Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Introduction to Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Indulging in the warm, comforting flavors of Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience that brings joy to any occasion. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with the aromatic spices that are reminiscent of a cozy chai tea. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, this recipe offers a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll, making it a must-try for anyone who loves baked goods.
A Personal Story Behind My Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning, filling the house with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods. As I discovered the rich flavors of chai tea, I was inspired to combine these two favorites into one delicious recipe. The result is a warm embrace of spices and sweetness that reminds me of those cherished family moments, making these rolls not just a treat, but a heartfelt connection to my past.
What Makes This Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of chai spices, which add a depth of flavor that elevates these cinnamon rolls to another level. The combination of warm milk, soft butter, and eggs creates a beautifully rich dough that rises to perfection. The luscious chai glaze drizzled on top adds a sweet finish that perfectly complements the spiced filling. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, making these rolls a standout dish that everyone will love.
The Full Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (115°F)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup very soft salted butter
- 1 teaspoon chai spice mix
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour (plus up to ½ cup more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup melted salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chai spice mix
- For Topping the Unbaked Rolls:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons strongly brewed chai (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast. This step is crucial as it helps the dough rise properly.
- Add eggs, very soft butter, chai spice mix, and sugar. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Next, add 2 cups of flour and salt, mixing until barely combined. Then add the remaining 2 cups of flour and mix well. If the dough is too sticky, you can add up to ½ cup more flour as needed.
- Knead the dough with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth. The dough should be slightly sticky. A well-kneaded dough will give you fluffy rolls.
- Allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl until almost double in size, about 1 hour. Cover it with a damp cloth to keep it warm.
- Prepare the chai spice filling by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and chai spice in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly and cut into slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, allowing space between them. Let them rise for an additional 20 minutes.
- Pour warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking. This will keep them moist and add richness.
- Bake at 350°F for 27-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and brewed chai until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled rolls for a sweet finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls
These Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls are perfect served warm, straight from the oven. For an extra special touch, pair them with a cup of chai tea or coffee to enhance the flavors. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts or dried fruits in the filling or swapping out the chai spice for your favorite spices like nutmeg or cardamom. These rolls freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use regular cinnamon instead of chai spice?
Absolutely! If you prefer a classic flavor, you can substitute the chai spice with regular ground cinnamon.
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Glaze!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories per Serving: 380
- Servings: 12
Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Glaze
Equipment
- Stand Mixer For mixing and kneading the dough.
- Baking Pan To bake the rolls.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (115°F)
- 2.5 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup very soft salted butter
- 1 teaspoon chai spice mix
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour (plus up to ½ cup more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 0.75 cup melted salted butter
- 1.5 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons chai spice mix
Topping Ingredients
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons strongly brewed chai (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add eggs, very soft butter, chai spice mix, and sugar. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Next, add 2 cups of flour and salt, mixing until barely combined. Then add the remaining 2 cups of flour and mix well. If the dough is too sticky, you can add up to ½ cup more flour as needed.
- Knead the dough with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth. The dough should be slightly sticky. A well-kneaded dough will give you fluffy rolls.
- Allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl until almost double in size, about 1 hour. Cover it with a damp cloth to keep it warm.
- Prepare the chai spice filling by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and chai spice in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly and cut into slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, allowing space between them. Let them rise for an additional 20 minutes.
- Pour warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking. This will keep them moist and add richness.
- Bake at 350°F for 27-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and brewed chai until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled rolls for a sweet finishing touch.