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

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of chai and crave the ultimate buttery, gooey breakfast treat, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine soft, tender rolls infused with aromatic chai spices, topped with a luscious chai-infused caramel sauce that seeps lovingly into every bite, and finished off with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that’s been kissed by chai’s signature spice blend. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug for your senses, perfect for brightening any morning or making a special occasion feel truly extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role. From the rich warmth of ground cinnamon and cardamom to the silky texture brought by melted butter and cream, every item builds layers of flavor and luxurious texture that make these rolls irresistible.

• Whole milk: Warming the milk helps activate the yeast for that pillowy dough texture.
• Active dry yeast: The magic agent for fluffy, risen rolls.
• Granulated sugar (for yeast bloom): Feeds the yeast to get bubbles going.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the dough’s sturdy yet tender base.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of chai flavor, offers warmth and sweetness.
• Ground ginger: Adds a zesty kick so typical in chai blends.
• Ground allspice: Brings a deep, rich aromatic note.
• Ground nutmeg: Subtle sweetness with a nutty undertone.
• Ground cardamom: Gives chai its signature bright, citrusy warmth.
• Ground cloves: A sharp, spicy finish that rounds out the chai blend.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all spices.
• Granulated sugar (for dough): Sweetens the dough gently.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough, adding that soft crumb texture.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the aromatic profile in both dough and icing.
• Unsalted butter (various uses): Adds richness and tenderness throughout the dough and sauces.
• Heavy cream: For moistening the chai caramel as well as adding richness between rolls.
• Chai tea bags: Infuse the caramel sauce with authentic chai flavors.
• Light brown sugar: Gives that deep molasses sweetness perfect for fillings and sauces.
• Honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness to the caramel sauce.
• Cream cheese: Essential for the ultra-creamy frosting that finishes these rolls beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Smoothly sweetens the cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by blooming your yeast—this is essential for that fluffy, tender dough. Mix the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk until it’s frothy, which tells you the yeast is alive and ready. While that bubbles away, mix your dry chai spices, flour, salt, and sugar. Then add the eggs, vanilla, and softened butter to this mixture before combining it with your yeast milk. Knead everything together with a dough hook on medium speed until your dough is smooth, pulls away cleanly from the bowl, and springs back when pressed gently. This kneading builds gluten and texture, setting the stage for perfect rolls.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Form your dough into a neat ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and set it somewhere warm. This rise lets the dough double in size, becoming soft and airy—like a fluffy cloud with chai spice notes waiting to be baked into irresistible rolls.

Step 3: Make the Chai Caramel Sauce

While your dough is rising, gently steam the heavy cream and steep chai tea bags in it, soaking up all those warm spicy notes. Mix this chai-infused cream with butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, salt, and chai spices. Spread this homemade chai caramel at the bottom of your baking dish for a sticky, flavorful foundation that will soak wonderfully into each roll as it bakes.

Step 4: Prepare the Chai Filling

The filling is a luscious combination of butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt mixed until smooth. This sweet, aromatic paste is what transforms simple cinnamon rolls into an exotic chai delight.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out your dough into a generous rectangle, spread your chai filling evenly, and roll it tightly into a log. Trim the edges for an even log, then slice into 12 equal rolls with dental floss or a sharp knife. Place these spirals snugly in your caramel-coated baking pan, and pour a bit of heavy cream in between to keep them luscious. Cover again and let the rolls proof in a warm place until doubled in size—a crucial step for soft, airy results.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit just before the rolls finish proofing. Slide your pan in and bake for about 30 minutes or until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with intoxicating chai-spice aromas that you’ll want to bottle and keep forever.

Step 7: Make the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

While those rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices until the frosting is luxuriously smooth and perfectly spiced. Once the rolls have cooled just a bit, dollop or spread this frosting generously over them to create that iconic sweet and tangy finish.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of your frosted rolls. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of extra chai caramel sauce makes each bite even more decadent.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot chai latte or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. For a balanced breakfast, consider serving with fresh berries or a homemade yogurt parfait to add brightness alongside the rich rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual rolls on pretty plates topped with edible flower petals like violet or rose petals to highlight the floral notes of chai. You can also stack a few for a brunch centerpiece or arrange them in a decorative basket lined with a colorful towel to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Refrigeration tends to dry them out, so room temperature is best for short-term keeping.

Freezing

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before frosting.

Reheating

Warm your rolls in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or microwave them briefly (20-30 seconds) if you’re in a hurry. Add a splash of milk or cream on top before warming to restore moisture and soften the frosting if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, allow it to rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature and proceed with rolling and proofing before baking for fresh-from-the-oven perfection.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

While the full chai spice blend makes this recipe outstanding, you can substitute with cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re short on other spices. It will still capture the warm essence of chai nicely.

Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls instead?

Store-bought rolls just don’t compare to the layered flavors and textures in this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. But if pressed for time, you could add chai caramel and cream cheese frosting to ready-made rolls to bring in some chai flair.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! Although it involves a few steps, the instructions are very clear and the results are well worth the effort. Plus, the process is enjoyable and a great baking project for chai enthusiasts.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute plant-based butter, milk, and cream in equal amounts to make it dairy-free. Use cream cheese alternatives for the frosting to keep that creamy finish without dairy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into these warm, spice-kissed chai cinnamon rolls smothered in chai caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting. This Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Chai Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delicious way to bring a bit of magic to your mornings or any special occasion. Trust me — once you make them, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to treats that you’ll love sharing with friends and family. Give them a try, and prepare to fall in love with every single bite!

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

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These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, comforting spices of chai tea with classic soft cinnamon rolls, layered with a chai-spiced brown sugar filling and topped with a luscious chai cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, these rolls feature a rich chai caramel sauce baked beneath them for an irresistible sticky sweetness.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 proofing periods totaling around 2 1/2 hours)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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: Mix the active dry yeast, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and warm milk (110°F) in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the flour, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves), salt, and sugar. Whisk to mix evenly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix briefly to combine.
4. Incorporate Yeast Mixture and Knead Dough: Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until blended. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl edges, forms a cohesive ball, and springs back when pressed.
5. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot (like a cold oven with the light on) for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Make Chai Caramel Sauce: While the dough rises, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming. Steep the two chai tea bags in the cream for 10 minutes, then remove bags and let the mixture cool. In a medium bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, chai spices, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and the cooled chai cream. Spread this evenly over the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
7. Prepare Chai Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt until combined.
8. Roll Out Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Spread Filling: Evenly spoon the chai brown sugar filling over the dough and smooth it out with an offset spatula.
10. Form Rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the edge closest to you. Trim ends to even out the log. Slice into twelve 1 1/2-inch wide rolls using unflavored floss or a sharp knife.
11. Arrange and Second Rise: Place the rolls in the casserole dish over the caramel sauce. Pour room temperature heavy cream between each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof in a warm place for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
12. Preheat Oven: Around 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown, typically about 30 minutes.
14. Make Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened butter and cream cheese at medium-high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices; mix on medium-low then high speed until combined and fluffy.
15. Cool and Frost: Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes after baking, then generously spread the chai cream cheese frosting on the warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency.
• Proofing in a warm spot helps the dough rise faster; a cold oven with just the light on works well.
• Unflavored floss is ideal for slicing rolled dough cleanly without squishing.
• The chai caramel sauce under the rolls adds a delicious sticky sweetness when baked.
• If you can’t find all the chai spice ingredients, you can substitute with a premixed chai spice or pumpkin pie spice blend.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting too much.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.