There’s something magical about the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. The soft, pillowy dough combined with a fragrant chai-spiced filling creates an irresistible treat perfect for cozy mornings or indulgent desserts.

I first fell in love with these chai-spiced cinnamon rolls on a chilly autumn afternoon when I was craving something comforting yet unique. By blending the traditional cinnamon roll flavors with warming chai spices, I created a new family favorite that’s now a must-have in our household.

Why You'll Love This Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Get ready to experience cinnamon rolls like never before. This recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it with a rich blend of chai spices, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

Not only are these rolls incredibly delicious, but they’re also easy to make. With a simple homemade dough that’s soft and fluffy, and a filling bursting with cardamom, ginger, and cloves, you’ll impress everyone at the breakfast table.

They’re perfect for make-ahead baking. Prepare them the night before, let them rise in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning for a stress-free treat.

Best of all, they fill your home with the cozy, inviting scent of spices and brown sugar, making them just as delightful to bake as they are to eat.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these chai-spiced cinnamon rolls lies in the perfectly balanced ingredients, each contributing to the ultimate soft and flavorful bite.

The dough is made with all-purpose flour, milk, butter, and yeast. Using warm milk helps activate the yeast, ensuring a light and fluffy texture, while the butter adds richness to the rolls.

For the filling, a combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg creates a deep, aromatic warmth. The brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating that gooey, irresistible filling.

A generous amount of butter is spread over the rolled-out dough before adding the chai spice mix, helping everything melt together beautifully in the oven.

The cream cheese frosting balances the spiced sweetness with a smooth, tangy finish. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, making every bite even more decadent.

How To Make Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

Making these cinnamon rolls is easier than you think, and the process is well worth the effort. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Add melted butter, eggs, and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about eight minutes until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place for an hour until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chai spice mixture generously over the top. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice into even rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.

While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls right out of the oven, letting it melt into every delicious crevice.

Storage Options

These chai-spiced cinnamon rolls store beautifully, making them great for meal prep or leftovers.

If storing at room temperature, keep them in an airtight container for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and moist, especially if you warm them slightly before serving.

For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to five days. The frosting may firm up, but a quick reheat in the microwave or oven will bring them back to life.

To freeze, wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking.

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.

If you prefer a different sweetener, try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor.

Want an extra spice kick? Add a pinch of black pepper to the chai spice mix for a bold, warming depth of flavor.

For a fun twist, turn these into overnight rolls. After assembling, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature in the morning before baking for fresh, hassle-free cinnamon rolls.

Experiment with your favorite flavors and make these chai-spiced cinnamon rolls your own!