A cozy twist on the classic, these fluffy cinnamon rolls are filled with warm chai spices and topped with a rich chai caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting dessert!

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
• 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened

For the Chai Filling

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the Chai Caramel Sauce

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
• 2 chai tea bags
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 cup (116 g) honey
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk and sprinkle yeast and 1 tsp sugar on top. Let it bloom for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, spices, salt, and 2 tbsp sugar.
3. Add the whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and bloomed yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook).
5. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and all the spices until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll & Fill

1. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Spread the chai filling evenly across the dough.
3. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.

Step 4: Prepare the Chai Caramel Sauce

1. Heat the cream and steep the chai tea bags for 10 minutes. Discard the bags.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in brown sugar, spices, honey, vanilla, salt, and the steeped cream.
3. Simmer for about 3–4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour about half of the chai caramel sauce into a greased baking dish.
2. Arrange the rolls on top of the sauce.
3. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
• Overnight Option: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake fresh in the morning!
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Letting the dough rise properly results in fluffy, tender rolls.
• Extra Caramel: Double the caramel sauce if you love them extra gooey!

Variations

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of black pepper to the filling for a bolder chai flavor.
• Glaze Finish: Top with a vanilla glaze in addition to the caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked rolls or baked rolls (without caramel sauce). Thaw and bake or reheat as needed.

What if I don’t have chai tea bags?
You can use loose-leaf chai tea or simply increase the chai spices in the caramel sauce for a similar effect.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
You can, but the homemade chai caramel adds an incredible depth of flavor!

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