Warm Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Irresistible Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe For Cozy Mornings

Warm, gooey chai-spiced cinnamon rolls promise a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat.

Aromatic spices dance through soft, pillowy dough, creating a sensory experience that transports you to cozy morning moments.

Fragrant cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon weave magic into every swirl of these indulgent pastries.

Rich, creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes each bite utterly irresistible.

Comfort and excitement merge in this innovative recipe that reimagines traditional rolls with bold, unexpected flavors.

Sweet-loving friends will adore how these rolls combine familiar comfort with adventurous spice profiles.

Bake these and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy.

Tips to Balance Spices and Achieve Tender Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use warm milk at precisely 110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
  • Knead dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and achieve smooth texture.
  • Allow rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free area for maximum volume and soft consistency.
  • Swap traditional sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
  • Check doneness by tapping rolls – they should sound hollow and have golden-brown edges.

Flavor Twists to Make Your Chai Cinnamon Rolls Truly Unique

  • Vegan Chai Rolls: Replace egg with flax egg, use plant-based milk, and dairy-free butter for a completely vegan version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and rise.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sugar content in filling and glaze.
  • Cardamom Chai Variation: Enhance chai spice mix by adding extra ground cardamom for deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions to Impress with These Cozy Rolls

  • Cozy Chai Tea Pairing: Serve these warm rolls alongside a steaming cup of authentic chai tea, enhancing the spicy undertones and creating a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange rolls on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and a small pitcher of extra glaze, making an Instagram-worthy presentation that delights guests.
  • Weekend Breakfast Surprise: Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for an effortless weekend breakfast that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
  • Gifting Delight: Package cooled rolls in cute kraft paper boxes tied with twine, perfect for sharing with neighbors or bringing to a potluck gathering.

Storage Tips to Keep Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Fresh and Soft

  • Refrigerate leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for 2-3 months.
  • Store glaze separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

FAQs

  • What are chai spices?

Chai spices are a blend of warming spices traditionally used in Indian tea, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and sometimes black pepper, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.

  • Can I make chai spice mix at home?

Yes, simply mix ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of black pepper in equal proportions to create your own authentic chai spice blend.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these rolls?

No, you only need basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking pan, and measuring cups to create these delicious chai-spiced cinnamon rolls.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Bursting with Warm, Cozy Flavors

  • Savor Exotic Flavors: Experience a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with the warm, aromatic chai spices that transform this traditional treat into a memorable culinary adventure.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and common ingredients that make creating these delectable rolls a stress-free experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, these chai-spiced rolls bring a cozy, indulgent touch to breakfast, brunch, or afternoon gatherings with their irresistible aroma and rich flavor profile.
  • Weekend Baking Delight: An ideal weekend project that fills your kitchen with incredible scents and provides a satisfying baking experience that's both fun and rewarding.

Essential Ingredients for Perfectly Spiced Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cinnamon rolls.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough rising.
  • Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender roll.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast during rising.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves: A warm chai spice blend that gives these rolls their distinctive, aromatic flavor profile.
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg, Salt: Helps bind the dough and enhance overall flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates a sweet, smooth topping that complements the spiced rolls.

Instructions for Soft, Fluffy Rolls with a Spicy Twist

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit and become frothy for about 5-10 minutes, creating a bubbly base for your rolls.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

Add these ingredients to the yeast mixture:
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Salt

Gradually incorporate flour and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Knead and Rise Dough

Work the dough on a lightly floured surface, kneading for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Flavorful Filling

Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape on a clean surface.

Spread softened butter evenly across the dough. Sprinkle a delightful chai-spice sugar mixture over the butter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, allowing them space to expand. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Finish with Sweet Glaze

Drizzle a delectable glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the aromatic, spiced treat.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Warm Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Warm Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm chai-spiced cinnamon rolls combine comforting Indian tea flavors with classic pastry techniques. Fragrant spices and sweet dough create a delightful breakfast treat you’ll want to savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3.5 cups (437 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Leavening Agent:

  • 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons or 7 grams) active dry yeast

Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for about 5 minutes.
  2. Incorporate melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture, then gradually fold in flour to create a soft, pliable dough.
  3. Knead the dough thoroughly on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.
  5. Gently roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness.
  6. Generously spread softened butter across the entire surface of the rolled dough.
  7. Evenly sprinkle the chai-spice sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering every inch.
  8. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a compact log.
  9. Slice the log into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  10. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, allowing space for expansion.
  11. Let the rolls proof for an additional 30 minutes in a warm environment.
  12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
  13. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with glaze while still warm.
  14. Serve freshly baked for the most delightful experience.

Notes

  • Toast whole spices before grinding to intensify the chai flavor and create deeper, more complex aromatics.
  • Adjust chai spice blend according to personal preference, adding more cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough consistency and even rising.
  • Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version, maintaining similar texture and richness.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 236 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 142 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 28 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star