If you love the cozy, warming flavors of chai tea and the irresistible comfort of cinnamon rolls, then you are in for a treat with this Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls marry the aromatic spices of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg into a tender, fluffy dough topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s infused with the same chai spices. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spiced goodness that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re making brunch for friends or indulging on a slow weekend morning, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an essential role—from the rich butter adding moistness, to the blend of spices creating that unmistakable chai warmth, these ingredients guarantee each bite sings with flavor and texture.
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour: The base providing structure and softness to your dough.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: The secret behind those fluffy, rising rolls.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flakiness to the rolls.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Provide moisture and help bind the dough.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Classic spice signature of cinnamon rolls.
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom: Adds a sweet, floral warmth typical of chai.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing enhancing the overall chai spice blend.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds deep, complex spice notes for richness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Brings an earthy, aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Infuses a subtle nutty warmth to the filling.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Essential for creating the creamy, spiced filling.
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar: Melted into the butter to create a caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened: The base for the luscious frosting that balances spice and sweetness.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Ensures the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to heavenly levels of indulgence.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely floral note and rounds out the frosting’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the frosting with that signature chai spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom: Creates warming aroma in the cream cheese spread.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds an understated spicy lift to the frosting.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Brings complexity to balance the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Enhances the chai flavor profile in the frosting.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices gently.
How to Make Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Then add your warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, mixing everything until a soft dough starts to form. The warmth of the milk wakes up the yeast so the dough rises beautifully, and the combination of eggs and butter makes it tender and rich — this foundation is everything for your rolls to be soft and pillowy.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Next, knead your dough for about 8 to 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface. You want it smooth and elastic — this step develops the gluten that gives your rolls structure, so don’t rush it. Once perfect, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour.
Step 3: Mix the Chai Spice Filling
While the dough rests, combine your chai spice blend — cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg — in a small bowl. Then in another bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and your chai spice mix until creamy and well incorporated. This filling is where the magic happens, infusing each roll with that unforgettable chai warmth and sweetness.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a 16×12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your chai spiced filling evenly over the dough, making sure every inch gets coated with that buttery, spiced sugar. This layer is what creates those irresistibly gooey, flavorful spirals inside your rolls.
Step 5: Shape and Let Rise Again
Tightly roll the dough up into a log shape and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise once more for about 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for light, fluffy rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is utterly dreamy — it’s the perfect reward for your patience. Let them cool slightly before moving on to frosting, so your cream cheese frosting won’t melt away.
Step 7: Prepare the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and your chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Whip everything until fluffy and perfectly creamy. This frosting is the crowning glory of your Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe — creamy, spice-kissed, and just sweet enough.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Finally, generously spread the chai cream cheese frosting over your warm rolls so it melts into every swirl. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, and get ready to savor the perfect combination of soft, spiced dough and lush frosting with every bite.
How to Serve Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a vibrant touch, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or crushed toasted cardamom pods on top of the frosting just before serving. You can also dust a light layer of powdered sugar to add a snowy, festive finish that looks as lovely as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears that complement the chai spices. A simple cup of chai tea or a rich latte also makes the perfect sidekick, enhancing the flavor experience and making it a complete, cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve individual rolls on pretty plates with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For brunch gatherings, stack them on a tiered serving platter to create a stunning visual centerpiece. You can even add chopped nuts or dried cranberries on the filling for a delightful twist to the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready to enjoy without losing that tender texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and placing in the pan by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil—freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise before baking. You can also freeze fully baked and frosted rolls, but store frosting separately to maintain freshness.
Reheating
To warm leftover rolls, heat them gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Add a little extra frosting if desired once warmed to refresh that creamy chai-spiced indulgence.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can make the kneading process much easier and faster. Knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What if I don’t have all the chai spices?
Using a combination of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger will still give you a lovely chai flavor. The other spices like allspice, cloves, and nutmeg add complexity but aren’t strictly necessary if you’re in a pinch.
Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with regular icing?
You can, but the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the chai spices. Regular icing will be sweeter but lacks that creamy balance—so I highly recommend sticking with the cream cheese version!
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
It’s ready when it has doubled in size and springs back slowly if you poke it gently with your finger. This means the yeast has done its job and the dough is perfectly aerated.
Can these cinnamon rolls be made vegan?
With some substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer, you can adapt this recipe. The spice blend remains the same, making vegan versions just as flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Making these Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like inviting a warm, fragrant hug into your kitchen. The blend of chai spices with the tender dough and creamy frosting creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect any time you want to treat yourself or wow your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite comfort baked good to make again and again.
Print
Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine the warmth of traditional cinnamon rolls with the exotic spices of chai, creating a fragrant and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough is layered with a spiced chai butter filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious chai cream cheese frosting that enhances the aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Chai Spice Mix
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Filling
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- Chai spice mix (prepared above)
Chai Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until well combined. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a tender crumb.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg to create the chai spice blend used in the filling and frosting.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix the softened butter with the light brown sugar and prepared chai spice mix until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Shape the Rolls: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle. Spread the chai-spiced filling evenly over the dough rectangle.
- Roll and Cut: Tightly roll the dough into a log shape starting from one long edge. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls evenly in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on the top and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
- Prepare the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and remaining chai spices and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the chai cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, sweet flavors.
Notes
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
- For a stronger chai flavor, you can increase the spices slightly in both the filling and frosting.
- If you don’t have all the chai spices, you can substitute with equal amounts of cinnamon and cardamom as a simpler version.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Reheat rolls gently in a microwave or oven for a few seconds before serving to refresh their softness.
