Description

These Easy Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel | Bakery-Style are a delightful treat that features cozy chai spices, a luscious caramel layer, and a soft, fluffy texture. Perfect for breakfast or any cozy gathering, they are easy to whip up and will impress your friends and family with their incredible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ⅓ cups whole milk warmed to about 110°f for yeast activation
2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast fresh and properly stored
1 ¼ teaspoons granulated sugar used to feed the yeast
5 ¼ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for accuracy
1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon freshly ground if possible
1 teaspoon ground ginger adds warmth and spice
⅓ teaspoon ground allspice for depth of flavor
⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg aromatic and cozy
¾ teaspoon ground cardamom classic chai spice
⅙ teaspoon ground cloves very finely ground
1 ¾ teaspoons salt balances sweetness
2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar for light sweetness
2 large eggs room temperature and lightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract pure vanilla preferred
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter very soft, not melted
⅓ cup heavy cream used for steeping tea
2 chai tea bags strongly spiced variety
½ cup unsalted butter softened for easy mixing
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed firmly
1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon for the caramel base
1 teaspoon ground ginger adds warmth
⅓ teaspoon ground allspice rounded spice note
⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg subtle sweetness
1 teaspoon ground cardamom fragrant and floral
⅙ teaspoon ground cloves intense spice
⅓ cup honey for sticky richness
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract enhances sweetness
¼ teaspoon salt cuts through caramel sweetness
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter soft and spreadable
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon bold flavor
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger warming spice
½ teaspoon ground allspice earthy balance
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg gentle warmth
1 teaspoon ground cardamom signature chai note
¼ teaspoon ground cloves deep spice
¼ teaspoon salt flavor balance
¼ cup heavy cream poured between rolls before baking
7 tablespoons unsalted butter softened fully
7 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract for aroma
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon light spice
¼ teaspoon ground ginger gentle warmth
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice subtle depth
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg background spice
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom fragrant finish
pinch ground cloves very small amount

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar; let it stand until foamy.
In a stand mixer, whisk flour, spices, salt, and sugar together.
Add eggs, vanilla, and softened butter to the dry mix; blend until shaggy.
Incorporate the yeast mixture and knead using a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size.
Gently warm the heavy cream and steep the chai tea bags; remove and cool.
Mix butter, brown sugar, spices, honey, vanilla, and salt; stir in the cooled chai cream until smooth.
Spread the caramel mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
Combine softened butter, brown sugar, spices, and salt for the filling.
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the chai filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough into a log and slice into even rolls.
Place rolls in the prepared dish, pour cream between them, cover, and let rise again until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F while rolls finish proofing.
Bake until golden brown and cooked through.
Beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
Blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
Cool the rolls briefly, then spread frosting generously over the warm tops before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients, especially yeast and spices.
The rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven.
These can be made the night before; just assemble and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 410
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg