Craving a cozier twist on your classic cinnamon roll? Imagine the warm spice of chai woven into pillowy, golden rolls slathered in a creamy chai glaze. These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate morning indulgence, blending bold aromatic spices with the comforting sweetness of a traditional bake.

Each bite is an invitation to linger: the soft dough infused with hints of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and clove, all balanced by a velvety frosting that echoes those chai flavors. Whether it’s a chilly morning, a weekend brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these rolls fill the kitchen with the scent of something truly special.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into dough-making and spice swirling, it’s smart to gather your tools. For Chai Cinnamon Rolls, here’s what you need and why it matters:

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: This does the heavy lifting. It ensures even mixing and kneading, giving you a soft, elastic dough with minimal effort.
Rolling Pin: A non-negotiable tool for rolling the dough evenly into a rectangle, crucial for achieving uniform spirals.
Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: Clean cuts help your rolls bake evenly without pinching the dough.
9×13 Baking Dish: The right size pan lets the rolls nestle together and rise into fluffy, sky-high swirls.
Measuring Cups & Kitchen Scale: Precision is key, especially with yeast and flour. A kitchen scale helps avoid dense or dry rolls.
Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium): You’ll need bowls for both dough and filling components. Prefer glass or stainless steel for easy cleanup and temperature control.
Whisk: Perfect for blending the spices into your glaze or your chai mix evenly.

Ingredients for the Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a closer look at what brings these Chai Cinnamon Rolls to life. Each ingredient is chosen to layer flavor, create softness, and infuse warmth:

All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation. It gives the rolls their shape and texture.
Instant Yeast: Acts fast and reliable, giving the dough a great rise without long wait times.
Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft and supple.
Granulated Sugar: Slight sweetness for the dough, plus it feeds the yeast to get things moving.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to both dough and filling, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth good.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness to the dough.
Brown Sugar: Used in the filling for that deep, molasses-like warmth.
Chai Spice Blend: The star. Typically a mix of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and cloves—it’s what transforms these from classic to unforgettable.
Cream Cheese: The base of the glaze, adding tang and structure.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze without grittiness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the spice and rounds out the flavor of the glaze.
Heavy Cream (optional): A splash helps loosen the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.

How To Make the Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate and Mix

Warm the milk to about 110°F and combine it with sugar and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Then add eggs and melted butter, whisking gently.

Step 2: Form the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, add the flour and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix with the dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar and the chai spice blend in a small bowl. Set aside. Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle (roughly 16×12 inches). Spread soft butter evenly, then sprinkle the spiced sugar mix.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut 9–12 rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 22–27 minutes, until golden on top and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Chai Glaze

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices. If needed, thin it out with heavy cream. Spread or drizzle over the warm rolls generously.

How to Serve and Store Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh and warm, ideally within 10 minutes of glazing. That’s when the frosting gently melts into the spiral layers, creating the perfect gooey bite. Pair them with masala chai, a cappuccino, or even a vanilla latte for a cozy combo. These are especially perfect for brunch tables, holiday mornings, or chilly afternoons.

If you have leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds until soft again. You can also freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze after warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the chai flavor?

The chai spice blend offers a warm, spiced background rather than overwhelming heat. You can adjust the level to your taste by increasing or decreasing the spice mix.

Can I use store-bought chai spice?

Yes, store-bought chai spice works great! Just check the ingredients to ensure it includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and clove.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the rolls up until the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking the next day.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It takes more effort, but works just as well.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for similar results. Just note that the texture might vary slightly.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely. Chopped pecans or golden raisins make great additions to the filling for extra texture and sweetness.

Want More Cinnamon Dessert Ideas?

You might also love the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes, a clever mashup of creamy cheesecake and gooey cinnamon swirls baked into one bite-sized delight. Or dive into the Cinnamon Donut Bread, where sugary crust meets soft, tender crumb for a fuss-free cinnamon experience.

For more spiced indulgence, try the Apple Enchiladas—a cozy apple-cinnamon combo wrapped in soft tortillas. If you lean toward classic brunch bakes, the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is another comforting, cinnamon-forward option.

And if you’re craving something nostalgic but bold, don’t skip the 6-Minute Caramel Recipe. It pairs beautifully with warm rolls and makes a great drizzle add-on!

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you give these a try, I’d love to know how they turned out for you. Did you go heavy on the chai spice? Did you make your own blend or use a store-bought one? Drop a comment below and let’s talk flavor.

Want more spiced sweets and cozy ideas? Come hang with me on Pinterest where I post daily recipes and sweet finds: LadyPlate on Pinterest