As I poured over a steaming cup of chai one crisp autumn morning, a thought sparked—what if I captured that cozy warmth in a delightfully fluffy treat? Enter my Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe transforms classic cinnamon rolls into something wonderfully indulgent, making them perfect for the fall. With a luscious brown sugar chai filling and a creamy chai-flavored frosting, these rolls are all about comfort food magic. Plus, the sticky chai caramel sauce layered underneath takes this recipe to a whole new level of decadence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a way to elevate your weekend brunch, these chai cinnamon rolls promise quick prep and a happy crowd every time. Are you ready to embrace the flavors of fall with each soft, gooey bite? Why Are These Chai Cinnamon Rolls Irresistible? Decadent Layers: Each roll is filled with a tantalizing brown sugar chai filling that melts in your mouth, redefining comfort food. Cozy Fall Vibes: Flavored with warm chai spices, these rolls capture the essence of autumn in every delectable bite. Easy to Make: The steps are simple, making this a perfect recipe even for beginner bakers—just like my delicious Coast Shrimp Rolls that anyone can master! Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it’s brunch or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends, showcasing your baking skills while also delivering smiles. Sticky Indulgence: The chai caramel sauce adds a final touch of sweet gooeyness, elevating your rolls from delicious to unforgettable. Get ready to enjoy them warm with a cup of tea or coffee! Chai Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients For the Dough • Whole Milk – Adds moisture; warm it to about 110°F to activate the yeast effectively. • Active Dry Yeast – Essential for rising; ensure it’s fresh for the best results. • Granulated Sugar – Helps bloom the yeast; use brown sugar for a deeper flavor if preferred. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; weigh it for precise measurement to avoid density issues. • Chai Spices (Cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves) – Bring the signature chai flavor; feel free to adjust according to your taste. • Salt – Balances flavors; don’t leave it out as it enhances overall sweetness. • Butter (Unsalted) – For rich, tender dough; ensure it’s fully softened for easy incorporation. • Eggs – Adds richness and stability; whisk before adding to the dough for even mixing. • Vanilla Extract – Deepens flavor; opt for pure vanilla for optimum taste. For the Chai Caramel Sauce • Heavy Cream – Gives a luxuriously creamy texture; substitute with milk for a lighter option if needed. • Chai Tea Bags – Infuses authentic chai flavor; steep before mixing with other ingredients. • Honey – Sweetens the sauce with a distinct flavor; maple syrup is a good alternative. • Salt – Enhances sweetness; just a pinch goes a long way. For the Filling • Softened Butter – Provides moisture and richness to the filling; make sure it’s very soft to mix well. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust for your desired sweetness level. For the Frosting • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sifting is recommended to prevent lumps. With these ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to creating unforgettable chai cinnamon rolls that capture all the essence of comfort food and fall! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls Step 1: Bloom Yeast In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warmed whole milk (about 110°F). Allow this mixture to sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated. This step is crucial for ensuring your chai cinnamon rolls rise beautifully. Step 2: Prepare Dough In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, chai spices, salt, and a bit of sugar. Next, add in the whisked eggs, softened butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead for 7 to 10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and slightly tacky, ready to rise. Step 3: First Rise Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, then let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising time is essential for achieving that fluffy texture in your chai cinnamon rolls. Step 4: Chai Caramel Sauce While the dough rises, make the chai caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and steep chai tea bags for 10 minutes to infuse flavor. After steeping, mix in butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until fully combined and creamy, then set aside to cool slightly. Step 5: Filling Preparation In a medium bowl, blend softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and a pinch of salt for the filling. Mix until well combined to create a smooth, spreadable consistency. This irresistible filling is what makes your gooey chai cinnamon rolls so delightful and flavorful. Step 6: Roll & Cut Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Step 7: Prepare Baking Dish Pour the chilled chai caramel sauce into a greased 9×13 baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Arrange the sliced rolls cut-side up in the dish. Carefully pour the remaining heavy cream over the rolls, then cover with a towel, allowing them to rise for about an hour. Step 8: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, bake the chai cinnamon rolls for 29 to 32 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the caramel sauce is bubbling. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking; a perfect rise and golden top signal they are ready. Step 9: Make Frosting For the frosting, blend softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and additional chai spices, mixing until smooth. This creamy, chai-flavored frosting will top your rolls beautifully and add a delightful sweetness. Step 10: Finish After baking, allow the chai cinnamon rolls to cool for about 10 minutes. Generously frost the warm rolls with the creamy chai frosting, letting it melt slightly into the gooey layers. Serve them warm for a wonderfully indulgent treat that will leave everyone craving more. Chai Cinnamon Rolls Variations & Substitutions Feel free to tailor these chai cinnamon rolls to your taste and dietary preferences for a truly personalized experience! Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free treat. Pumpkin Spice Twist: Swap chai spices for pumpkin spice in the filling and frosting for a delightful autumn variation. Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an appealing crunch, enhancing texture and flavor. Fruit Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped apples or dried cranberries in the filling for a fruity twist that brightens up each bite. Decadent Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips with the filling for a rich, indulgent experience that pairs beautifully with chai flavors. Maple Caramel: Instead of honey, use maple syrup in the chai caramel sauce for a unique twist that adds an earthy sweetness. Chai Concentrate: For a bolder chai flavor, mix in some chai tea concentrate with the frosting; it enhances the overall taste beautifully. Extra Frosting: Don’t hold back on the frosting; double the recipe for a thicker layer of creamy goodness atop your warm rolls. No matter how you decide to play with this recipe, each variation is bound to bring cozy vibes reminiscent of my beloved Coast Shrimp Rolls and celebrate the warm flavors of chai! How to Store and Freeze Chai Cinnamon Rolls Room Temperature: Store leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a warm treat! Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To enjoy your chai cinnamon rolls warm again, simply microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. What to Serve with Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls? Imagine cozying up with a warm chai cinnamon roll, each bite oozing with flavor and sweetness – now let’s build the perfect meal around it. Fresh Fruit Salad: The bright, juicy flavors of seasonal fruits like apples and pears provide a refreshing balance to the rich rolls. A splash of citrus will elevate the flavors even more. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over warm rolls offers a delightful contrast of textures, enhancing the chai spices with its creaminess. Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tangy glazed carrots complement the rolls with their crunch and vibrant color, adding a beautiful visual element to your brunch table. Herbed Scrambled Eggs: Soft and fluffy scrambled eggs flavored with fresh herbs bring a savory touch that pairs perfectly with the sweet chai cinnamon rolls. Maple Bacon: The smoky-sweet flavor of crispy maple bacon introduces a satisfying crunch and a savory element that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the rolls. Hot Coffee or Chai Latte: There’s nothing like a steaming cup of coffee or chai latte to accompany your chai cinnamon rolls, harmonizing with their flavors and enhancing your cozy, autumn experience. Spiced Hot Chocolate: A rich, spiced hot chocolate can create a warm and indulgent atmosphere. The chocolate’s sweetness works wonderfully with the chai flavors for a decadent treat. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: If you’re looking for extra fall vibes, serve these muffins alongside. Their warm spices will echo the flavors of the chai while adding another layer of heartiness. With these delightful options, you can turn your chai cinnamon rolls into the centerpiece of the perfect fall feast! Make Ahead Options These Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the rolls up to the second proofing step in advance—just assemble them the night before and refrigerate. This can be done up to 24 hours ahead without sacrificing quality. To maintain their fluffy texture, cover them tightly with plastic wrap while chilling. When ready to bake, take them out and let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to rise slightly before popping them into the oven. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey chai cinnamon rolls ready to serve with minimal effort, making your busy mornings a breeze! Expert Tips for Chai Cinnamon Rolls Fresh Yeast Matters: Ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for maximum rising. Expired yeast won’t give your rolls that fluffy texture we crave! Perfect Dough Consistency: Knead the dough until it’s soft and slightly tacky. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls, so measure accurately! Temperature Control: Proof the dough in a warm environment; an oven with the light on works wonders. Cold dough won’t rise properly. Neat Cutting: Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls. It cuts cleanly without squishing, giving you perfectly shaped rolls every time. Prep Ahead: For even better flavor, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Just let them come to room temperature before baking! Serve Warm: Enjoy your chai cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, topped with creamy frosting for an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for fall! Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs What type of milk should I use for the dough? I recommend using whole milk because it adds the right moisture to the dough, helping to create that soft, fluffy texture. Just make sure to warm it to about 110°F to properly activate the yeast! How long can I store leftover rolls? You can keep leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheating them in the oven or microwave will bring back their gooey, deliciousness! Can I freeze chai cinnamon rolls? Absolutely! For freezing, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. What if my dough doesn’t rise? If your dough fails to rise, it could be because the yeast was expired or the environment was too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and try letting the dough rise in a warm spot, like an oven with just the light on. Aim for a warm, cozy spot for about 1 to 1½ hours for optimal results. Are these rolls suitable for people with dairy allergies? While the original recipe calls for various dairy ingredients, you can easily make dairy-free chai cinnamon rolls by substituting whole milk with almond milk, using vegan butter, and adjusting the cream in the frosting. My friends with dietary restrictions love happily indulging in their own batch! Can I make these rolls the night before? Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second proofing step the night before! After cutting them, place the rolls in your greased baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. It makes for an effortless breakfast treat! Irresistibly Soft Chai Cinnamon Rolls for Fall Bliss Experience the warmth of fall with these gooey chai cinnamon rolls filled with brown sugar and spices. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 32 minutes minsRising Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 2 minutes mins Servings: 12 rollsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Dough Ingredients1 cup Whole Milk Warm to about 110°F2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Can substitute with brown sugar4 cups All-Purpose Flour Weigh for accuracy2 teaspoons Chai Spices Cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves1 teaspoon Salt Balances flavor1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Softened2 large Eggs Whisk before adding1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Opt for pure if possibleChai Caramel Sauce Ingredients1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with milk2 bags Chai Tea Bags Infuse flavor1/2 cup Honey Maple syrup can be an alternative1 pinch Salt Enhances sweetnessFilling Ingredients1/2 cup Softened Butter Very soft for mixing1 cup Brown Sugar Adjust sweetness to tasteFrosting Ingredients2 cups Powdered Sugar Sift to prevent lumps Equipment mixing bowlRolling PinBaking DishSaucepan Method Dough PreparationBloom the yeast by combining active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warmed whole milk in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, chai spices, salt, and sugar. Add in the whisked eggs, softened butter, and frothy yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead for 7 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.Shape dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.Chai Caramel Sauce PreparationIn a saucepan, heat heavy cream and steep chai tea bags for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and mix in butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt until creamy.Roll and BakeBlend softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and a pinch of salt for the filling. Spread this evenly on the rolled dough, then roll tightly, cut into 12 equal rolls.Pour chai caramel sauce into a greased 9x13 baking dish, place rolls cut-side up, pour remaining cream, cover, and let rise for an hour.Preheat oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 29 to 32 minutes until golden and caramel is bubbling.For frosting, blend softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.After cooling for 10 minutes, frost warm rolls generously with frosting and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesFresh yeast is crucial for the best rise. Knead until soft and slightly tacky, using dental floss for neat cutting, and enjoy warm for ultimate flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
