If you’re craving a baked treat that swirls together the cozy warmth of chai spices with the sweet, indulgent charm of cinnamon rolls, look no further than these absolutely irresistible Chai Cinnamon Rolls. These rolls capture the essence of chai tea in every bite—from the cardamom-scented dough to the luscious chai caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting that crown each fluffy spiral. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring slowly on a chilly morning. Trust me, these rolls bring a whole new dimension to a classic favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.

Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a beautiful dance of flavors and textures, each one essential to create the perfect chai-infused cinnamon roll. From the aromatic chai spices that lift the dough and filling, to the creamy butter and sweet sugars that ensure softness and richness—every element is thoughtfully selected for maximum yum.

Whole milk, 1 1/4 cups (300 ml), warmed to about 110°F: Activates the yeast and contributes to soft, tender dough.
Active dry yeast, 2 1/4 tsp: The magic starter that makes the rolls rise and become fluffy.
Granulated white sugar, 1 tsp (for yeast) + 2 tbsp (for dough): Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
All-purpose flour, 4 3/4 cups (593 g), spooned and leveled: The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
Ground chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves): A handpicked mix to evoke authentic chai flavor throughout the rolls.
Salt, 1 1/2 tsp: Balances flavor and strengthens the dough.
Eggs, 2, whisked: Adds richness, binds ingredients, and improves texture.
Vanilla extract, 1 tbsp: Rounds out flavors with fragrant warmth.
Unsalted butter, softened, various amounts (total about 2 cups): Essential for rich dough, filling, caramel sauce, and frosting softness.
Heavy cream, 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup (for pouring between rolls): Adds decadence and moisture, including in the chai-infused caramel sauce.
Chai tea bags, 2: Steeped to infuse the caramel sauce with genuine chai essence.
Light brown sugar, 2 cups total: Gives depth of sweetness and moisture especially in filling and sauce.
Honey, 1/3 cup: Adds natural sweetness and a sticky, luscious texture in the chai caramel sauce.
Cream cheese, 6 oz (170 g), softened: The star of the frosting, lending tang and creaminess.
Powdered sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetens the frosting for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by waking up the yeast. Mix the active dry yeast with a teaspoon of granulated sugar and warm milk (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit). Let it rest for 10 minutes—when it gets nice and foamy on top, you know it’s ready. This simple step ensures your dough will rise beautifully, giving those rolls their lovely light texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the yeast is blooming, combine the flour, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves), salt, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. The fragrant spice blend infuses the dough with chai’s signature warm aroma right from the start.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Knead

Add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter to your dry ingredients, then pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth dough that pulls away from the bowl edges and springs back when pressed—a perfect balance between elasticity and softness.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a generously greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot—like an oven with the light on—allowing it to rise for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. It’s ready when doubled in size and full of promise.

Step 5: Prepare the Chai Caramel Sauce

While the dough is resting, bring the heavy cream to a gentle steam over low heat in a small saucepan and steep two chai tea bags for 10 minutes. Remove the teabags and let the chai-infused cream cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, combine softened butter, brown sugar, spices, honey, vanilla, and salt in a bowl, then stir in your chai cream. Spread this decadently sticky chai caramel mixture evenly over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. This sauce will seep into the bottoms of the rolls, creating a caramelized finish that is nothing short of dreamy.

Step 6: Make the Chai Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This filling is the heart of the rolls, layered inside each spiral to deliver sweet, warmly spiced ribbons in every bite.

Step 7: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air and roll it out on a floured surface at about 18 by 12 inches, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Spread the chai cinnamon filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula for gentle precision. Then, roll up the dough tightly from the edge closest to you, trimming the ends if necessary. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls with unflavored floss or a very sharp knife for the cleanest cuts.

Step 8: Arrange Rolls and Proof

Place your rolls into the casserole dish atop the chai caramel sauce. Pour room temperature heavy cream carefully in between the rolls to keep them moist and add an extra layer of decadence. Cover them with plastic wrap and let these beauties proof in a warm spot until they double in size again—about an hour.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F about 15 minutes before the rolls finish their second rise. Bake for 29 to 32 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topside. That perfect 30-minute mark usually delivers rolls that are fluffy inside with a slight caramelized crunch on the outer edges.

Step 10: Whip Up the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, blend together softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until creamy and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chai spices. Beat on low speed until combined, then crank up the mixer to high for a fluffy finish. This chai cream cheese frosting elevates the rolls to a truly luxurious treat.

