Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Warm, Spiced, and Comfortingly Sweet
Chai Cinnamon Rolls take the classic comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls and infuse them with the cozy, aromatic flavors of chai spices. Imagine soft, fluffy dough spiraled with a sweet brown sugar filling and rich notes of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Topped with a velvety glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent treat with a warm drink. The balance of sweetness and spice makes these rolls stand out, offering something a little more exotic than your typical cinnamon bun. Whether you’re enjoying them on a lazy weekend morning or serving them to guests, these rolls create a warm, bakery-style experience right at home. Each bite brings a swirl of soft texture and bold, spiced flavor that’s both nostalgic and unique. If you love chai lattes and cinnamon pastries, this recipe will become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
Chai Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and filled with rich, spiced flavor. The combination of cinnamon and chai spices gives these rolls a cozy twist, making them ideal for cool mornings or special gatherings. They rise beautifully, fill the kitchen with an incredible aroma, and taste even better than they smell. These are not just cinnamon rolls—they’re an experience.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (+ 1 hour rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Chai-Spiced Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional: pinch of chai spice for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, eggs, and melted butter, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and all chai spices until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the chai filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from the long side into a log, then slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
4. Bake and Glaze
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown. While they cool slightly, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Variations
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the simple glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting.
- Extra Spiced: Add chai spice to the glaze for more flavor in every layer.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare rolls the night before and bake the next morning.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or dough scraper
- Whisk
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 17g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store glazed or unglazed rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prep and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight; bring to room temp before baking.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years in the kitchen, I’ve baked many cinnamon roll variations, but the chai version has a special place in my heart. The aromatic spices elevate a simple treat into something memorable. I’ve served these at brunches and family breakfasts—they always get rave reviews and requests for the recipe.
Conclusion
Chai Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a sweet roll—they’re a fragrant, spiced indulgence that brings bakery-level comfort to your kitchen. The warm blend of chai spices and soft dough makes each bite satisfying and unique. Perfect for cozy mornings or holiday spreads, these rolls are a recipe worth keeping on repeat.
Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, eggs, and melted butter, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and all chai spices until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the chai filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from the long side into a log, then slice into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown. While they cool slightly, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store glazed or unglazed rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
