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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai Cinnamon Rolls
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Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the warm, aromatic spices of chai including cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black tea, resulting in soft, pillowy rolls perfect for cozy mornings, brunch, or dessert. This unique fusion creates a flavorful and inviting treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of chai spices and fresh cinnamon, offering a delightful twist on a beloved classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup milk (warm, about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tbsp finely ground black tea leaves or chai tea powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tbsp finely ground black tea or chai tea powder

Glaze/Frosting (optional)

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until slightly warm to the touch. Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar in the milk and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black tea powder), and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. This step ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, chai spice blend, and softened butter until combined. This mixture will create the spiced, sweet swirl in the rolls.
  4. Roll and Fill the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the spiced butter and sugar filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover all edges for maximum flavor.
  5. Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 evenly sized rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for expansion.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 45 minutes or until puffy, ensuring an ultra-soft and tender texture after baking.
  7. Bake and Glaze: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze or your preferred frosting. Spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls immediately after removing them from the oven.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground spices or high-quality chai powder for maximum flavor and aroma.
  • Ensure milk used is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Don’t skip the second rise; it makes the rolls softer and more delicate.
  • Measure flour carefully to avoid dense rolls; scoop gently when measuring.
  • Work quickly when spreading the filling to prevent the dough from drying out.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Vegan adaptations are possible using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs.
  • Try adding chopped pistachios or almonds to the filling for extra crunch.
  • Maple syrup glaze can be used instead of cream cheese frosting for a different flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels or add star anise and nutmeg for a richer chai blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: chai cinnamon rolls, chai spices, cinnamon rolls, baked treats, chai spice rolls, spiced cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, chai dessert

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/chai-cinnamon-rolls/