Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for the dough)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 egg (large, room temperature)
• 4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed, for filling)
• 2 tbsp chai spice mix (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and allspice)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (for the caramel bottom)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
• 1.5 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. 2

   Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and whisk until combined.

3. 3

   Gradually add the flour and salt. Using a dough hook or wooden spoon, mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. 4

   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. 5

   While the dough rises, prepare the chai filling by mixing the brown sugar with the chai spice blend.

6. 6

   Prepare the caramel bottom by whisking together a portion of brown sugar, heavy cream, and chai spices in the bottom of your baking pan.

7. 7

   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the chai sugar filling.

8. 8

   Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.

9. 9

   Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan on top of the caramel mixture. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

10. 10

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden brown.

11. 11

    While rolls bake, make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of chai spices until smooth.

12. 12

    Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes before spreading the chai cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

For the best flavor, make your own chai spice mix using equal parts cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, with smaller pinches of cloves and black pepper. Ensure the milk is not too hot (above 115°F) or it will kill the yeast.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• breakfast
• baking
• chai
• cinnamon rolls
• fall
• vegetarian