If you’ve ever wondered how to take classic cinnamon rolls to dreamy new heights, Chai Cinnamon Rolls are your answer! Imagine soft, pillowy spirals filled with warm, aromatic spices, swirled under a cozy, tangy cream cheese glaze. Each bite is a little celebration—a fresh, modern twist on a nostalgic favorite that’s every bit as easy to make as it is irresistible to share. Whether you’re baking for a holiday morning or simply craving a treat that hugs you from the inside out, these Chai Cinnamon Rolls are pure comfort and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chai Cinnamon Rolls is just how simple and pantry-friendly the ingredient list is. Every element, from plush dough to chai-spiced filling and luscious glaze, plays its part in making these rolls absolutely unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the dough its soft, chewy structure and classic cinnamon roll bite.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind that lofty, bakery-style rise; use fresh yeast for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance flavors and keep the sweetness balanced.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds a rich, tender crumb to the dough.
- Unsalted butter: Melted in the dough and softened in the filling for melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives it a beautiful golden hue.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the filling’s flavor and brings out the warm spice profile.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, providing that classic, comforting aroma.
- Ground ginger: Brings a gentle heat and earthiness to the chai mix.
- Ground cardamom: Adds an unmistakable floral note reminiscent of authentic chai.
- Ground cloves: Packs a punch of warmth with just a hint—don’t skip it!
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a sweet nuttiness that rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
- Ground allspice: A secret weapon for depth and complexity in the filling.
- Cream cheese: The creamy, tangy crown for your warm rolls—make sure it’s softened!
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky smooth glaze that melts into every swirl.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the frosting just enough for perfect drizzling.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a mellow, luscious aroma in the glaze.
How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by bringing together all the dry ingredients for the dough—flour, yeast, sugar, and salt—in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, blend warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. Gradually combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand (or with a dough hook, if you love your stand mixer) for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough feels smooth and elastic under your hands. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour to an hour and a half, until doubled in size. This is when the anticipation really kicks in!
Step 2: Make the Chai-Spiced Filling
While the dough rises and fills your kitchen with the promise of good things, whip up your signature filling. Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice in a small bowl. The result will look like spiced cookie dough—fragrant and utterly tempting. This chai spice blend is what transforms classic into legendary.
Step 3: Fill, Roll, and Slice
Once your dough has puffed up, punch it down to release air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Generously spread the chai-spiced filling across every inch of dough—no skimping! Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these beautiful spirals in a greased 9×13 baking dish for their final rise. Cover and let them rest another 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and irresistible-looking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the pan in and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the Chai Cinnamon Rolls are gloriously golden and your kitchen smells like a cozy bakery. Don’t let them get too dark—you want them tender and pillowy inside.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Cream Cheese Glaze
As the rolls cool slightly, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this cloud-like glaze over the warm rolls, letting it melt into the spirals and seep into every nook. Magic, pure and simple!
How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and spice, sprinkle the tops with a light dusting of ground cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, or even a shower of chopped candied ginger. If you’re feeling fancy, a few edible flower petals add a special touch for brunches or celebrations.
Side Dishes
Chai Cinnamon Rolls truly shine alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy latte, but they’re also fantastic with fresh fruit salads, vanilla yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a more rounded brunch spread. Their sweet spice pairs beautifully with citrus or berries, adding brightness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls in a ring for a festive pull-apart centerpiece, or bake individual rolls in ramekins for an elegant, bakery-style touch. Drizzle extra glaze right at the table, or wrap cooled rolls in parchment with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. However you serve them, Chai Cinnamon Rolls invite ooohs and aaaahs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer rolls to an airtight container. They’ll keep soft and scrumptious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze baked (and cooled) rolls either unglazed or glazed. Wrap each roll individually in plastic, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat Chai Cinnamon Rolls in a microwave for 15–20 seconds for that just-baked softness, or pop them into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. If you’ve frozen the rolls, give them a few extra minutes until heated through and the filling starts to bubble again.
FAQs
Can I make Chai Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and let them rise in the pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking as usual. Fresh, warm rolls with zero morning fuss!
How can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based milk (like almond or oat), vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. The texture will stay just as pillowy, and you’ll keep all the spice and flavor you love.
What makes these different from regular cinnamon rolls?
The secret is in the chai blend! Instead of just cinnamon, these rolls have a medley of warm spices—ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice—giving each bite a cozy, spiced depth that’s reminiscent of your favorite chai latte.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Just skip the proofing step, and add it right in with your dry ingredients for an even speedier process.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to spread the filling evenly and roll the dough tightly. When slicing, use a sharp, serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts, and always let the rolls proof fully before baking to help the filling stay put.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for something truly special, Chai Cinnamon Rolls bring all the cozy, spice-laced comfort of your favorite bakery to your own kitchen. I can’t wait for you to bite into that first, warm, gooey spiral—don’t be surprised if these become your new year-round go-to. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the magic with someone you love!
Print
Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of chai spices with these delightful Chai Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a fragrant blend of chai spices and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze make for a perfect treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Chai-Spiced Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
- Make the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and chai spices. Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into a log, slice into rolls, place in baking dish. Let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temp before baking the next morning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
