Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
Delightful chai cinnamon rolls infused with warming spices and topped with a creamy icing, perfect for breakfast or any sweet treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.25 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F For activating yeast
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast For leavening
- 1 tsp granulated white sugar To help yeast activate
- 4.75 cups all-purpose flour For structure
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon For flavor
- 0.75 tsp ground ginger For warmth
- 0.25 tsp ground allspice For additional spice notes
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg For warmth
- 0.5 tsp ground cardamom For depth of flavor
- 0.125 tsp ground cloves For a hint of spice
- 1.5 tsp salt For seasoning
- 2 tbsp granulated white sugar For sweetness
- 2 pcs eggs, whisked For richness
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract For flavor
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, very softened For richness
- 0.33 cups heavy cream For moisture
- 2 bags chai tea bags For infusion
Filling Ingredients
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, very softened For the filling
- 1 cups light brown sugar, packed For sweetness
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon For filling flavor
- 0.75 tsp ground ginger For warmth in filling
- 0.25 tsp ground allspice For extra flavor
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg For warmth
- 0.75 tsp ground cardamom For depth in filling
- 0.125 tsp ground cloves For spiciness
- 0.33 cups honey For sweetness
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract For flavor
- 0.25 tsp salt For balance
Icing Ingredients
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, very softened For icing
- 1 cups light brown sugar, packed For sweetness
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon For icing flavor
- 1.5 tsp ground ginger For warmth in icing
- 0.5 tsp ground allspice For depth in icing
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg For warmth
- 1 tsp ground cardamom For flavor
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves For a hint of spice
- 0.25 tsp salt For seasoning
- 0.25 cups heavy cream For creaminess
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, very softened For cream cheese icing
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened For creaminess
- 0.75 cups powdered sugar For sweetness
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract For flavor
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon For icing flavor
- 0.25 tsp ground ginger For warmth in icing
- 0.125 tsp ground allspice For an extra touch of flavor
- 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg For warmth
- 0.25 tsp ground cardamom For seasoning
- 1 pinch cloves To round out the flavor
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- Start by warming the milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit and then combine it with active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, salt, and sugar to evenly distribute everything.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix until cohesive.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about an hour.
Filling Preparation
- While the dough is rising, prepare the chai infusion by warming heavy cream with two chai tea bags. Steep for about 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then layer the filling ingredients evenly over it.
- Drizzle the chai-infused cream and honey over the filling, then roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice the log into 12 pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking and Icing
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese icing by blending together the icing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
These rolls can be served warm or at room temperature, ideal for breakfast or as afternoon snacks. Ensure the milk is warmed properly for yeast activation and don’t skip the second rise for the best texture.