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Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 263 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these homemade Chai Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of warm aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves swirled inside soft, fluffy dough and topped with a luscious chai-spiced cream cheese frosting. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy dessert, these rolls provide a comforting twist on a classic favorite with a unique chai spice profile.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Chai Spice Mix

  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Filling

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • Chai spice mix (from above)

Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and room temperature eggs into the dry mix. Stir until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg to create the chai spice blend.
  6. Make Filling: Mix softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and the prepared chai spice mix in a bowl until fully combined and smooth.
  7. Roll Dough Out: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough to a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle, spreading it evenly to form the base for filling.
  8. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chai spiced filling over the rolled-out dough using a spatula or knife.
  9. Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then cut it into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  10. Arrange Rolls: Place the 12 cut rolls into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, positioning them evenly spaced.
  11. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish and allow the rolls to rise for an additional 30 minutes until they puff up.
  12. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat while the rolls finish rising.
  13. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
  14. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before applying frosting to prevent melting.
  15. Prepare Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy in a mixing bowl.
  16. Add Sugar and Spices: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg). Beat until fluffy and well incorporated.
  17. Frost and Serve: Spread the chai cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy flavors.

Notes

  • Use warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Kneading the dough for adequate time is key for soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Letting the rolls rise twice ensures they are light and airy.
  • Rolling the dough tightly helps prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
  • Cool rolls slightly before frosting to avoid the cream cheese glaze melting and becoming runny.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
  • Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy warm, gooey texture.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/chai-cinnamon-rolls-with-spiced-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/