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Chai Cinnamon Rolls: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Favorite


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  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls are infused with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea. A perfect combination of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, these rolls will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma and are perfect for breakfast or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the chai spice filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 1 tsp ground cardamom

  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 23 tbsp milk

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon


Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

  • Meanwhile, prepare the chai spice filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves in a bowl until smooth and spreadable.

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the chai spice filling evenly over the dough.

  • Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge and cut into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

  • Cover and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

 

  • Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can infuse the milk with a chai tea bag while it heats before using it in the dough.

  • The rolls can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge for a quicker morning bake.

 

  • Feel free to adjust the chai spices in the filling based on your personal taste preferences.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Indian-inspired