Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There is something irresistibly cozy about waking up to freshly baked Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls marry the warm, aromatic spices of chai—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more—with the classic softness of a perfectly risen dough. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that carries just the right hint of chai spices, each bite feels like a comforting hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to for sharing inviting sweetness and spice all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these fabulous Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you’ll rely on everyday ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one adds a unique dimension—flour and yeast give life to the dough, spices bring the chai essence to every bite, and dairy components like butter and cream cheese create luscious texture and balance.

• All-purpose flour (4 cups / 500g): The backbone of your dough, providing structure and softness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100g): Sweetness that feeds the yeast and lightly seasons the dough.
• Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons / 1 packet): The magical ingredient that makes your rolls pillowy and fluffy.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Warm milk (1 cup / 240ml): Keeps everything tender while waking up the yeast.
• Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup / 113g): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and a tender crumb texture.
• Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Essential chai spice bringing warmth and sweetness.
• Cardamom (1 teaspoon): Infuses a floral, slightly citrusy note traditional to chai.
• Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Allspice (½ teaspoon): Deepens the chai profile with its complex flavor.
• Cloves (½ teaspoon): Offers a hint of bold spice for warmth.
• Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and spice aroma.
• Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup / 113g): For the creamy, spiced filling that melts in your mouth.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup / 200g): Gives the filling its deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Cream cheese, softened (8 oz / 226g): Base for the perfectly tangy frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups / 240g): Sweetens and smooths the frosting beautifully.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and sweetness to the frosting.
• Chai spices for frosting: Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg (each in small amounts) to mirror the roll’s spice blend.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mixture forms the base for your dough, ensuring even distribution of yeast and seasoning right from the start.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, then gently mix until the dough starts to come together. The warmth of the milk activates the yeast, while the butter and eggs make the dough soft and rich.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic—this develops the gluten needed for that tender, bouncy texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for about an hour until it doubles in size. This step is the key to those fluffy rolls you’re dreaming of.

Step 5: Make the Chai Spice Mix

While the dough rises, whisk together the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This spice medley is what gives your rolls their distinct chai character.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and chai spice mix until fully combined. This blend will melt into the rolls during baking, creating a gooey, fragrant center.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle. The size allows for an even spread of filling and rolling up into perfect spirals.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the chai spiced filling over the rolled dough. Be generous—it’s the star of the show! Make sure to reach all corners for every bite to be flavorful.

Step 9: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it into 12 equal pieces. Cutting evenly ensures that the rolls bake uniformly and look picture-perfect.

Step 10: Arrange and Second Rise

Place the rolls snuggly in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes to get extra fluffy before baking.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and smell heavenly. This step locks in flavor while creating a tender crust.

Step 12: Cool Slightly Before Frosting

Allow the rolls to cool just enough to avoid melting your frosting but still warm enough to melt the cream cheese topping beautifully.

Step 13: Make the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and the chai spice mix, beating until the frosting is fluffy and perfectly spiced.

Step 14: Frost and Enjoy

Spread the chai cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. This luscious topping elevates the experience, adding a tangy, sweet finish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts, like pistachios or almonds, on top of the frosting. You could also dust a light pinch of cinnamon or even a drizzle of honey for visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee to complement the warm spices. Fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears pairs wonderfully, adding a crisp contrast to the rich, gooey rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your batch of rolls into mini pull-apart buns by cutting them slightly smaller or arrange them in individual ramekins for fancy single servings. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting for a decadent twist that will wow your brunch guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate for up to a week but bring them to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the entire baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls wrapped individually for up to three months, thawing before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds to restore softness. Add a little extra frosting if needed for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make the dough using a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook makes kneading easier and faster. Just mix on low speed through the kneading phase until the dough is smooth and elastic.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

While the full chai spice blend is ideal, you can substitute with cinnamon and cardamom as the base, then add any combination of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, or allspice you have on hand. The rolls will still be wonderfully aromatic.

Can I use quick-rise yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, quick-rise yeast can be used and will speed up the rising times. Just watch your dough closely to avoid over-proofing, as it may rise faster than expected.

Is the frosting too sweet for these rolls?

The cream cheese frosting is balanced with chai spices that offset the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor. However, you can always adjust the powdered sugar amount to your liking if you prefer a less sweet topping.

Can I make mini rolls from this recipe?

Definitely! Simply cut the rolled dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized cinnamon rolls. Reduce baking time slightly, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I promise it will become one of the coziest treats in your baking repertoire. The intoxicating chai spices warmed by sweet dough and topped with silky, spiced cream cheese frosting is a combination that feels both indulgent and comforting. So, roll up your sleeves, fill your kitchen with spicy aromas, and bake a batch that will bring smiles and warm hearts to your table!

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