Description
Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with aromatic chai spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out Dough: After rising, roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Add Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom together. Sprinkle this spiced sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Shape Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log starting from one long edge. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and arrange them cut-side up in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze & Serve: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast without killing it.
- For softer rolls, avoid over-flouring the surface when rolling out the dough.
- Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures a fluffy and tender texture.
- Glaze can be adjusted for consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
