice blend with subtle earthiness.
Cream cheese forms the base of the glaze, adding smooth tang.
Powdered sugar sweetens the glaze without graininess.
Vanilla extract enhances warmth and flavor balance.
Directions
Begin by activating the yeast in warm milk with a small amount of sugar. Allow it to sit until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, then allow the dough to rise until doubled in size.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly across the buttered dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rounds. Arrange in a greased baking dish and allow to rise again until puffy.
Bake until golden and cooked through. While warm, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls before serving.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields twelve rolls. Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with 1.5 to 2 hours for rising. Baking requires 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore softness.
Variations and Customizations
Chai Cinnamon Rolls are flexible and can be adjusted to personal preference. For a stronger spice profile, slightly increase the cardamom or ginger. I tested this recipe with a touch of black tea powder in the glaze, which added subtle authenticity without overpowering sweetness.
If you prefer a lighter glaze, substitute part of the cream cheese with milk for a thinner drizzle. For added texture, chopped nuts can be sprinkled over the filling before rolling.
You may also prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate after shaping, allowing for convenient morning baking. These options make the recipe adaptable while preserving its warm chai character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Proper Rising
Allow full proofing for light, fluffy texture.
Even Rolling
Roll tightly to maintain defined swirls.
Spice Balance
Adjust spice levels carefully to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Glaze Timing
Spread glaze while rolls are warm for optimal absorption.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Are these very spicy?
They are warmly spiced but not overly intense.
Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes, freeze without glaze for best results.
What if I do not have cardamom?
You may omit it, though it adds distinctive chai character.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives.
Why did my rolls turn out dense?
Insufficient rising or overworked dough can cause density.
Conclusion
Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting texture of classic cinnamon rolls with the layered warmth of chai spices. Soft, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, they offer a refined yet cozy baking experience that is perfect for special mornings or festive gatherings.
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