How to Make Gooey Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Frosting

Introduction

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but when infused with the warm, spiced flavors of chai, they become an irresistible treat. These gooey chai-spiced cinnamon rolls take the classic cinnamon roll to the next level by blending rich chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, creating a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, fluffy dough.

Topped with a creamy, luscious frosting, these rolls offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a cozy, indulgent delight.

Why You’ll Love These Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spiced

What makes these cinnamon rolls special is the chai spice blend—a warming mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This combination infuses the dough with a rich, aromatic flavor, creating a perfect harmony between sweetness and spice. Every bite delivers a cozy, chai-inspired experience that feels like a warm hug.

Soft, Gooey, and Bakery-Style Texture

The secret to achieving soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls lies in the dough preparation and proofing process. Using ingredients like warm milk, butter, and yeast ensures a tender dough, while a slow rise enhances the texture. When baked to golden perfection, these rolls maintain their signature gooey center with perfectly caramelized edges.

Homemade Creamy Frosting for the Best Finish

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous layer of frosting! This recipe features a smooth and velvety cream cheese frosting, made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese balances the sweetness, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth topping that complements the chai flavors beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these gooey chai-spiced cinnamon rolls with creamy frosting, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples along with a flavorful chai spice blend. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring soft, fluffy rolls with a perfectly spiced filling and rich frosting.

Dough Ingredients for Soft and Fluffy Rolls

The foundation of any great cinnamon roll is the dough. These ingredients will help create a light, airy texture while maintaining the signature gooey center:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the rolls soft.
• Active Dry Yeast – It helps the dough expand, resulting in rolls that are light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
• Unsalted Butter – Gives the dough a rich, buttery flavor.
• Eggs – Contribute to a tender, enriched dough.
• Warm Milk – Activates the yeast and enhances softness.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Chai Spice Blend for the Filling

The heart of this recipe is the chai-spiced filling, which infuses each roll with warm, aromatic flavors:

• Cinnamon – The classic spice for cinnamon rolls, adding warmth and depth.
• Cardamom – A fragrant spice that gives a signature chai flavor.
• Nutmeg – Enhances the overall richness of the spice blend.
• Cloves – Adds a subtle warmth and earthiness.
• Ginger – Brings a mild spiciness that complements the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar – Melts into a caramel-like filling for the perfect gooey texture.
• Butter – Helps the sugar and spices blend into a rich, spreadable filling.

Creamy Frosting Ingredients

A smooth, velvety frosting is the perfect finishing touch for these spiced cinnamon rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

Heavy Cream – Helps achieve a silky, spreadable consistency.

Cream Cheese – Provides a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.

Unsalted Butter – Adds creaminess and richness.

Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet frosting.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

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Key Features:

✅ Soft, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon rolls
✅ Infused with warm chai spices for a cozy flavor
✅ Topped with a rich and creamy frosting
✅ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gooey Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

Making these chai-spiced cinnamon rolls from scratch is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced rolls with a creamy frosting finish.

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F) and granulated sugar. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and melted butter. Add the egg and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Making the Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Filling

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
2. Blend with Sugar & Butter: Stir the spice mixture into brown sugar, then mix in softened butter until it forms a spreadable paste.

Rolling, Cutting, and Proofing the Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the chai-spiced sugar-butter mixture over the dough.
3. Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
4. Final Proofing: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Rolls: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before adding frosting.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

✔️ Use Warm Milk (110°F) – This helps activate the yeast properly for a good rise.
✔️ Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Spot – A warm environment (like inside an oven with the light on) ensures a fluffy texture.
✔️ Slice with Dental Floss – For clean, even rolls, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – Remove the rolls when they are light golden brown to keep them soft and gooey.
✔️ Add Frosting While Warm – Spreading the frosting on warm rolls allows it to melt into every crevice for extra decadence.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! After slicing the rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing them in the oven.

2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

3. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

4. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them or freeze fully baked rolls without frosting. When ready to serve, thaw and warm in the oven before adding frosting.

5. How can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Swap milk for almond or oat milk, butter for vegan butter, and cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

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You’ll Also Love

If you enjoyed these Gooey Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls, try these other cozy, delicious recipes:

🔥 Pumpkin Spice Sticky Buns – Perfectly spiced and drizzled with caramel.
🍯 Honey-Glazed Apple Fritters – A crispy, sweet, and spiced fall favorite.
☕ Chai-Spiced Latte Muffins – A fluffy, bakery-style treat with warm chai flavors.
🥞 Cinnamon Roll Pancakes – All the gooey goodness in pancake form!

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Conclusion

These Gooey Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Frosting bring together the warmth of chai spices and soft, fluffy texture for the ultimate cozy treat. Whether for weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or a sweet indulgence, these homemade rolls will be a new favorite!

Give it a try, and experience the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your delicious results!