Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls

I’m thrilled to introduce my Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls recipe! These fragrant, perfectly spiced rolls have become a weekend favorite in my household. The rich blend of chai spices transforms traditional cinnamon rolls into a truly unique treat, all while keeping them on the healthier side.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls

You’ll fall in love with these Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls from the first bite! The warming blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom creates a complex flavor profile that makes these rolls so much more interesting than standard cinnamon rolls. I’ve reduced the sugar compared to traditional recipes and incorporated wholesome ingredients without sacrificing that indulgent taste. Plus, the maple-infused icing adds the perfect touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Recipe Ingredients

Chai Spice

• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon black pepper

Dough

• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ¼ teaspoons Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® yeast
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Filling

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Chai spice mixture (from above)

Icing

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Mix together all the chai spice ingredients (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and black pepper) in a small bowl and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. In the bowl of your stand mixer, mix together the Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
5. Switch to a dough hook and knead the dough for 10 minutes. If you’re in a particularly humid area, you may need to add up to two tablespoons of extra flour.
6. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, dry area for one hour.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
8. After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to approximately 21″ x 18″.
9. Spread the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chai spice mixture, then sprinkle this evenly over the buttered dough.
10. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly. Cut into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the dough bounces back when lightly pressed. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
12. While the rolls are baking, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
13. Allow your Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with the maple icing.
14. Serve warm, preferably with a mug of tea!

Expert Tips

• Make sure your milk and egg are at room temperature for the best dough texture.
• Don’t rush the rising process – this is key for fluffy Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls.
• Roll the dough tightly to ensure your rolls hold their shape during baking.
• Use dental floss instead of a knife for cleaner cuts when slicing your roll.
• Adjust the chai spice mixture to your taste – add more ginger for extra zing or reduce the black pepper if you prefer less heat.
• For extra softness, brush the tops with a little melted butter right after baking.

Recipe Variations & Possible Substitutions

My Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls are versatile! For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk for whole milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. If you’re looking to make them even healthier, you can swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Don’t have all the individual spices? A pre-mixed chai tea blend (without the tea leaves) works in a pinch. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in both the dough and filling by 1-2 tablespoons.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I love serving these Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls slightly warm with a steaming mug of masala chai or a strong black coffee. They make a perfect weekend breakfast or brunch centerpiece. For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for a tangy contrast to the sweet spiciness. These rolls also pair beautifully with fresh fruit for a more balanced breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until just heated through. You can also freeze these rolls (either before or after baking) for up to 3 months. For unbaked rolls, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare these Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls the night before? Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the point of placing them in the baking pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking.

Can I make these without a stand mixer? Yes! You can mix the dough by hand, but you’ll need to knead it on a floured surface for about 15 minutes instead of 10.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough? The dough should roughly double in size and when you gently press it with your finger, the indentation should remain.

Can I reduce the sugar further to make them even healthier? Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the dough and filling by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. The Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls will be less sweet but still delicious.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your Healthy Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls aren’t rising properly, check that your yeast is fresh and that your environment is warm enough. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the rolls seem dry, you might have added too much flour – brush the tops with melted butter before baking to help. If your icing is too thick, add a few drops of milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

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