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

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4.3 from 69 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Description

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, aromatic spices of classic chai tea with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls for a unique and indulgent breakfast or dessert treat. The dough is enriched with chai spices and brewed tea, then filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture, topped with a sticky chai caramel sauce baked into the pan, and finished with a luscious chai-spiced cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°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 (about 110°F) together in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the flour, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves), salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Mix to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Incorporate Yeast Mixture and Knead: Pour in the bloomed yeast mixture and mix until combined. Switch to a dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, forms a ball, and springs back when pressed.
  5. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place in a warm spot (such as outside or inside an oven with the light on) for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Chai Caramel Sauce: While the dough rises, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming. Add chai tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and let the cream cool to room temperature. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and the chai-infused cream until smooth.
  7. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the chai caramel sauce evenly over the bottom.
  8. Prepare Chai Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt until well mixed.
  9. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  10. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chai brown sugar filling over the dough using an offset spatula.
  11. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from the edge closest to you into a long log. Trim ends to make the log even. Cut 12 rolls about 1 ½ inches wide using unflavored floss or a sharp knife.
  12. Second Rise: Place the rolls in the prepared casserole dish on top of the caramel sauce. Pour room temperature heavy cream in between each roll. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let proof in a warm place for about 1 hour, until the rolls double in size.
  13. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F approximately 15 minutes before the rolls finish proofing.
  14. Bake: Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes, or until golden brown. Typically 30 minutes is perfect.
  15. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat softened butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chai spices, mixing first on medium-low until combined, then on high until light and fluffy.
  16. Cool and Frost: Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes after baking. Spread the chai cream cheese frosting generously on top while the rolls are still warm. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The warm milk for the yeast bloom should not be hotter than 110°F to prevent killing the yeast.
  • Using unflavored floss to cut the rolls helps maintain shape without squishing.
  • Allowing the rolls to proof twice ensures a light, fluffy texture.
  • The chai caramel sauce is spread in the pan before the rolls, creating a delicious sticky bottom after baking.
  • Room temperature heavy cream poured between the rolls enhances moisture and flavor during baking.
  • Adjust spices to personal preference for a milder or stronger chai flavor.
  • Cool the rolls slightly before frosting to prevent frosting from melting too much but apply while warm for best spreadability.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/chai-cinnamon-rolls-with-chai-caramel-sauce-and-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/