Name: Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast); 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar; 2 eggs, whisked; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened; 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream; 2 chai tea bags; 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened; 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 3/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1/3 cup (116 g) honey; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened; 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the cozy, aromatic embrace of spiced pastries, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession. These rolls marry the warm, comforting spices of chai tea with the luscious richness of homemade caramel sauce and a dreamy cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful symphony of flavor and texture that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving for a special brunch or craving a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls elevate a classic favorite into something truly unforgettable.

A cinnamon roll with one layer of soft, light brown dough swirled in a spiral shape, topped with a thick, creamy white icing sprinkled with cinnamon, sitting on a white plate. The inside shows a rich, dark brown syrup oozing out, adding a shiny texture to the center. In the background, wooden bowls filled with cinnamon sticks and star anise rest on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are straightforward but essential, perfectly balancing flavor, spice, and texture to bring you an unbeatable treat. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the soft dough, layering the chai spices, or creating that oh-so-rich frosting.

Whole milk, warmed: Helps activate the yeast for that perfect fluffy dough.
Active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the rolls rise and become airy.
Granulated white sugar: Sweetens and aids in yeast blooming.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves: Classic chai spices for that warm, aromatic flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Add richness and help bind the dough together.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle sweet fragrance complementing the chai spices.
Unsalted butter: Used in the dough, sauce, and frosting for richness and moisture.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess, especially vital in the chai caramel sauce and drip between rolls.
Chai tea bags: Infuse the caramel sauce with deep chai notes that elevate the entire recipe.
Light brown sugar: Provides a deep caramel sweetness for both the filling and sauce.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and sticky texture to the caramel sauce.
Cream cheese: Key to the luscious frosting, bringing a tangy balance to the sweet rolls.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.

How to Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by awakening the yeast—it’s the heart of your dough’s fluffiness. Combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm milk, letting it sit until it’s foamy and lively. Meanwhile, mix together your dry ingredients, including chai spices, salt, and flour, which create that irresistible chai aroma and that essential dough texture. Then, blend your wet ingredients and combine everything before kneading with a dough hook until smooth, elastic, and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

After forming the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl and cover it gently. Set the bowl in a warm spot to let it gradually double in size. This rise is the secret to rolls that are tender and pillowy, and the perfect texture to soak up all the caramel and spices later on.

Step 3: Prepare the Chai Caramel Sauce

While your dough is taking a well-deserved rest, steep chai tea bags in warmed heavy cream to infuse that signature chai flavor into the caramel sauce. Then, combine this chai-infused cream with butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, salt, and the chai spice mix. Spread this sticky, fragrant caramel sauce evenly over the bottom of your baking dish, setting the stage for an indulgent sticky-bottomed treat.

Step 4: Make the Spiced Filling

Create the filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt until smooth and spreadable. This luscious filling is what transforms each swirl of dough into a flavored treasure packed with warm spice notes that wrap around every bite.

Step 5: Shape and Assemble the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, roll it out gently on a floured surface into a large rectangle, then spread the chai spiced filling evenly across the surface. Roll it tightly into a log, trim the ends for neatness, and cut into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife for clean edges. Place these snugly into your prepared pan with the chai caramel sauce and pour room-temperature heavy cream between each roll for extra moisture and richness during baking.

Step 6: Proof and Bake

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and allow them to proof once more until puffy and doubled in size. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until gorgeously golden brown. This second rise and gentle baking create those perfectly pillowy interiors contrasted by caramelized edges that make you want to dive in immediately.

Step 7: Make the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

As your rolls bake, whip together softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy and combined, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices. Mixing this slowly first ensures a creamy consistency that is smooth and luscious. Once the rolls are out and slightly cooled, generously frost them to create the perfect balance of tangy sweetness and spice.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of several cinnamon rolls covered in a thick, creamy light brown frosting with specks of cinnamon visible throughout. Each roll has a distinct spiral pattern with the frosting filling the spaces between the layers, giving a swirled texture. There are a few whole star anise pods placed on top, adding a dark brown star-shaped contrast against the lighter frosting. The rolls are set closely together, filling the frame with their soft and smooth texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra wow-factor, sprinkle your rolls with toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft roll. A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of leftover caramel sauce elevates the presentation and intensifies the chai flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these chai cinnamon rolls with a cup of spiced chai tea or a bright, citrusy coffee for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or a berry compote, offers a tangy counterbalance that refreshes your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual rolls on pretty dessert plates with a small dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for an elegant touch. You can also turn leftovers into decadent bread pudding by cubing the rolls and baking with a creamy custard, giving your chai cinnamon rolls a glorious second life.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture soft and the flavors vibrant—perfect for reheating or enjoying cold for a quick treat.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual rolled unbaked logs tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to three months. You can also freeze baked, frosted rolls in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep them fresh and personable to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm your rolls gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness or microwave them briefly covered with a damp paper towel for a quick fix. Add extra frosting or a drizzle of warmed caramel sauce to refresh their moist decadence.

FAQs

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough instead of making from scratch?

While you could use store-bought dough, this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is crafted to bring out those warming chai spices and homemade caramel flavor. Using pre-made dough means you’d lose some of that unique, infused character that makes this recipe special.

What kind of chai tea bags work best for the caramel sauce?

Choose full-bodied chai tea bags with a strong blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for the richest flavor infusion. Avoid overly mild or iced chai blends—this sauce thrives on chai spice power.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading to keep it light and fluffy.

How spicy are these rolls? Can I adjust the chai spice level?

The recipe balances warmth and sweetness beautifully but you can customize it! Add more or less of the ground cloves, ginger, and cardamom to adjust the spice level to your liking without overwhelming the palate.

Is there a vegan or dairy-free version of this recipe?

While this recipe relies on butter, cream, and cream cheese for its signature richness, you can experiment with plant-based dairy alternatives and vegan yeast dough to create a similar flavor profile. Be mindful that textures and flavors may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Getting cozy with this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, spiced hug first thing in the morning. The layers of chai spices, sticky caramel, and creamy frosting create a trifecta of pure joy that’s both comforting and exciting. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out, share it with loved ones, and savor every delicious bite—you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain cinnamon rolls before.