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Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Mouthwatering Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, infused with warm spices and topped with creamy frosting.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Rising Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk warm
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated white sugar for activating yeast
  • 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs whisked
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
Filling
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
Caramel Sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
Frosting
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • rolling pin
  • 9x13 inch Casserole Dish
  • Electric mixer

Method
 

Making the Dough
  1. Mix the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk together and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy on top.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add the whisked eggs, vanilla, and softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix.
  4. Add in the yeast mixture and mix until blended. Knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the edges and forms a ball.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing Filling and Sauce
  1. While the dough rises, mix the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, vanilla, heavy cream, and salt together to make the caramel sauce. Spread it evenly in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Also, mix the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a small bowl to make the filling.
Assembling the Rolls
  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle.
  2. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling over the dough and spread it evenly.
  3. Roll up the dough tightly into a log shape and cut into 12 rolls about 1 1/2 inches wide.
  4. Place the rolls in the casserole dish with the caramel sauce and pour heavy cream in between each roll. Cover and let proof in a warm spot for about an hour, until doubled in size.
Baking the Rolls
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees about 15 minutes before the rolls are done proofing.
  2. Bake the rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown. Cover with foil for the last 5 minutes if necessary.
Making the Frosting
  1. While the rolls bake, mix the softened butter until pale and fluffy. Add in cream cheese and mix until combined.
  2. Sift powdered sugar into the mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Then add vanilla and mix until smooth.
  3. Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then cover with the cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with chocolate chips or dried fruit, and ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending in the frosting.

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