Quick & Cozy Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Fall Baking

Warm, pillowy chai-spiced cinnamon rolls have been my weekend obsession lately.

Fragrant cardamom and ginger dance through soft dough, creating a mesmerizing aroma.

Sweet comfort comes wrapped in each delicate spiral of pastry.

Memories of cozy mornings flood back with every tender bite.

Baking these rolls feels like wrapping yourself in a soft, spicy blanket.

Subtle hints of black pepper and cloves add unexpected depth to classic comfort food.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic of chai transform your breakfast.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls with Warm Spice Notes

• Vegan Chai Spice Rolls: Replace milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute eggs with flax eggs. Keep the chai spice blend for authentic flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reduce overall sugar content in filling and glaze. Select a sugar-free chai spice blend for added health benefits.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cow's milk with oat milk, use plant-based margarine in place of butter. Maintain the original chai spice profile for consistent taste.

FAQs

• What makes the chai spice blend unique?

The chai spice blend combines warming spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a complex and aromatic flavor profile that elevates traditional cinnamon rolls with an Indian-inspired twist.

• Can I make the chai spice mix at home?

Yes, you can easily create your own chai spice blend by mixing ground cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of black pepper to customize the intensity and balance of flavors.

• How can I tell if my yeast is properly activated?

Your yeast is correctly activated when it becomes foamy and creates a bubbly surface in the warm milk within 5-10 minutes, indicating it’s ready to help the dough rise.

• Is kneading important for this recipe?

Kneading is crucial as it develops gluten, creating a smooth, elastic dough that ensures soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls with the perfect texture.

What Makes Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls A Treat

• Savor Comfort: Quick and Easy Homemade Delight that brings warmth and excitement to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Spice Up Your Morning: Transform ordinary breakfast into an aromatic experience with chai-inspired flavors that wake up your senses and create instant happiness.
• Family Bonding Baking: Perfect weekend activity that brings everyone together, allowing kids and adults to participate in rolling, sprinkling, and enjoying these delectable treats.
• Weekend Brunch Champion: Elevate your weekend gatherings with these impressive rolls that look and taste like they're from a professional bakery, yet are surprisingly simple to prepare.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Roll Contents

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the rolls.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for the soft and tender cinnamon rolls.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Egg, Egg Yolk: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and creates a soft texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture, flavor, and helps create a tender crumb. Best when melted and at room temperature.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls – How They’re Made

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Pour warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over the surface.

Let the mixture sit and bubble for 5-10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully foamy and fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Liquid Base

Gently blend in sugar, whole egg, extra egg yolk, and melted butter.

Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, golden mixture that looks creamy and inviting.

Step 3: Form the Soft Dough

Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the liquid mixture.

Knead the dough on a clean surface until it becomes silky, elastic, and pulls away easily from your hands.

The texture should feel soft and pliable.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for approximately one hour.

Watch it double in size and become puffy and light.

Step 5: Prepare the Chai-Spice Filling

• Softened butter
• Chai spice blend
• Brown sugar

Spread softened butter across the rolled-out dough, then generously sprinkle the chai-spice sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

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

Step 7: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased baking pan.

Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes until they look plump and slightly puffy.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle warm rolls with a sweet glaze while they’re still hot, allowing the sugary topping to melt into every delicious crevice.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls With Warming Spice Balance Tips

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating perfect rising conditions for soft rolls.
• Customize chai spice blend by adjusting ratios of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon to match personal taste preferences.
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic, avoiding over-mixing which can make rolls tough and dense.
• Place dough in warm, draft-free area to help it rise consistently and develop rich flavor.
• Drizzle glaze while rolls are slightly warm for optimal absorption and glossy, appetizing finish.

Keep Cinnamon Rolls Spiced And Moist Later

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Tightly wrap rolls in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent toughness.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they're heated evenly without becoming dry.

Flavor Companions for Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls

• Spice up Beverage Pairings: Bold chai tea complements the cinnamon rolls' warm, aromatic flavors and enhances the spicy undertones.
• Creamy Companions: Vanilla latte or classic cappuccino balances the sweet, rich pastry with smooth, velvety textures that highlight the rolls' delicate spices.
• Morning Mood Lifters: Cold brew coffee offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey rolls, cutting through the sweetness with its crisp, bold profile.
• Comfort Drink Match: Hot apple cider creates a cozy autumn-inspired combination that echoes the chai spices and brings out the rolls' warming notes.

Chai-spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, comforting chai-spiced cinnamon rolls bring Indian tea traditions into a delightful pastry experience. Fragrant spices and rich, buttery dough invite you to savor each sweet, aromatic bite of this delectable morning treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Leavening Agent:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for optimal activation.
2. Incorporate granulated sugar, whole egg, additional egg yolk, and melted butter into the activated yeast mixture.
3. Gradually fold in flour and salt, kneading until the dough transforms into a cohesive, smooth texture with elastic properties.
4. Transfer dough to a warm environment, allowing it to rise and expand to double its original volume, approximately one hour.
5. Gently roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, creating an even surface.
6. Generously spread softened butter across the dough’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Evenly distribute chai-spice sugar mixture over the buttered dough, creating a fragrant and flavorful layer.
8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylindrical shape, then slice into individual rolls of uniform thickness.
9. Arrange rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving slight spacing between each piece.
10. Cover and allow rolls to rise again, developing additional volume for approximately 30 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls until golden brown and fully cooked.
12. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with prepared glaze while rolls remain warm, enhancing their aromatic profile.

Notes

• Use warm milk (110-115°F) to perfectly activate yeast without killing it.
• Rest dough in a draft-free, warm spot like inside an unheated oven for consistent rising.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Chill dough overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor development and easier rolling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg