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. With a delightful chai cream cheese glaze, these rolls will fill your home with comforting aromas and are sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and chai spices provides a unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for special occasions.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
• Comforting Aroma: The warm scents of baked goods will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
• Customizable Glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that you can adjust to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help you streamline the baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer speeds up the dough mixing process, making it easier to combine ingredients thoroughly.
• Rolling pin: This tool is essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring perfectly shaped cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: A high-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of the rolls.

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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

For the Filling

• 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 Glaze

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

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond milk until just lukewarm. Remove from heat and steep the black tea bags in it for about 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the warm almond milk with maple syrup and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add in both flours, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, warm water, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.

Step 2: Mix and Knead

• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand until well combined.
• Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If too sticky, add more flour gradually.

Step 3: Let It Rise

• Place dough into a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
• Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air.
2. On a floured surface, roll out into a rectangle approximately 18×12 inches.

Step 5: Fill With Goodness

• Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough evenly.
• Sprinkle brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend mixture over butter followed by an even layer of pumpkin spice blend.

Step 6: Roll Up & Cut

1. Starting from one long end of the rectangle, tightly roll up into a log shape.
2. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

• Place sliced rolls in a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for another 20–30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Bake

Bake cinnamon rolls in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Glaze

While they bake:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and remaining butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 10: Drizzle & Serve

Once rolls are baked and slightly cooled:
* Drizzle with chai cream cheese glaze before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is an experience that can elevate any meal. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these rolls with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning treat.

Topped with Extra Glaze

• Drizzle additional chai cream cheese glaze on top for an extra sweet kick.

Garnished with Nuts

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy texture that complements the soft rolls.

Served Warm

• Warm the rolls slightly in the microwave before serving to enhance their fluffy texture and flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or pear to balance the sweetness of the rolls.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Creating perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and rising.

• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for optimal texture.

• Monitor Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place; it should double in size, usually taking about an hour.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking; overbaking can lead to dryness. They should be golden brown but soft when touched.

• Cool Before Glazing: Let the rolls cool slightly before adding glaze so it doesn’t melt away completely.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, apples, and citrus adds freshness and balances sweetness.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and more fruit for a nutritious side that complements the richness of cinnamon rolls.

3. Scrambled Eggs
   Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make this a well-rounded breakfast option.

4. Smoothie Bowl
   A smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts offers a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon rolls.

5. Oven-Baked Bacon Alternative
   Try turkey bacon or veggie bacon as a savory side that pairs well without overpowering the sweet flavors.

6. Chia Seed Pudding
   This creamy pudding made with almond milk is both healthy and satisfying, making it an excellent companion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfect every time.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs or milk can slow down yeast activation. Always use room temperature ingredients for a better rise.
• Ignoring the dough consistency – Not all flour absorbs liquid the same way. Adjust the flour amount based on the dough texture; it should be soft and slightly sticky.
• Overproofing the dough – Allowing the dough to rise too long can lead to dense rolls. Keep an eye on it; once it doubles in size, it’s ready.
• Skipping the glaze – The chai cream cheese glaze adds a unique flavor. Don’t skip this step! It’s what makes these rolls special.
• Not sifting powdered sugar – Sifting prevents lumps in your glaze. Always sift before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep rolls at room temperature for short-term freshness; refrigerate if you need to store longer.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat each roll for about 15-20 seconds; avoid overheating to keep them soft.
• Stovetop – Place rolls in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.

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 based on your preference.

What if I don’t have chai tea bags?

You can make your own chai spice blend using cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves for similar flavor.

How do I make these rolls vegan?

To convert this recipe to vegan, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and filling, then refrigerate overnight before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Try adding nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or pecans for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Their fluffy texture combined with warm spices creates a comforting experience. Feel free to customize these rolls with your favorite nuts or spices for an added twist. Try this recipe today, and indulge yourself in the cozy flavors of fall!