Description

These Spiced Chai Cinnamon Rolls bring the warm, comforting flavors of chai tea—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves—into a soft, fluffy cinnamon roll. Perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or special occasions, these rolls are both indulgent and aromatic. Inspired by the tradition of chai tea, each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors that will make any morning extraordinary.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

1 cup warm whole milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Chai Spice Filling:

¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Creamy Chai Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp brewed chai tea (strong and cooled)
½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and allow it to bloom for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture once frothy. Gradually incorporate flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and softened butter until smooth for the filling.
Roll dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the spiced filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough from the long edge into a tight log, pinch the seam, and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes in a warm area. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Whisk powdered sugar, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract for the glaze until smooth. Adjust thickness with more chai tea if needed.
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

Make ahead by preparing the rolls the night before and letting them rise in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Use a strong brewed chai tea or chai concentrate for a more intense flavor. Optional: add saffron or star anise for extra aroma.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently before serving.
For gluten-free rolls, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; texture may slightly vary.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes