Description
Warm chai-spiced cinnamon rolls blend comforting Middle Eastern and Western bakery traditions into one irresistible pastry. Fragrant cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon swirl through tender dough, promising a delicious morning escape you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups (437.5 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
For the Liquid Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Spice Mixture:
- 1 whole egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- Incorporate flour, salt, melted butter, and egg into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough thoroughly until it transforms into a smooth, elastic consistency. Set aside in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, allowing the dough to rise and double in volume.
- Craft the chai-inspired filling by blending brown sugar with an exotic medley of spices including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Create a fragrant and complex seasoning mixture.
- Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread softened butter across the surface, then generously distribute the spice mixture ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to another, creating a compact cylindrical shape. Slice the roll into 12 uniform segments using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the individual rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them sufficient space to expand. Let the rolls undergo a second rising period of 30 minutes in a draft-free location.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and emit an irresistible aroma.
- Prepare a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. Drizzle the silky mixture over the warm rolls, creating an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Activate yeast properly by ensuring milk is warm (110-115°F), not hot, to prevent killing the active cultures.
- Balance chai spices carefully, adjusting cardamom and ginger levels to personal taste preferences without overwhelming the cinnamon base.
- Knead dough gently but thoroughly, creating soft and pillowy texture by developing gluten without overworking the mixture.
- Create make-ahead option by preparing rolls night before, refrigerating overnight, and letting them rise at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg