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Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4 from 60 reviews

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, cozy flavors of chai spices with classic cinnamon rolls for a unique and aromatic twist. Soft, fluffy dough is layered with spiced brown sugar filling, baked atop a sticky chai caramel sauce, and finished with a creamy chai-spiced cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat that blends delicious baking techniques with bold, comforting spices.

  • Total Time: 4 hours (includes rising and proofing time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
  • 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened

Chai Caramel Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 chai tea bags
  • 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
  • 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/3 cup (116 g) honey
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Chai Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
  • 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)

Chai Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
  • 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • pinch of cloves

Instructions

  1. Bloom the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and warm whole milk (about 110°F). Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, mix together the all-purpose flour, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves), salt, and 2 tbsp sugar.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix briefly to combine.
  4. Add Yeast Mixture and Knead Dough: Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until blended. Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the edges, forms a smooth ball, and springs back when pressed.
  5. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place in a warm area (such as outside or a cold oven with the light on) for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Chai Caramel Sauce: While the dough rises, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming. Add chai tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, remove tea bags, and cool to room temperature. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, honey, vanilla, salt, and chai-infused cream until well combined. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the caramel sauce evenly on the bottom.
  7. Prepare Chai Filling: Also while the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt in a small bowl for the filling. Set aside.
  8. Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  9. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chai brown sugar filling over the dough using an offset spatula.
  10. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the edge closest to you. Trim ends for an even log. Using unflavored floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 rolls about 1 1/2 inches wide.
  11. Arrange and Proof: Place the rolls into the casserole dish on top of the chai caramel sauce. Pour room temperature heavy cream between the rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  12. Preheat Oven: 15 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  13. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 29–32 minutes until golden brown, typically 30 minutes is ideal.
  14. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: While rolls bake, beat softened butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices. Mix on medium-low until combined, then on high speed until fluffy.
  15. Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes after baking, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best results, ensure milk is warmed to about 110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Proofing in a warm, draft-free environment helps dough rise properly; a cold oven with just the light on works well.
  • Using unflavored floss to cut rolls prevents squishing the dough, ensuring clean slices.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting so frosting doesn’t melt completely but stays soft and spreadable.
  • These rolls can be made a day ahead; refrigerate after shaping and proofing, then bake next day, allowing extra time for baking.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/chai-cinnamon-rolls-with-chai-caramel-sauce-and-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/