Go Back

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Warm and inviting Chai Cinnamon Rolls, infused with spices and sweet cinnamon, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) Make sure it's active.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup milk Warm (not boiling).
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Icing
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cardamom, ginger, and cloves until mixed well.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat milk until warm (not boiling). Then, whisk in melted butter and vanilla.
  3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling
  1. While the dough is rising, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger in a small bowl.
Roll Out the Dough
  1. After the first rise, punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Assemble
  1. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly on top.
  2. Starting from one long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log and pinch seam to seal.
Cut and Second Rise
  1. Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Icing
  1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze
  1. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over them.

Notes

To ensure perfect rolls, proof the yeast, use room temperature ingredients, and allow the dough to rise fully for optimal texture.