Name: Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees F; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast); 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp granulated white sugar; 2 eggs, whisked; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 2 chai tea bags; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 3/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1/3 cup honey; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 18 reviews

If you’re a fan of cozy spices and tender, gooey pastries, you’re in for a true treat. This Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce Recipe is everything you love about cinnamon rolls but with a warm chai twist and a decadent caramel sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to comfort bake on chilly mornings or lazy weekends. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through all the tips and tricks to make your rolls rise perfectly and soak up that luscious chai caramel goodness!

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Why This Recipe Works

Chai Spice Blend: A unique combo of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves that adds depth and warmth you don’t get in your average cinnamon roll.
Rich Caramel Sauce: Infused with chai tea and spices, it melts into the rolls for a sticky, glorious finish.
Soft, Buttery Dough: The perfect balance of tenderness and structure makes rolling, slicing, and baking a dream.
Layered Experience: Chai spice in the dough, filling, frosting, and sauce creates a harmonized flavor profile that’s utterly addictive.

Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce, chai spice cinnamon rolls, sticky chai caramel rolls, warm chai spice pastries, vegan cinnamon roll variations - A white rectangular baking dish filled with twelve cinnamon rolls topped with a thick, creamy light brown frosting, each roll showing distinct swirls and a soft texture. On top of the cinnamon rolls, there are a few whole star anise pieces scattered. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled surface with cinnamon sticks and star anise nearby, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. A white scalloped plate and a metal spatula are partially visible at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together like a well-rehearsed band—each spice, dairy, and sweetener plays its part to build layers of flavor. When shopping, aim for fresh spices and real unsalted butter because those seemingly small details make huge differences in the end result.

Whole milk: Warmed just right to help the yeast bloom actively for a great rise.
Active dry yeast: The magic agent that creates perfectly fluffy, soft rolls with that classic tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: Provides enough gluten for structure but still yields softness after baking.
Chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves): This spice blend tastes like a warm hug and is used thoughtfully in every element of this recipe.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness; be sure it’s very soft for easy mixing and spreading.
Brown sugar & honey: The perfect natural sweeteners that complement chai spices in the filling and sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds moisture to the filling and caramel sauce for a luscious texture and mouthfeel.
Cream cheese: Makes the frosting tangy, rich, and perfectly indulgent to balance the sweet rolls.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Personally, I love experimenting with this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce Recipe by tweaking the spices or adding small extras to the filling—don’t be shy to make it your own. For example, tossing in some chopped nuts or swapping cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze works beautifully if you want a simpler finish.

Nutty Addition: I once added chopped pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch; it gave the rolls an extra texture that family members totally loved.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy—a little trick I’ve used when baking for friends.
Seasonal Twist: For the holidays, a pinch of orange zest in the filling amps up the aromatic chai flavors perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast for a Fluffy Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—warm enough to feel slightly hot to the touch but not boiling. Combine it with the active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar to feed the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until you see frothy bubbles on top. This step is crucial for that soft, airy dough we want, so don’t rush it or use water that’s too hot or cold.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Create the Dough

In your stand mixer’s bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and the chai spices—this aromatic blend will infuse the rolls with that chai charm. Sprinkle in salt and sugar, then add the softened butter, whisked eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and switch to a dough hook attachment. Knead on medium speed for 7-10 minutes, looking for the dough to pull away from the bowl edges and bounce back when you press it. If it’s sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time—note it shouldn’t be dry or stiff.

Step 3: First Rise – Let the Dough Double

Shape your dough into a smooth ball and transfer it to a large greased bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm spot—like your oven with the light on but turned off—and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s doubled in size. This slow rise develops flavor and texture, so be patient here!

Step 4: Brew the Chai Caramel Sauce

While the dough is rising, heat heavy cream gently in a small saucepan until steaming, then steep your chai tea bags for 10 minutes to infuse rich flavors. Once brewed, mix it with butter, brown sugar, honey, chai spices, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Pour this oh-so-yummy caramel sauce into a greased 9×13 inch pan and spread it evenly over the base. This will cling to the rolls as they bake and caramelize beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Chai Filling

In another bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, chai spices, and salt until it looks glossy and spreadable—this luscious filling is what makes every bite sing. Keep it close, as you’ll be spreading it onto the rolled-out dough very soon.

Step 6: Roll, Fill, and Cut the Dough

After the first rise, punch down your dough to release air bubbles and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into about an 18 x 12 inch rectangle, roughly a quarter-inch thick. Spread your chai filling evenly over the surface using an offset spatula for smooth coverage. Starting at the side nearest you, roll the dough tightly into a log, trimming uneven ends for even slices. Using floss or a sharp knife, slice into 12 equal rolls about 1.5 inches wide—floss is great for clean cuts without squishing the dough!

Step 7: Assemble Rolls and Proof Again

Arrange the rolls side-by-side snugly atop your chai caramel-coated pan. Pour heavy cream between the rolls—this little extra moisture prevents dryness and helps create those ooey-gooey bottoms. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot for another hour to proof until doubled—this final rise is what guarantees soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F about 15 minutes before baking. Bake the chai cinnamon rolls for 29-32 minutes until they’re beautifully golden—30 minutes is my sweet spot every time. Keep an eye toward the end; you want golden tops without getting them too dark. Once baked, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Step 9: Whip Up Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices, mixing to a smooth, spreadable consistency. Dollop the frosting over the warm rolls—its tangy creaminess perfectly offsets the deep caramel and spice notes. Then get ready to enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Perfectly Warm Milk: Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. I use a kitchen thermometer or test on my wrist—warm but not burning.
Floss Trick for Cutting Rolls: Using unflavored dental floss gives nice clean slices without compressing the dough like a knife sometimes does.
Don’t Rush Rising Time: Let your dough rise fully both times for the fluffiest rolls; a little patience goes a long way.
Spread Filling Evenly: Using an offset spatula makes a smooth, even layer, so every roll has spice and sweetness balanced perfectly.

How to Serve Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep garnishes simple for this recipe—sometimes just a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans on top of the frosting for texture and nutty flavor. Another favorite is a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few saffron threads to play up the chai vibes.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a treat on their own, but I love pairing them with a hot chai latte or creamy spiced coffee. If it’s brunch time, fresh fruit or a simple green salad balance the indulgence nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these rolls in individual ramekins with a drizzle of the caramel sauce on the plate and a sprig of fresh mint for contrast. You could also make mini rolls for cute grab-and-go treats or line them up in a festive pan and tie a ribbon around for gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen’s warm, the fridge works fine but bring them back to room temp or gently warm before serving to preserve softness.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked rolls after shaping—just wrap the pan tightly and pop it in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let them proof on the counter until doubled before baking. This method keeps the fresh-baked flavor alive and saves prepping time on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a leftover roll in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Add more frosting or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce if you want to recreate that freshly baked vibe.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation actually deepens the flavor. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature and let it rise again before rolling and baking.
What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

No worries. Cinnamon and cardamom are the most important here, so prioritize those. You can also use store-bought chai spice blends for simplicity, or just use cinnamon and ginger to keep it close to the spirit of the recipe.
Can I substitute the caramel sauce?

While the chai caramel sauce is a signature element, you can substitute a traditional brown sugar caramel or even a maple glaze if you prefer. But honestly, I encourage you to try the chai-infused version—it’s where the magic really happens!
Can I make these vegan?

Yes, with some adjustments! Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. The yeast dough works well vegan; just be mindful the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely adore this Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Sauce Recipe because it brings that cozy chai tea shop vibe right into my kitchen. The way those warm spices dance through every bite paired with sticky chai caramel and fluffy cream cheese frosting has become a family favorite for breakfasts and special occasions. If you take nothing else away from my sharing, try making these to experience how a simple twist on a classic can turn into something downright magical. I’m confident you’ll love them as much as I do—so grab your apron and let’s get baking!