Delicious Chai Cinnamon Rolls to Warm Your Mornings

I still remember the first time my daughter asked me to make Chai Cinnamon Rolls. It was a chilly weekend morning, and she wanted something warm and comforting that reminded her of a cozy café treat. I had never made anything with chai spice before, so I was a bit nervous. But when I pulled those warm, fragrant rolls out of the oven and saw the smile on her face, I knew I had a new family favorite. Since then, these spiced cinnamon rolls have made many appearances on our weekend breakfast table, bringing us all together with their inviting chai latte flavor and soft, cardamom-infused dough.

Making Chai Cinnamon Rolls is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments at home where everyone lingers a little longer over their plate, sharing stories and savoring something special. I’ve learned a lot along the way about balancing the chai spice mix perfectly so the flavors shine without overpowering. Now, I make these rolls with confidence knowing they’ll be a hit every time.

If you love cinnamon rolls but want a twist that’s cozy and full of warm spices, this recipe will be just right for your family. I’m excited for you to try these Chai Cinnamon Rolls and create your own meal moments that everyone looks forward to.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own batch of delicious Chai Cinnamon Rolls. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor! You’ll find everything for this recipe at your regular grocery store—nothing too fancy or hard to track down.

Ingredients for Chai Cinnamon Rolls laid out on a table
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) – for the soft, chai-infused dough
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar – helps the dough rise and adds a subtle sweetness
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) – the secret to fluffy rolls
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F) – helps activate the yeast gently
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – gives that tender crumb we love
  • 1 large egg – adds richness to the dough
  • 1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons chai spice mix – includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg (you can find this spice blend pre-mixed or blend your own)

For the filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed – brings caramel-like sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (or use chai spice mix for extra chai flavor!)

For the icing:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin the icing if needed)

For the best results, I recommend using full-fat dairy products for a richer texture and flavor. The chai-infused dough shines when the spices are fresh, so grab a new jar of chai spice mix if yours has been sitting a while. If you want a caffeine-free version, just skip any black tea powders sometimes included in chai blends.

This recipe is forgiving if you need to swap ingredients—Greek yogurt can replace some of the milk for extra tenderness, and coconut sugar works well instead of brown sugar for the filling. My family prefers when I double the cardamom in our spice mix for a more pronounced cardamom cinnamon rolls taste.

A little prep goes a long way here: measure your ingredients ahead and soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing. If you want a lighter dough, you can swap half the all-purpose flour with bread flour, which gives a slightly chewier texture.

How to Make It

Making Chai Cinnamon Rolls might seem intimidating, but with these straightforward steps, you’ll have them ready to enjoy in about two hours. The process is friendly to busy home cooks and comes with plenty of chances to breathe easy.

  1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step makes sure your rolls rise perfectly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and chai spice mix. This adds that chai latte flavor right into the dough from the start.
  3. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and springs back when poked. This chai-infused dough feels soft and slightly sticky but should hold together well.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, covering with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. Don’t rush this step—good rising time makes all the difference.
  6. While the dough is rising, prepare your filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon or chai spice mix. This filling is what makes these rolls warming spiced cinnamon rolls that your family will love.
  7. Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.
  8. Starting at the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam closed. Slice into 12 even rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss.
  9. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover loosely, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing while these spiced cinnamon rolls cook!
  11. While baking, prepare the icing by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add a tablespoon of milk if it’s too thick.
  12. Remove rolls from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before spreading with icing generously. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that balances the chai spices perfectly.

Here’s where I used to mess up my rolls—forgetting to let the dough rise fully. Now I always set a timer and watch for that nice doubling in size. Don’t worry if your rolls look a little rustic—they’ll still taste amazing! If you’re pressed for time, you can do an overnight rise in the fridge after shaping the rolls.

Serving Ideas

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a weekend favorite in my family because they bring a warm, spiced aroma to the table that no one can resist. Everyone reaches for seconds when these rolls come out with their gooey filling and chai latte flavor.

