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, and the chai cream cheese glaze is sure to fill your days with comfort! These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, making them suitable for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip these rolls up in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or serve them with coffee or tea as a sweet treat throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these soft and fluffy rolls, making them a hit at family gatherings.
• Perfectly Sweet Glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze adds an irresistible touch that elevates these cinnamon rolls to a new level.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are the key items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and more efficient, ensuring a well-mixed batter.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your delicious treats.

Ingredients

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, and the chai cream cheese glaze is sure to fill your days with comfort!

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 the Dough

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Begin by warming the almond milk until it’s comfortable to touch without being hot.
2. Steep two black tea bags in the warmed almond milk for about 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
3. In another bowl, combine the warm water with yeast; let it sit until bubbly.
4. Mix together all-purpose flour, artisan bread flour, brown sugar, sea salt, pumpkin spice blend, and chai spice blend in a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is ready:
1. Add it along with eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, vanilla extract to the dry mixture.
2. Gradually pour in the almond milk infused with chai tea while mixing until combined.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Knead your dough:
1. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
2. Place dough into an oiled bowl; cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
3. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about one hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

After rising:
1. Punch down the dough gently; roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Add Filling

Spread filling over dough:
1. Mix softened butter with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend; spread this mixture evenly over rolled-out dough.

Step 6: Roll Up & Cut

Roll up tightly from one end:
1. Slice into equal pieces about 1 inch wide; place them cut side up onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover again:
1. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
1. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While they bake:
1. Whip together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar; add cooled chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze & Serve

Once baked:
1. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for sharing and enjoying any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Breakfast Delight

• Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced morning treat.

Chai Tea Pairing

• Complement your rolls with a hot cup of chai tea to enhance the spiced flavors.

Creamy Yogurt Topping

• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.

Ice Cream Indulgence

• Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.

Sweetened Cream Cheese Drizzle

• Drizzle additional chai cream cheese glaze over the top for an indulgent finish.

Festive Garnish

• Add crushed nuts or pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls takes a little practice. Here are some key tips to ensure success:

• Use warm ingredients: Make sure your milk and butter are warmed to encourage yeast activation for fluffy rolls.
• Knead thoroughly: Properly kneading the dough develops gluten, resulting in soft and chewy rolls.
• Allow adequate rising time: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, which ensures light and airy cinnamon rolls.
• Sift your flour: Sifting helps aerate the flour, leading to lighter rolls and better texture.
• Don’t skip the glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze adds sweetness and moisture, enhancing overall flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftover rolls covered at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Savory Quiche: A slice of vegetable quiche provides a hearty contrast that’s perfect for brunch.
3. Crispy Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns offer a crunchy counterpart to the soft, sweet cinnamon rolls.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and berries, this dish adds healthiness while contrasting textures.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes to balance out the sweetness of your rolls.
6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy snack that ties in beautifully with fall flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly. Always use room temperature eggs and warm milk for best results.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too much can make your rolls tough. Aim for a smooth texture without overworking the dough.
• Not letting the dough rise: Skipping the rising time will lead to dense rolls. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size for fluffy results.
• Ignoring spice measurements: Using too much or too little of the spice blend can throw off the flavor balance. Measure carefully and adjust according to taste.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Oven temperatures vary; always check with an oven thermometer. Baking at too high a temperature can cause burnt edges while leaving the center uncooked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on high for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I ensure my dough rises properly?

To help your dough rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and your environment is warm. A draft-free area works best.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute almond milk with another plant-based milk and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

What if I don’t have chai spice blend?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Adjust proportions based on your preference.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I customize the glaze?

Absolutely! You can add different spices or even incorporate maple syrup into the glaze for added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various spices or glazes to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—making it a must-try!