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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Heavenly Chai Cinnamon Rolls for a Cozy Autumn Treat

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of warmth and spice, making them an irresistible treat for autumn.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Use any milk alternative for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure yeast is fresh for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated White Sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Bread flour can be substituted for a chewier texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Always use fresh spices for the best taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Feel free to adjust according to your preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice Mix of spices creates deep, comforting essence of chai.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for balancing the sweetness.
  • 2 large Eggs Can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan version.
  • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter Melted.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Imitation vanilla works if you’re in a pinch.
For the Chai Caramel Sauce
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream Substituting with coconut cream makes it dairy-free.
  • 2 bags Chai Tea Bags Loose chai tea can be used as well.
  • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar Using dark brown sugar will deepen the flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup serves as a great vegan substitute.
For the Filling
  • cup Unsalted Butter Softened for spreading.
  • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar Can use white sugar if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Chai Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice, etc.) Adjust quantities for taste.
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream Adds moisture between the rolls.
For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
  • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter Avoid using salted butter.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Vegan cream cheese can be used.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Make your own powder for a finer texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Chai Spices Adjust to your liking.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Warm 1 cup of whole milk to about 110°F and whisk in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast over the surface and let it bloom for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the chai spices in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with 2 large eggs and ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter.
  3. Mix the dough until it starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl, then knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap.
  4. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the chai caramel sauce by heating ½ cup of heavy cream until simmering. Steep 2 chai tea bags in the cream for about 10 minutes.
  6. Combine infused cream with ½ cup of light brown sugar, ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth.
  7. In a medium bowl, mix ⅓ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, and chai spices until creamy.
  8. Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread filling evenly over the surface, then roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
  9. Place rolls in the baking dish over the caramel sauce, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise again for about 1 hour.
  10. Preheat your oven to 350°F with about 15 minutes left on the rise.
  11. Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
  12. Prepare the chai cream cheese frosting by beating together ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter and 8 oz of cream cheese. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix in 1 teaspoon of chai spices.
  13. Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then drizzle frosting over the warm rolls.
  14. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for sharing and make any gathering feel special. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

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