Description
These Easy Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel blend delightful chai spices with rich caramel, offering a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Quick to prepare and utterly satisfying, they make every bite memorable!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ⅓ cups whole milk warmed to about 110°f for yeast activation
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast fresh and properly stored
- 1 ¼ teaspoons granulated sugar used to feed the yeast
- 5 ¼ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for accuracy
- 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon freshly ground if possible
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger adds warmth and spice
- ⅓ teaspoon ground allspice for depth of flavor
- ⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg aromatic and cozy
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom classic chai spice
- ⅙ teaspoon ground cloves very finely ground
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt balances sweetness
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar for light sweetness
- 2 large eggs room temperature and lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract pure vanilla preferred
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter very soft, not melted
- ⅓ cup heavy cream used for steeping tea
- 2 chai tea bags strongly spiced variety
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened for easy mixing
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed firmly
- 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon for the caramel base
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger adds warmth
- ⅓ teaspoon ground allspice rounded spice note
- ⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg subtle sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom fragrant and floral
- ⅙ teaspoon ground cloves intense spice
- ⅓ cup honey for sticky richness
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract enhances sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon salt cuts through caramel sweetness
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter soft and spreadable
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon bold flavor
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger warming spice
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice earthy balance
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg gentle warmth
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom signature chai note
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves deep spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt flavor balance
- ¼ cup heavy cream poured between rolls before baking
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter softened fully
- 7 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract for aroma
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon light spice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger gentle warmth
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice subtle depth
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg background spice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom fragrant finish
- pinch ground cloves very small amount
Instructions
- Combine the warm milk, yeast, and a small amount of sugar in a bowl, allowing it to stand until a foamy layer appears.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, spices, salt, and sugar until well mixed.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and softened butter to the dry ingredients, blending until a shaggy mixture forms.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and knead with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled.
- Warm the heavy cream gently, steep the chai tea bags, then remove and cool the infused cream.
- Mix butter, brown sugar, spices, honey, vanilla, and salt, stirring in the cooled chai cream until smooth.
- Spread the caramel mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Create the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, spices, and salt.
- Roll the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface to an even thickness.
- Spread the chai filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even rolls.
- Nestle the rolls in the prepared dish, pour cream between them, cover, and let rise again until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F while the rolls finish proofing.
- Bake the rolls until golden brown and fully cooked.
- To make frosting, beat butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
- Blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and spices until the mixture is smooth and airy.
- Allow rolls to cool briefly, then generously spread frosting over the warm tops before serving.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
To achieve the best flavor, freshly ground spices add potency to the rolls.
These rolls can be prepared a day in advance and baked fresh in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg