Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, infused with warm chai spices like cardamom and ginger. Soft, fluffy, and baked to golden perfection, they are topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, making them the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Chai spices (cardamom, ginger) to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin the glaze as needed)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Warm the whole milk to lukewarm temperature. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted unsalted butter with the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chai spices (cardamom and ginger) to create the flavorful filling.
- Shape the rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, then roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Cut and rise again: Slice the dough log into equal-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes to become fluffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare and apply glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Adjust chai spices to your taste preference, adding more cardamom or ginger for a stronger flavor.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp towel while they rise to retain moisture.
- You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by varying the amount of milk for a thicker or thinner drizzle.
