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cinnamon rolls

SIMPLE TIPS TO MAKE CHAI-SPICED CINNAMON ROLLS

Sue Perera
A chai spiced cinnamon roll is a delicious baked pastry that combines the flavours of traditional cinnamon rolls with the aromatic and warming spices commonly found in chai tea. Chai tea is a popular beverage originating from India, made by brewing black tea with a mixture of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. These spices give chai tea its distinct and comforting flavour profile. When applied to a cinnamon roll, “chai spiced” refers to incorporating these traditional chai spices into the dough, filling, and possibly the glaze of the cinnamon roll. This can include spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. The result is a cinnamon roll with an extra layer of complexity and warmth in terms of flavour.

Equipment

  • An Oven

Ingredients
  

Cinnamon Dough

  • 2 ¼ Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 Cup Warm Milk (around 110°F or 45°C)
  • 1 Cup Warm Milk (around 110°F or 45°C)
  • ⅓ Cup Unsalted Butter Melted
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 3 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Large Eggs

For The Filling

  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter Softened
  • ¾ cup Brown Sugar Packed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Chai Spiced Glaze

  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • ½ Teaspoon Ground Cardamom
  • ¼ Teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • Pinch Ground Cloves
  • Pinch Ground Nutmeg
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream

Instructions
 

  • Firstly, make the dough,
    Brew the chai tea leaves or bags in the warm milk. Allow it to cool slightly.In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the chai-infused warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.Add the melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. then mix it well.Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Secondly, make the Filling,
    In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.Sprinkle the chai-spiced sugar mixture over the buttered dough.Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  • Assembly and Baking Time,
    Cut the rolled log into 12 equal slices.Place the slices in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each.Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
  • Frosting Process,
    In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until well combined.Gradually add milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency.Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the frosting over the top.Enjoy your delicious homemade chai-spiced cinnamon rolls!Please note that baking times and temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on the rolls as they bake.
Keyword Chai, Chai-Spiced, Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Foods, Cinnamon Rolls, Indian Chai