Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – A Spiced Twist on a Classic Treat

Introduction

If you love warm, comforting flavors, Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try! This delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls combines the richness of classic sweet dough with the aromatic spices of chai, creating an indulgent yet cozy treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these rolls bring a warm and inviting aroma to your kitchen. Chai, a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, is widely enjoyed in India and beyond. Infusing these spices into a buttery, soft dough takes cinnamon rolls to a whole new level. The result? A heavenly spiced, melt-in-your-mouth pastry that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Not only do these Chai Cinnamon Rolls taste incredible, but they are also surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced home cook, this recipe guides you through simple steps to achieve perfectly fluffy rolls every time. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat, these spiced rolls offer a delicious fusion of flavors. If you’re a fan of warm spices and sweet, sticky pastries, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Unique Flavor Twist: Chai spices add depth to traditional cinnamon rolls.
Soft & Fluffy Texture: The dough is perfectly tender and buttery.
Aromatic & Cozy: Fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or brunch.

Origin of Chai and Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls trace back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Meanwhile, chai has deep roots in Indian culture, where the spice blend is traditionally brewed into a warming tea. This recipe combines these two beloved flavors into a unique, delicious treat.

Interesting Facts About Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai spices have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon rolls were first popularized in Europe before spreading worldwide.
The combination of chai and cinnamon creates a balanced sweet-spicy taste.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, softened butter, and chai spices.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
Spread the chai-spiced filling evenly over the dough.
Roll it up tightly and cut into 12 even slices.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Tips:

Use fresh yeast for the best rise and fluffy texture.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.

Mistakes to Avoid:

Overbaking—check at 20 minutes to prevent dryness.
Skipping the second rise—this helps the rolls become extra soft.
Using cold ingredients—ensure butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.