Chai Cinnamon Rolls: A Spiced Twist on a Warm Breakfast Classic

What’s better than a freshly baked cinnamon roll? One that’s been kissed with the cozy warmth of chai spices. These Chai Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about the classic warm breakfast pastry and give it a festive, aromatic twist. Think cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves all rolled up in a soft, fluffy dough and finished with a creamy chai glaze that melts right in.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or simply treating yourself on a chilly morning, these chai spice buns are here to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love These Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• A fragrant, cozy upgrade to the traditional cinnamon roll.
• Perfectly sweet with a deep, spiced aroma.
• Ideal for festive baking, weekend brunches, or special breakfasts.
• That chai glaze? Absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2½ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Chai Cinnamon Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg)

For the Chai Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp chai spice blend
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make These Spiced Rolls

1. Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough. Add eggs, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms.
3. Knead it out. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes (or use a mixer) until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.
4. Let it rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and chai spice blend until creamy.
6. Roll and fill. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly across the dough.
7. Roll and cut. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Slice into 12 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.
8. Second rise. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
9. Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.
10. Glaze and enjoy. While baking, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and let it soak in slightly.

Tips for Festive Baking Success

• Use room-temperature eggs for better dough texture.
• Make the chai spice blend ahead for easier prep (and use it in lattes too!).
• For extra gooey rolls, drizzle a bit of cream over the rolls before baking.
• Want to prep ahead? Let rolls rise overnight in the fridge before baking in the morning.

A Holiday Favorite from My Kitchen to Yours

The first time I made these chai cinnamon rolls was for a holiday brunch with friends who all claimed to “not be breakfast people.” That changed after one bite. The smell alone had everyone drifting into the kitchen. Now they’re a must-make for every cozy get-together and winter morning when we want something special. They’re a warm breakfast pastry with a soul-soothing twist.

What to Serve with Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pair these chai spice buns with a creamy chai latte (double chai, anyone?), strong black coffee, or a glass of oat milk. They shine as the centerpiece of a brunch spread alongside a frittata, fresh fruit, or yogurt parfaits. Bonus points if you serve them with extra glaze on the side.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4. To reheat, microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. You can also freeze them (unglazed) and reheat before adding glaze.

FAQs About Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes—skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Definitely. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.

What if I don’t have chai spice blend?

Mix cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to create your own.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Assemble and let them rise overnight in the fridge. Bake in the morning.

Cozy Mornings Start with Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These chai cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and softness. Whether you’re baking up a batch for a festive gathering or simply indulging in some me-time, they’re a warm, fragrant way to start your day. So go ahead—pour yourself a cup of something cozy and dig in.

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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy twist on the classic breakfast pastry, featuring soft, fluffy dough swirled with a fragrant chai-spiced filling and finished with a creamy chai glaze. Perfect for holiday brunches, winter mornings, or anytime you crave something warm and aromatic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2½ tsp active dry yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp salt

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Chai Cinnamon Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tbsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg)

For the Chai Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tsp chai spice blend

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• Add eggs, butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

• Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours.

• Mix filling: combine butter, brown sugar, and chai spice until creamy.

• Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly.

• Roll tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 rolls.

• Place rolls in greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

• Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and let it soak in slightly.

Notes

Use room temp eggs to help dough mix evenly.

Make your own chai spice: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg.

Drizzle a little cream over rolls before baking for extra gooey texture.

For overnight prep, refrigerate rolls after shaping, then bake in the morning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American