Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai cinnamon rolls combine the rich, aromatic spices of chai with the warm, fluffy texture of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. This comforting treat not only warms you up with its delightful flavors but also brings a cozy touch to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. The magic lies in the chai latte-infused dough, which adds a subtle spiced undertone to the rolls, complementing the classic cinnamon filling and luscious icing. The soft and tender dough envelops the sweet and spicy cinnamon filling, offering a perfect balance of flavors with every bite. Whether you’re a fan of chai or simply looking to spice up your cinnamon roll routine, these chai cinnamon rolls will soon become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. The inclusion of coconut oil makes the recipe dairy-free, while still preserving that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With the added bonus of an easy-to-make icing that pulls everything together, these rolls are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Unique Flavor Twist

This recipe elevates the traditional cinnamon roll by infusing the dough with chai latte, offering a new twist on a beloved classic. The spices in chai—like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—blend beautifully with the sweet filling.

2. Dairy-Free Option

The use of coconut oil and dairy-free milk makes these rolls a perfect treat for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet without sacrificing taste or texture.

3. Aromatic and Comforting

The combination of chai spices and freshly baked dough creates an irresistible aroma as they bake, filling your home with warmth and comfort.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

These rolls are versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even as a special dessert. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during a cozy gathering.

5. Easy to Make

Despite the indulgent taste, these chai cinnamon rolls are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

DOUGH

• Chai latte (chai tea brewed with dairy-free milk), warm to the touch
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Coconut oil, melted
• All-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
• Salt

FILLING

• Coconut oil, softened
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

ICING

• Icing sugar
• Chai latte (chai tea brewed with dairy-free milk)

Variations

1. Add Nuts

For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling. They’ll add a delightful contrast to the soft dough.

2. Vegan Icing

Make the icing completely vegan by swapping icing sugar for a powdered sugar alternative and using a dairy-free milk alternative for the chai latte.

3. Add Fruit

For a fruity twist, you can add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries into the filling for an extra layer of sweetness.

4. Spice Variations

Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to adjust the flavor of the filling and dough to your liking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine the warm chai latte, yeast, and a small amount of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

Add the remaining sugar, coconut oil, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the softened coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Step 6: Spread the Filling

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough up into a log, then slice it into 8-10 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Make the Icing

In a small bowl, combine icing sugar and chai latte to create a smooth icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Warm, Not Hot, Liquid

Ensure that the chai latte is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast if it’s too hot, preventing the dough from rising properly.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

While kneading the dough, try not to overwork it. Knead it just enough until smooth to avoid dense rolls.

3. Let the Dough Rise Fully

Make sure to let the dough rise properly before rolling it out. A good rise ensures soft, fluffy rolls.

4. Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure that your coconut oil is softened before using it in the filling to make it easier to spread.

5. Check for Doneness

Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. They should be golden brown on top.

How to Serve

These chai cinnamon rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a hot cup of chai latte or a cold glass of almond milk. They also make a perfect pairing with a hearty breakfast spread or as a sweet addition to a brunch menu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chai cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze the rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these chai cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of dairy-free milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk if you’re not following a dairy-free diet.

3. Can I make the rolls without yeast?

Unfortunately, yeast is necessary for the dough to rise, so it’s not recommended to make this recipe without it.

4. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and should sound hollow when tapped lightly.

5. Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight for a quicker morning bake.

6. Can I use margarine instead of coconut oil?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for coconut oil in the dough and filling.

7. Can I make these rolls without the icing?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the icing or use a simple glaze instead.

8. How many rolls does this recipe make?

This recipe typically makes 8-10 rolls, depending on how thick you slice them.

9. How can I make the filling more flavorful?

You can add more spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg, to the filling for an extra boost of flavor.

10. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen and before rolling it into rolls. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Conclusion

These chai cinnamon rolls are the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and comfort. The infusion of chai latte in the dough adds an exciting twist to the traditional cinnamon roll, making it an unforgettable treat. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of these irresistible rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, these chai cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—either way, they’ll leave you wanting more!

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