Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy twist on the classic favorite, infusing warm chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves into a soft, fluffy roll. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these rolls combine the comforting flavors of chai tea with the sweet, cinnamon-laden goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls, topped with a smooth spiced glaze.
Ingredients
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
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
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare dough: 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, ensuring a soft and workable dough.
- First rise: 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, which helps develop flavor and texture.
- Make filling: Meanwhile, prepare the chai spice filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves in a bowl until smooth and spreadable, combining the signature chai spices.
- Shape rolls: 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 for a uniform flavor in each roll.
- Slice rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge to form a log. Cut into 12 even pieces to create individual rolls that bake evenly.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes to become puffy and light.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Bake rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, ensuring a soft interior and a slightly crisp top.
- Prepare glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth, combining flavors to complement the spiced rolls.
- Glaze rolls: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly and add sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm (about 110°F) but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for the best texture and flavor development.
- For an extra fluffy texture, you can let the rolls rise a bit longer during the second rise if time permits.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough come together easily.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container; they can be reheated gently before serving.
