Warm & Cozy Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Fall Mornings

Crafting delectable chai-spiced cinnamon rolls brings pure comfort to any morning table.

Warm aromas of cardamom, ginger, and cloves dance through the kitchen.

Soft dough spirals promise delightful layers of sweet and spicy pleasure.

Familiar breakfast treats get a brilliant makeover with these fragrant rolls.

Traditional cinnamon roll techniques merge seamlessly with rich Indian chai flavors.

Nobody can resist the alluring blend of warming spices and tender pastry.

Each bite connects you to a global culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Let’s roll into something truly magical that will spark your breakfast enthusiasm.

Why Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Feel Extra Special

Spice Up Your Morning: Easily Craft Bakery-Quality Rolls

• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Whip up these chai-spiced cinnamon rolls in under 2 hours with basic baking skills, perfect for weekend mornings or casual baking enthusiasts.
• Flavor Explosion: Blend warm, aromatic chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves into traditional cinnamon rolls, creating a unique twist that transforms an ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These rolls deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, making them ideal for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or sharing with friends who appreciate complex, layered flavors.
• Versatile Treat: Serve warm straight from the oven for a cozy breakfast, or enjoy as an afternoon snack that brings warmth and comfort to any moment of the day.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Ingredient Set

• Flour: Essential for creating the soft, tender dough structure.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• Yeast: Critical for dough rising and developing light texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Butter: Contributes flavor and creates tender, flaky texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg: Classic chai spices that create warm, complex flavor profile with aromatic depth, best when freshly ground.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet topping with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, creamy texture to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle, complementary flavor complexity.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Baking Walkthrough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour in warm milk.

Sprinkle yeast over the milk and give it a gentle stir.

Let the mixture sit and get bubbly for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger
• Cloves

Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough

Knead the dough on a clean surface for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Delicious Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg

Mix until the ingredients create a fragrant, smooth spread.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.

Spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Tightly roll the dough into a log.

Slice the log into 8-10 individual rolls using a sharp knife.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, becoming puffy and soft.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 9: Create the Creamy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the luscious glaze over the warm rolls.

Serve immediately and enjoy the aromatic, chai-spiced treat!

Cinnamon Roll Notes with a Chai Twist

• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother dough integration and consistent mixing.
• Adjust spice quantities to personal taste, but maintain the chai flavor profile by keeping proportions similar.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like inside an unheated oven with a pan of hot water to ensure optimal rising conditions.
• Add cream gradually to powdered sugar to control thickness and prevent runny or overly thick glaze.
• Use dental floss or unflavored thread to slice rolls cleanly without crushing the delicate dough structure.

Chai Cinnamon Rolls That Keep Their Spice

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Warm rolls at 300°F for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. This method restores their soft, fresh-baked texture.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating. Add a small damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Baked Sweets for Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: Create a classic flavor harmony by serving these rolls with a homemade chai latte, matching the spices in the rolls and enhancing the warm, comforting experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, balancing the spicy roll with a cool, sweet contrast.
• Match with Orange Marmalade Tea: Brew a fragrant orange marmalade tea that highlights the rolls' floral and spicy notes, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Enhance with Caramel Macchiato: Serve alongside a smooth caramel macchiato, whose rich, sweet undertones beautifully complement the complex spices in the chai-inspired rolls.

Cinnamon Rolls with Floral Twists

• Vegan Chai Rolls: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap egg with flaxseed mixture, and choose vegan powdered sugar for glaze.
• Gluten-Free Chai Delight: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free blend, add xanthan gum for better texture, ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce total sugar content, replace traditional glaze with Greek yogurt-based topping.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream for filling, replace heavy cream in glaze with coconut milk or cashew cream.

FAQs

• What makes chai spices different from regular spices?

Chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves offer a complex, warm flavor profile that’s more intense and aromatic than standard baking spices, creating a rich and layered taste experience in these cinnamon rolls.

• Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can easily make these rolls by hand. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients and knead the dough on a clean surface until smooth and elastic. It might require a bit more arm strength, but the results will be just as delicious.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough is ready when it has approximately doubled in size and feels puffy when gently pressed. In a warm environment, this typically takes about an hour. You should see visible air bubbles and the dough should feel soft and elastic.

• Is it possible to prepare the rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, you can cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to allow them to rise and reach their full potential.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Warm chai-spiced cinnamon rolls from In Bloom Bakery blend classic comfort with exotic Indian spices. Delicate swirls of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon promise a sensory journey you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Flour and Liquid Base):

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup warm milk
• 1 large egg

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fats and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

• 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the glaze:

• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by blending warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the mixture. Allow the concoction to rest until it becomes foamy and aromatic, indicating the yeast’s awakening.
2. Craft a spice-infused dry base by whisking together flour, salt, and a medley of warm spices including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
3. Incorporate the activated yeast, melted butter, and egg into the spice-laden flour mixture. Gently merge the ingredients until a cohesive dough emerges.
4. Transform the dough through vigorous kneading, working it for 6-8 minutes until achieving a smooth, supple texture. Transfer to a greased vessel, drape with a cloth, and permit rising in a cozy environment until volume doubles.
5. Prepare the filling by blending softened butter with brown sugar and a harmonious blend of warming spices, creating a rich, aromatic spread.
6. Dust a work surface with flour and roll the risen dough into a rectangular canvas. Generously distribute the spiced butter mixture, leaving a narrow border untouched.
7. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylindrical shape, then slice into 8-10 individual spirals using a sharp knife.
8. Nestle the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them a final 30-minute proof to become puffy and voluminous.
9. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls until they transform into a golden, enticing masterpiece.
10. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with heavy cream and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
11. Drizzle the gleaming glaze over the warm rolls, inviting an irresistible finish to these chai-spiced delicacies.

Notes

• For extra soft rolls, use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate more effectively and create a more tender texture.
• Dust your work surface generously with flour to prevent sticky dough from clinging and making rolling difficult.
• Consider toasting whole spices before grinding to unlock deeper, more intense chai flavors and enhance the aromatic profile of the cinnamon rolls.
• Customize the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg