Description

These chai cinnamon rolls are warm, spiced, and swirled with chai caramel and a creamy chai frosting—perfect for cozy mornings or holiday brunch.

Ingredients

For the dough:

1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)

2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

¼ cup granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves)

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the chai caramel base:

½ cup heavy cream (steeped with 2 chai tea bags)

¼ cup unsalted butter

½ cup light brown sugar

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp chai spice blend

Pinch of salt

For the filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup light brown sugar

1½ tsp chai spice blend

¼ tsp salt

For the chai cream cheese frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp chai spice blend

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Instructions

Make the dough: Stir warm milk, sugar, and yeast together. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes. Add flour, chai spices, salt, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Knead 7–10 minutes until smooth.

First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.

Prepare caramel sauce: Steep chai tea bags in hot cream for 10 minutes, then cool slightly. Mix with butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, spices, and salt. Pour into greased 9×13 inch pan.

Make filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt until smooth.

Shape rolls: Roll dough into 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Roll tightly and cut into 12 rolls.

Second rise: Place rolls over caramel sauce. Pour room-temperature cream between them. Cover and let rise ~1 hour until puffy.

Bake: Bake at 350°F for 29–32 minutes until golden brown.

Frost: Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy. Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then frost and serve.

Notes

Adjust chai spice blend to taste—boost cardamom for a more floral note or clove for warmth.

Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese to make it dairy-free.

Add chopped pecans to the filling for crunch.

Freeze rolls before or after baking—just thaw and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American