Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Ready in a little over an hour, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the ultimate decadence. The dough is filled with savory pumpkin and warm spices, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The chai cream cheese glaze adds a delightful twist that will fill your days with comfort and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, chai spices, and cream cheese creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip these rolls up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a festive holiday treat, these rolls fit right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the spices or the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
• Comforting Treat: The warm spices and soft dough make these cinnamon rolls the perfect comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Makes it easy to blend wet ingredients together smoothly.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your delicious rolls.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use whole milk, if desired)
• 2 black tea bags, premium (You can also use a chai tea bag and omit the spice blend)
• 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp chai spice blend (See Notes!)
• 4 cups organic All-purpose flour (I love Bob’s Red Mill)
• 2 cups Artisan Bread flour (I love Bob’s Red Mill; See Notes!)
• 1 packet Rapid Rise Yeast (That’s 2 1/4 tsps!)
• 1-2 tsps pumpkin spice blend
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup WARM water
• 1/2 cup organic brown sugar + 1 Tbsp
• 1 1/4 cup Almond milk, unsweetened + at room temp. (You can use whole milk or heavy cream, if desired)
• 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (NOT Pie filling!)
• 2 large eggs, room temp.
• 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted + cooled until warm (Make sure that it’s WARM, not hot!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup organic brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temp.
• 1 Tbsp Dessert Lover Blend

For the Glaze:

• 3 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted
• 4 oz. organic cream cheese, softened at room temp. (That’s 1/2 a pack!)
• 3-4 Tbsps cooled Chai tea mixture (See Notes!)

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Begin by warming 1/2 cup of almond milk in a saucepan until it’s just warm to touch. Remove from heat and steep black tea bags in the warm milk for about 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in maple syrup and chai spice blend.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine both types of flour with rapid rise yeast, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, and brown sugar. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the warm chai-infused almond milk mixture with pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

After rising, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.

Step 6: Add Filling

Spread softened butter over the rolled dough followed by brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend evenly across its surface.

Step 7: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from one end of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 8: Bake Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a lined baking sheet and let them rise again for about 20 minutes before baking for approximately 30–35 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese with sifted powdered sugar and cooled chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze Your Rolls

Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these rolls will surely impress.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your cinnamon rolls with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting breakfast experience.
• Chai Tea: Enhance the chai flavor by serving these rolls alongside a steaming cup of chai tea.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spices in the rolls perfectly for a relaxing treat.

With Sweet Spreads

• Maple Syrup: Drizzle some pure maple syrup over your rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on warm rolls for added richness and flavor contrast.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with leftover chai cream cheese glaze to intensify the deliciousness.

As Part of Breakfast or Brunch

• Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with vibrant flavors.
• Yogurt Parfait: Create a yogurt parfait with layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit to accompany the cinnamon rolls.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the best results with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your spices and baking powder are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic; this develops gluten for fluffy rolls.
• Check Dough Temperature: Keep your dough at a warm temperature during rising to ensure it doubles in size.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch closely while baking; remove when golden brown to maintain softness.
• Sift Your Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar before use makes for a smoother glaze that spreads easily.
• Store Correctly: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Greek Yogurt – Creamy Greek yogurt provides protein and tanginess, making it a perfect complement.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs offer savory contrast and make for a hearty breakfast spread.
4. Crispy Hash Browns – Golden hash browns add crunch and warmth, creating satisfying textures alongside the rolls.
5. Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit can provide extra nourishment and fiber.
6. Breakfast Smoothie – A refreshing smoothie made with bananas, spinach, and almond milk adds vitamins without overwhelming flavors.
7. Granola Bars – Easy-to-make granola bars serve as a quick snack option that pairs well with coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can be delightful, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs or milk can inhibit the dough’s rise. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make the rolls dense. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the proofing step – Allowing the dough to rise properly is key for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!
• Overbaking the rolls – Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven. Baking too long can lead to dry cinnamon rolls; aim for a light golden color.
• Ignoring spices balance – The right balance of chai spices is essential for flavor. Taste your filling mixture before rolling it up to adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place rolls in a pan over low heat, cover, and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with whole milk or heavy cream if desired.

How do I get my dough to rise faster?

To speed up rising, place your dough in a warm environment, like an oven preheated to its lowest setting and then turned off.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Certainly! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

How do I store leftover pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can enhance texture and flavor. Just ensure they complement the chai spices.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls offer a delicious blend of flavors that bring warmth and comfort. Their versatility means you can customize them with different spices or fillings based on your preference. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful treat any time of day!