Chai Cinnamon Rolls: The Cozy Fall Hug You Need

Okay, so have you ever had one of those mornings where you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket, hug a mug of something warm, and eat ALL the carbs? Same. That’s exactly what these chai cinnamon rolls do for me. 🤤

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients
So, picture this: we’re at the grocery store, and I’m basically the human version of a kid in a candy shop. First up, we need *whole milk* — about 1 1/4 cups, warmed just enough to bloom your yeast. Then there’s *active dry yeast* (2 1/4 tsp), which is basically magic. Oh, and don’t forget a bit of *sugar* to wake it up — just 1 tsp! We’re also grabbing some *all-purpose flour* (4 3/4 cups, because fluffy is life), and a bunch of warm chai spices that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. Seriously, it’s like a spice party — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

And, of course, we need *eggs*, *butter* (a LOT of butter), and some *heavy cream* for that dreamy caramel sauce—trust me, you want the sauce. Oh! And *cream cheese* because we’re making a frosting that’ll make you swoon.

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly
Honestly, these rolls are my go-to for fall and winter. Why? Because they remind me of cozy, lazy weekends spent with friends—like that one time we made these while binging on our favorite series and nearly burnt them (oops!). The smell wafting through the house was just… *heaven*. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of chai spices and gooey cinnamon sweetness? Every time I bite into one, I feel like I’m getting a warm hug from the inside out. 🥰

The One Trick That Changes Everything
Okay, hold on to your aprons, because here’s the crucial part: let the dough rise in a warm spot! I know, it sounds simple, but seriously—if you skip this, you’ll end up with sad, flat rolls, and nobody wants that. I usually turn my oven on for a minute just to warm it up a bit, then pop the dough in there with the light on. Boom — perfect rise!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)
1. Check your yeast! If it doesn’t foam up when you mix it with the warm milk and sugar, toss it. Seriously, you don’t want to waste your time with dead yeast.
2. Don’t skimp on the spices! This is chai cinnamon rolls, not bland rolls. More chai=more happiness.
3. Let them cool a bit before frosting! I mean, who wants a melted frosting puddle? Wait those 10 minutes, I promise it’s worth it.

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which I highly doubt), just cover them with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds when you’re ready to devour. But honestly? I’ve never had any left by the next day. 😂

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too
You might wanna try my *Pumpkin Spice Muffins* or *Apple Crisp*—both are fall faves and keep the cozy vibes rolling. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

So, what about you? What’s your go-to fall recipe that just hits the spot? Let’s compare notes! 🍂🍂

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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Indulge in the warmth of fall with these gooey chai cinnamon rolls. Soft and fluffy, each roll is filled with a delightful brown sugar chai filling and topped with creamy chai-infused frosting. A decadent brown sugar chai caramel sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making these rolls an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/4 cups whole milk (300 ml), warmed
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (593 g)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g), softened (for dough)
1 cup light brown sugar (220 g), packed (for filling)
6 oz cream cheese (170 g), softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar (97 g)

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Instructions

Bloom the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and sugar; let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
In a mixer, combine flour, spices, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and butter; mix well.
Incorporate the yeast mixture and knead until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 to 1½ hours.
Prepare the chai caramel sauce by steeping chai tea bags in warm heavy cream; mix with browned butter and sugar.
Make the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, spices, and salt.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, roll tightly, and slice into rolls.
Place rolls in a greased pan with caramel sauce; pour cream between them. Let rise for another hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 29-32 minutes until golden.
Frost warm rolls with whipped cream cheese frosting after cooling slightly.