Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistible treat to brighten your mornings or sweeten your afternoons, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls bursting with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea—cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and more—wrapped in a luscious dough and topped with a creamy frosting that has a perfect hint of spice. Every bite feels like a warm hug in pastry form, making these rolls an unforgettable indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create these enchanting Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each component is key: the flour and yeast build the soft, tender dough; the chai spices infuse flavor and warmth; and the cream cheese frosting adds that irresistible luscious finish.

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour: The base of your dough that ensures soft, fluffy rolls every time.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic that helps your dough rise to airy perfection.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough with moisture and flavor.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Adds structure and richness.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice in chai, warming every bite.
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom: Adds an exotic floral note that’s signature to chai blends.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Brings gentle heat and depth.
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds complexity with its clove-nutmeg-cinnamon aroma.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: A bold spice that ties the chai flavor together.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Subtly sweet and nutty, it rounds out the spice mix.
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: For the rich, spiced filling that melts into every swirl.
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the filling.
• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened: Essential for the dreamy frosting texture and tang.
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting silky and smooth.
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors in the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: The same chai spices that bring the frosting alive and tie everything together beautifully.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This forms the dry base of your dough where the yeast will work its magic. The combination ensures a slight sweetness balanced with a perfect rise.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until a soft dough forms. The warmth of the milk should activate the yeast gently, helping the dough become beautifully elastic and soft.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This step is key for developing gluten, which gives your rolls that tender, airy texture that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This letting go of time brings out the fluffy softness we all love in cinnamon rolls.

Step 5: Prepare the Chai Spice Mix

While the dough rises, combine the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This fragrant blend is the heart of your chai flavor, warming the whole batch with every bite.

Step 6: Make the Filling

Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and your chai spice mix until smooth and well combined. This rich, spiced filling will melt into each swirl, bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, roll your dough into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. This generous size lets you spread the filling evenly, making sure every roll shines with spice and sweetness.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Use a spatula to spread the chai spiced filling evenly over the dough surface, getting all the corners for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 9: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side, then cut it into 12 equal pieces. This step creates those beautiful cinnamon roll spirals filled with chai goodness.

Step 10: Arrange for Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for 30 minutes. This resting period develops their fluffy texture further before baking.

Step 11: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will fill with the enticing scent of chai spices, a promise of the deliciousness to come.

Step 12: Cool and Frost

Allow the rolls to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and your chai spice blend. Whip it until fluffy and smooth.

Step 13: Frost and Serve

Spread the spiced cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls while they’re still slightly warm. This helps the frosting melt into the spirals, adding a luscious finish that’s absolutely irresistible. Serve immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or crushed pistachios on top of the frosted rolls for a charming finish and a bit of crunch. Fresh orange zest also complements the chai spices beautifully, adding brightness to each bite.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to double down on the warming spices. For brunch, a bowl of fresh berries or a light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls in a rustic wooden box lined with a soft linen cloth for a cozy, inviting look. Alternatively, cut rolls in half horizontally and layer them with extra frosting and thin apple slices for a chai-inspired cinnamon roll sandwich that’s both fun and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, keep any leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain softness while allowing the flavors to meld even more.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for a quick indulgence anytime you crave that chai spice warmth.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the rolls and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can re-frost them lightly if the frosting has set too hard. A quick 15-second zap in the microwave also works if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. The slow rise in the fridge enhances the flavor. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling out and assembling your rolls.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

No worries! You can substitute with a chai tea bag steeped into your warm milk or use a homemade blend with cinnamon and cardamom as the base. The rolls will still have that warm, spiced essence.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but the rolls might be a bit denser. For best results, stick mostly to all-purpose.

Is there a dairy-free version of the frosting?

Yes! You can use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives to make the frosting dairy-free. The spices will still shine, offering that signature chai creaminess.

How long do these rolls stay fresh once frosted?

Once frosted, the rolls are best enjoyed within 24 hours. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and flavorful. After that, they start to harden, but reheating can bring back some of the magic.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, comforting joy of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and the addition of chai spices alongside a spiced cream cheese frosting truly elevates this classic to something extraordinary. I encourage you to try this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe for your next baking adventure—it’s a delicious hug in every bite that’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Trust me, every warm, fragrant bite will make your kitchen smell like a cozy spice market and your heart feel full of love.

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