Step 11: Frost and Serve

Once your rolls have cooled just enough (about 10 minutes), spread generous dollops of chai cream cheese frosting over the warm spirals, letting it melt deliciously into the nooks and crannies. Then, dig in and prepare to be enchanted by these layered flavors and textures.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch to your Chai Cinnamon Rolls. For an extra pop of color and freshness, scatter a few edible rose petals or lightly dust them with cinnamon powder right before serving. These small touches beautifully enhance the look and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pairing chai cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of chai latte or chai-spiced tea accentuates those familiar warming spices, making for a perfect pairing. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or crisp apples balance the richness, while a simple green salad offers a light contrast if serving these rolls as part of brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls family-style in the baking dish to showcase the inviting caramel sauce pooling around the bottoms. For a charming individual touch, plate each roll on a pretty dish with a drizzle of extra frosting or caramel sauce. You can also turn leftover rolls into decadent bread pudding or french toast for a delightful reuse.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chai Cinnamon Rolls stay wonderfully soft and flavorful stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerate if you want to stretch their life a bit longer—up to five days—just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Freeze individually wrapped or tightly covered rolls for up to three months. You can freeze them either after baking or right after slicing before the second rise. This makes it easy to enjoy freshly baked rolls anytime you crave that warm, spiced goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and softened. Microwave works in a pinch but can sacrifice texture. A quick addition of fresh frosting after warming revives that fresh-out-of-the-oven indulgence you remember.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Just be patient and enjoy the process—you’ll still get delicious results.

What if I don’t have chai tea bags?

You can substitute by brewing strong black tea and adding a blend of chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to the cream for the caramel sauce. Alternatively, pre-mixed chai spice powders do a great job enhancing flavor throughout.

Can these rolls be made vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter with a vegan margarine, use plant-based milk warmed for yeast blooming, and a flax egg or other egg replacer instead of chicken eggs. For cream cheese frosting, use a vegan cream cheese alternative. The chai spices will still shine wonderfully.

Is it necessary to proof the dough twice?

Yes, the first proof helps develop the dough’s structure and flavor, while the second proof after shaping allows the rolls to become airy and light when baked. Skipping proofing steps can lead to dense rolls.

Can I prepare these the night before?

Definitely! You can make the dough and allow it to rise, then shape the rolls and proof them in the refrigerator overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking for fresh, delightful rolls in the morning.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting hug of homemade Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven. With their enchanting combination of chai spices, sweet caramel, and creamy frosting, these rolls become an experience to savor with every bite. Whether for a special breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat, I promise that baking these will fill your kitchen—and heart—with warmth. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderfully spiced delight. Happy baking!

Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon swirls and warm, aromatic chai spices. Infused with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and other traditional chai flavors in the dough, filling, and frosting, they offer a cozy, flavorful twist perfect for breakfast or dessert. The rolls are topped with a luscious chai cream cheese frosting that complements the sweet, spiced caramel sauce baked on the pan’s bottom.

Instructions

Bloom Yeast: Combine active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and warmed milk (110°F) in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy on top to activate the yeast.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment, whisk together the flour, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves), salt, and 2 tbsp sugar until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix briefly to combine.
Incorporate Yeast Mixture: Pour in the yeast-milk mixture and mix until the dough begins to come together. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl, forms a smooth ball, and springs back when pressed.
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place in a greased large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare Chai Caramel Sauce: Heat heavy cream gently in a small saucepan until steaming. Remove from heat, steep chai tea bags for 10 minutes, then remove tea bags and cool to room temperature. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, honey, vanilla, salt, and the chai-infused cream until smooth.
Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and evenly spread the chai caramel sauce mixture over the bottom.
Make Chai Filling: In a small bowl, blend softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt for the filling until smooth.
Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread Filling: Evenly spoon and spread the chai filling over the rolled dough with an offset spatula.
Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from the end closest to you into a log. Trim ends to even out, then cut into 12 rolls approximately 1 ½ inches wide using unflavored floss or a sharp knife.
Arrange and Proof: Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared casserole dish on top of the chai caramel sauce. Pour room temperature heavy cream between each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof for about 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
Preheat Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Usually, 30 minutes is ideal.
Make Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: While rolls bake, beat softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chai spices. Mix on medium-low to combine, then increase speed to high until light and fluffy.
Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes after baking. Spread the chai cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Ensure milk is warmed to about 110°F to properly activate the yeast, but not too hot to kill it.
Unflavored dental floss is great for cutting rolls evenly without squishing them.
Letting the rolls proof in a warm spot is key for a light, fluffy texture.
Steeping chai tea bags in hot cream adds a subtle but distinctive chai flavor in the caramel sauce.
You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it, then roll, fill, and bake the following day.
Using softened unsalted butter throughout ensures creamy texture and balanced flavor.
For extra gooeyness, pour the heavy cream between rolls before baking to keep them moist.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American with Indian-inspired chai spices

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: chai cinnamon rolls, chai spice rolls, cinnamon rolls, chai spice dessert, chai cream cheese frosting, homemade cinnamon rolls, spiced rolls