If you love the warm and comforting flavors of chai tea, you are in for a treat with these Chai Cinnamon Rolls. This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll to a whole new level by infusing every bite with the aromatic spices of chai—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and more. The soft, fluffy dough swirls around a spiced filling, all topped with a luscious chai-spiced cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent weekend bake, these Chai Cinnamon Rolls will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.

Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture that make the Chai Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible. From the warming chai spices that bring depth and aroma, to the creamy butter and rich cream cheese that guarantee soft, tender rolls and a dreamy frosting, these simple elements come together to create pure magic.

Whole milk (1 1/4 cups, warmed): Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough tender and soft.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): Essential for that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Granulated white sugar (1 tsp + 2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness to the dough.
All-purpose flour (4 3/4 cups): The backbone of the dough providing structure and chewiness.
Ground cinnamon (multiple amounts): Adds its signature warmth and aroma, a star in spice blends throughout the recipe.
Ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves (varied small amounts): The chai spice mix that layers rich, aromatic complexity into dough, filling, caramel sauce, and frosting.
Salt (various small amounts): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
Eggs (2, whisked): Adds richness and helps with structure.
Vanilla extract (multiple amounts): Boosts sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the chai spices beautifully.
Unsalted butter (several portions, very softened): Contributes to the tender dough, rich filling, sticky caramel base, and creamy frosting.
Heavy cream (various amounts): Adds luscious moisture especially in the chai caramel sauce and to pour between rolls for extra gooeyness.
Chai tea bags (2): Infused cream adds an authentic chai flavor that ties the whole recipe together.
Light brown sugar (used in filling and caramel): Adds deep molasses sweetness to complement the spices.
Honey (1/3 cup): Sweetens and adds sticky richness to the chai caramel sauce.
Cream cheese (6 oz, softened): Creates the tangy, velvety frosting that balances the spice and sweetness.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start your Chai Cinnamon Rolls off right by blooming the yeast. Combine your active dry yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and warm milk at about 110 degrees Fahrenheit—warm enough to wake the yeast but not too hot to kill it. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 10 minutes until foamy on top, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for soft, airy rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Mix your dry ingredients: flour and a fragrant blend of chai spices with salt and sugar. To this, add in whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter to enrich the dough with a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Once combined, pour in the yeast mixture and thoroughly blend everything together. Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7 to 10 minutes until your dough is elastic, pulling away from the bowl’s edges and bouncing back when pressed—this texture means your rolls will be light and fluffy.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a generously greased bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel and find a warm spot for it to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has nearly doubled in size, grown puffy, and is irresistible to poke.

Step 4: Make the Chai Caramel Sauce

While your dough is rising, create the indulgent chai caramel sauce that forms the sticky, gooey base of these rolls. Heat heavy cream gently and steep your chai tea bags in it for 10 minutes to infuse deep spice notes. Mix this chai cream with softened butter, brown sugar, honey, spices, vanilla, and salt until you have a luscious, sticky sauce. Spread this caramel lovingly over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan—for that signature sweet and spicy layer you won’t be able to resist.

Step 5: Prepare the Chai Filling

Mix another batch of chai-spiced butter, brown sugar, and salt that will be spread over the rolled-out dough to create those divine cinnamon swirl layers. The spices in the filling deepen the chai flavor and contribute to the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 6: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 18 by 12 inches and about a ¼ inch thick. Spread the chai-spiced filling evenly across the surface. Then, starting at the edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice it into 12 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts that keep the swirls intact.

Step 7: Proof the Rolls

Arrange your rolls snugly over the chai caramel sauce in the pan. Pour a little room-temperature heavy cream between the rolls to add extra moisture and richness. Cover with plastic wrap and let them proof for another hour until they’ve doubled in size again, warming back up and getting soft to the touch.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the rolls finish their proof. Bake the rolls for 29 to 32 minutes until golden brown and irresistible looking. The caramel will bubble up around the edges, and the aroma of chai spices will fill every corner of your kitchen.

Step 9: Prepare the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices, then mix until the frosting turns light and airy. This frosting is the perfect tangy, spiced finish for your warm rolls.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls have cooled just slightly for about 10 minutes, generously slather them with the chai cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and watch how everyone falls head over heels in love with these cozy, complex flavors.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or crushed toasted cardamom pods over the frosting just before serving. A drizzle of honey or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and add delicate sweetness without overpowering the chai spices.

Side Dishes

Chai Cinnamon Rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of chai tea or bold coffee to complement the spices. For a savory balance, consider fresh fruit like orange slices or a simple green salad, pairing the sweet richness of the rolls with a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of serving individual rolls, place them on a rustic wooden board arranged in a circle for a charming centerpiece. You can also serve them sliced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm custard on the side for an indulgent dessert twist. Wrapping a single roll in parchment makes for a delightful homemade gift or on-the-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and tender. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can help extend freshness, but let them come back to room temperature or warm gently before serving to revive their softness.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. After assembling and slicing but before the second rise, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze fully baked rolls in airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm rolls in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep them moist. A quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds works in a pinch but avoid overheating to keep the gooey texture intact. Add a fresh layer of frosting or a light drizzle of cream if you like.

FAQs

Can I use different tea bags instead of chai?

You can experiment with black tea or other spiced teas, but chai tea bags bring a unique, bold spice mix that blends perfectly with cinnamon rolls for this particular recipe.

Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk warmed similarly. Use vegan butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. The cream cheese frosting can be made with vegan cream cheese as well.

Can these rolls be made gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on the elasticity of wheat flour, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary. Adding xanthan gum can help with structure.

How spicy are the chai cinnamon rolls?

They have a warming, spiced flavor without being overwhelmingly hot. The spices are balanced so that everyone can enjoy the subtle complexity without too much heat.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely. After kneading, let the dough rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling, filling, and baking as directed.

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked Chai Cinnamon Rolls filling your home. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring chai’s beloved spices into a classic, tender cinnamon roll that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or just want to treat yourself any day, these rolls deliver a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and softness in every bite. I promise, once you try these Chai Cinnamon Rolls, they’ll become your new go-to for cozy mornings and celebrations alike!