Freshly baked Chai Cinnamon Rolls on a plate ready to serve

For a special touch, dust the rolls with a little extra powdered sugar or top with chopped toasted nuts like pistachios or pecans for crunch. The rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a creamy latte, completing that café experience at home.

They’re perfect for holiday breakfasts, cozy brunches, or any time you want a comforting pick-me-up. You can serve these spiced cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.

Leftovers? No worries! Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feeling. I’ve also tried freezing the unbaked rolls after shaping and thawing before baking, which works well if you want to prep ahead.

For more recipe ideas that make family meals special, your family might enjoy the Cinnamon Roll Cookies I shared over at MomsGate or the soft Japanese Milk Bread Rolls for a different take on sweet bread treats. And if you like mixing savory and sweet, the Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are a hit too.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this Chai Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Take them out about an hour before baking to come to room temperature and rise a bit more. This makes busy mornings so much easier.

What if I don’t have chai spice mix for my Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

No problem! You can blend your own with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg using what you have on hand. If you want to skip cardamom, just increase cinnamon for a cozy cinnamon roll taste. Some excellent chai-inspired recipes, like the one from Fresh April Flours, offer great descriptions of chai spice blends to try.

How do I store leftover Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze baked rolls wrapped tightly in foil and reheat when needed. Soft and aromatic leftovers are a joy any time!

Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap milk with almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and a flax egg instead of a chicken egg. The chai latte flavor stays lovely with these simple swaps.

Why do my Chai Cinnamon Rolls sometimes turn out dense?

This usually means the yeast wasn’t active enough or the dough didn’t rise fully. Be sure your milk is warm, not hot, and give it enough time to rise—patience pays off.

Can I add other flavors to these spiced cinnamon rolls?

Definitely! My family enjoys adding chopped apples or raisins in the filling for extra texture. You can also experiment with an espresso cream cheese icing as seen in some recipes like those on Plays Well With Butter.

What makes these Chai Cinnamon Rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

The chai-infused dough and chai spice mix add layers of warming spices like cardamom and ginger, giving a chai latte flavor that feels cozy but new. This twist makes them stand out and keeps everyone excited to dig in.

The Final Word

This Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe has truly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen favorites. It brings something special to our table—the comfort of cinnamon rolls with a chai latte flavor that invites slow, happy mornings together. Each batch is a reminder that simple ingredients and a little time can lead to delicious and memorable meals.

My Chai Cinnamon Rolls Tips:
• Always let the dough rise fully—this gives you soft, airy rolls every time.
• Use fresh chai spice mix for the best flavor; pre-made blends can lose punch over time.
• Don’t skip the cream cheese icing—it brightens the spices and adds creamy sweetness.

I’ve tried variations including doubling cardamom for cardamom cinnamon rolls fans, adding raisins and chopped nuts for texture, or swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar for a twist. My son loves the extra-spiced versions, while my husband prefers a milder chai latte flavor.

I hope you find joy and confidence making these Chai Cinnamon Rolls as much as my family does. Give them a try, and your kitchen will soon feel like the coziest spot in the house.

For more inspiration, check out the Cinnamon Roll Cookies for fun snack ideas, or the Japanese Milk Bread Rolls if you’re craving soft, pillowy bread. If dinner calls for something savory afterward, these Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls won’t disappoint either.

Happy baking and warm moments with your loved ones!

Print

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Warm, spiced chai cinnamon rolls infused with aromatic tea and cinnamon flavors, perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert.

  • Author: Vienna Ellis
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp chai tea leaves or 2 chai tea bags (steeped)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and steeped chai tea leaves (strained if using bags).
  3. Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for the filling.
  7. Roll the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle and spread softened butter over it.
  8. Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  9. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls.
  10. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze, then drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

For an extra chai flavor, sprinkle a pinch of chai spices over the glaze before it sets, or serve with a hot cup of chai tea.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!