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Freshly baked chai cinnamon rolls topped with vanilla glaze and garnished with whole star anise.

Chai Cinnamon Rolls


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, spiced cinnamon rolls infused with warm chai flavors—perfect for a cozy breakfast or tea-time treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the chai-spiced filling:
  • ½ cup soft butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons strong brewed chai tea, cooled


Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until it forms a soft dough.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and chai spices until well combined.
  5. Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the chai-spiced filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Starting from the long edge, roll up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  7. Slice into 12 even rolls and place cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
  9. While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and brewed chai to a smooth glaze.
  10. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
  • Use strong brewed chai for a more pronounced flavor in the glaze.
  • Rolls can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg