Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Your Ultimate Fall & Winter Baking Experience
Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast item; they are a delightful explosion of fall flavors, tailor-made for your autumn-loving heart. The masterful combination of robust pumpkin spice and fragrant chai spice transforms these homemade rolls into a bold, irresistible dish. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent brunch, they’re designed to be savored throughout the crisp days of fall and straight into the heart of winter. Imagine waking up to their warm, comforting aroma, perfectly complementing your favorite cup of coffee or tea. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience for your senses.
While Labor Day weekend traditionally signals the winding down of summer, for many, the true end of the season arrived abruptly on September 1st this year. The reason? The eagerly anticipated, and for some, intensely worshipped, arrival of pumpkin spice latte season.
The pumpkin spice phenomenon is undeniable, a cultural touchstone that ushers in all things autumnal. Its ubiquitous presence in coffees, candles, and countless baked goods has made it the official flavor of fall.
Not quite ready to fully embrace PSL season just yet? Keep that vibrant summer feeling alive with a batch of delightful strawberry rolls instead!
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I can already hear some of you screaming with joy right now.
Indeed, I can almost sense the collective cheer from friends and fellow fall enthusiasts across the country, eagerly flocking to coffee shops, joyfully embracing every sip of their beloved Pumpkin Spice Lattes. This passion for pumpkin spice is a powerful force, marking a season of coziness and nostalgic flavors for so many.
While I certainly appreciate the festive charm and comforting notes of pumpkin spice, I must confess that I’ve never quite joined the legions of fervent PSL devotees. For me, there was always a subtle nuance missing from those seasonal cups of spiced caffeine. This year, after much contemplation and a persistent craving for something more, the revelation finally struck me, illuminating the missing piece of my perfect autumn beverage and bake.
The missing element for me is CHAI.
It’s true that pumpkin spice embodies the essence of fall comfort for a vast majority, bringing forth images of crisp leaves and holiday gatherings. However, for me, the true, deep-seated comfort of autumn has always been intrinsically linked with chai. This ancient, aromatic blend of black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes star anise, speaks to my soul in a way pumpkin spice alone never quite could. Its complex warmth and invigorating spice profile evoke a sense of grounding and tranquility that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
From my younger days, a chai latte was always my special, guilt-free indulgence at the start of the back-to-school season. I can vividly recall stepping into a quaint cafe, feeling the comforting warmth of the mug in my hands, inhaling the bold, spicy fragrances that promised peace and coziness. That first sip was a moment of pure bliss, instantly transporting me to a state of calm amidst the daunting stacks of syllabi and academic pressures. Chai has always been my personal sanctuary during my favorite season.
For a foodie girl like me, the only question is what would pair best with this chai latte (aka mug of love) on a crisp fall morning?
This culinary puzzle led me to the creation of these utterly delightful, made-from-scratch chai pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls. They represent the perfect companion to that steaming mug of chai, bringing together two beloved fall flavors into a harmonious and truly spectacular treat.
Now, before you hesitate, let me address the common apprehension: making cinnamon rolls from scratch can indeed seem like a significant undertaking. The process involves crafting the dough, preparing the aromatic filling, and whipping up a luscious frosting. There’s the waiting period as the dough slowly rises, demanding patience and a bit of effort. While it’s true that a certain level of commitment is involved, I promise you, every single step is immensely rewarding and utterly worth it! There’s an unparalleled satisfaction that comes from the tactile experience of kneading the dough, the comforting scent of flour on your rolling pin, and the meticulous care taken to perfect a recipe. These cinnamon rolls transcend being just a food item; they become a true culinary experience, a labor of love that fills your home with incredible aromas and your heart with joy.
In fact, this tradition of creating a new, distinct cinnamon roll recipe (such as these festive egg nog cinnamon rolls or the bright raspberry lemon sweet buns) on a leisurely Saturday morning has become one of my most cherished rituals with the turning of each season. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, connect with the simple pleasures of baking, and create something truly special.
It’s become a tradition for me, and I really hope you will make it one for yourself too!
In these rolls, the distinct notes of pumpkin spice and chai spice are meticulously woven into every layer—the tender dough, the gooey filling, and the luxurious cream cheese frosting. This harmonious blend creates an intensely rich and nuanced flavor profile, where each spice plays off the other in the most unique and captivating way. The result is a bold, deeply flavorful cinnamon roll that is wonderfully balanced, never overwhelmingly sweet. You won’t feel like you’re simply consuming a sugar cube for breakfast. The warmth of the freshly baked dough, the luscious spiced interior, and the tangy cream cheese frosting all come together to create a symphony of textures and tastes. These rolls invite you to melt into an oversized armchair, wrapped in a cozy blanket, with a good book and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, letting the world outside fade away for a truly blissful morning.
Instead of rushing out to your local coffee shop for a quick fix, take a moment to indulge in the therapeutic process of home baking. Treat yourself to something truly spectacular – a creation far superior to any store-bought alternative, and dare I say, even better than a classic PSL. These Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls are an investment in your comfort and joy, a perfect way to celebrate the season.
Ok ok, if you REALLY need your PSL fix, go get one and pair it with one of these rolls. I promise they complement each other perfectly 😉
Craving more delightful pumpkin breakfast ideas? Be sure to check out these incredible pumpkin spice beignets, lavishly drizzled with a decadent salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of seasonal magic!
This Recipe’s Must Haves
To ensure your chai pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls come out perfectly fluffy and well-mixed, a sturdy stand mixer with a dough hook attachment is an invaluable tool. Alternatively, a large mixing bowl combined with a reliable hand mixer can also do the trick.
While not visible in the images, a high-quality stoneware baking dish is my go-to for these rolls. It ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation. The one I recommend is not only functional but truly gorgeous.
For rolling out the dough with ease and precision, a marble pastry board makes a significant difference. Its cool surface helps prevent sticking, making the dough much more manageable. The board linked here is consistently my top recommendation for all your baking endeavors!
Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
equipment
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French Wire Whisk
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mixing bowls
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KitchenAid Stand Mixer
ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened (8 Tbsp)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 1/2 tsp chai spice
- 4 1/2 cups AP Flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground chai spice
- 1/2 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 3 Tbsp butter melted
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
instructions
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Pour warm milk for the dough into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let rest for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. Add the softened stick of butter, eggs, sea salt and chai spice. Beat to combine. Then add the flour and beat until a soft dough forms on medium speed, approximately 3 minutes. Increase speed to high and beat until the dough is soft and pliable, an additional 10 minutes.
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Remove the dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Knead with your hands a few times and then form the dough into a ball. Grease a medium size bowl with butter and add the dough ball to the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
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Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up the long sides. Grease the paper with butter. Turn out the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out into a 10″x24″ rectangle.
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In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ground chai spice, and pumpkin pie spice for filling.
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Spread the rectangle of dough with butter for filling. Sprinkle the sugar spice mixture on top.
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Tightly roll the dough to form a 24-inch log. Cut the log into quarters and then cut each quarter into 4 slices. Arrange the slices in the baking pan with the cut sides up. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for an additional 2 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, until they are golden brown. Transfer the pan to a rack and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and pumpkin pie spice until the frosting is spreadable.
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Grab the sides of the parchment paper that hang over the baking pan and invert the rolls onto a cooling rack. Peel off the parchment paper off and turn the rolls over onto a serving platter. Spread frosting evenly over the rolls with a spatula. Serve immediately.