Get ready to roll with our Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls! Bursting with chai and cinnamon, these nut-free, egg-free treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Warm, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious!
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and 1 tbsp/13g brown sugar. Add the warm milk and stir until a shaggy mass forms.
Add the 3 tbsp/45g butter in small cubes and mix to completely combine, using your hands as needed to help work the butter in.
Knead for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
Place the ball in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Place in a warm place and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.*
Prepare the pan sauce:
Grease a 9” x 13”/22.5cm x 32.5cm baking pan.
In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp/45g butter, 2 tbsp/30ml cream, and ½ cup/100g brown sugar over medium heat.
Heat, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved and the solution is syrupy and bubbling. Pour into the base of the baking pan and spread around.
Prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup/100g brown sugar and all the spices. Stir until evenly distributed.
Assemble the rolls:
Turn out the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 12” x 16”/35cm x 50cm.
Spread 2 tbsp/30g softened butter onto surface. Sprinkle spiced sugar into an even layer over the surface, getting all the way to the edges.
Starting on a short end, roll the dough up gently but tightly. Turn the dough so the seam is underneath.
Cut dough into 12 even segments with a very sharp knife. Place them in the prepared baking dish so that they are evenly spaced.
Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow to rise again until doubled (about 30-45 minutes).
During the last rise, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Once risen, remove the plastic and bake for 25-30 minutes until just starting to go golden on top.
Remove from the oven and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
*Milk should be at 100° F-115° F/37-45 C for best results. Cold milk works but will take longer to rise.Rising time will vary depending on how warm the ambient temperature is. Warmer dough (under 115°F/45 C or the yeast will be killed off) will rise faster.To prepare the rolls ahead of time for easy morning consumption, proceed with the instructions up until the second rise the night before. Before allowing the second rise to happen, cover the pan tightly and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before baking.Baked rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer and reheated in the oven before eating.