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! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat during the fall season, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a unique and comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy success.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are great for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or cozy weekends.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them warm with coffee or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
• Impressive Presentation: The swirl of spice and cream cheese glaze makes these rolls visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Whisk: Great for evenly mixing wet ingredients like eggs and milk.
• Baking dish: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked rolls.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup Almond milk, unsweetened
• 2 black tea bags, premium
• 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp chai spice blend
• 4 cups organic All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Artisan Bread flour
• 1 packet Rapid Rise Yeast
• 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.
• 1 cup organic pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs, room temp.
• 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted + cooled until warm
• 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.
• 3-4 Tbsps cooled Chai tea mixture

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of almond milk with 2 black tea bags. Let it steep for about 5 minutes before removing the tea bags.
2. Add 2 Tbsps of pure maple syrup and 1 Tbsp of chai spice blend to the milk mixture. Stir well.
3. In another large bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of artisan bread flour with 1 packet of rapid rise yeast (that’s 2 1/4 tsps), 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp pumpkin spice blend.
4. Create a well in the center and add the warm milk mixture followed by 1/4 cup of warm water. Mix until combined.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup organic brown sugar and 1 Tbsp Dessert Lover Blend in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once risen, punch down the dough gently on a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Step 5: Forming Rolls

1. Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape.
2. Cut into equal pieces (about 12) using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Bake Your Rolls

1. Place cut rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover them again to rise for another 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Make The Glaze

1. While baking, prepare your chai cream cheese glaze by beating together softened cream cheese with sifted powdered sugar and cooled chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 8: Finish Up!

1. Once your rolls are out of the oven, drizzle them generously with glaze while they are still warm.
2. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

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

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these sweet treats.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: Pair these rolls with a creamy chai latte to enhance the warm spice flavors.
• Coffee: A strong cup of coffee provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the rolls.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside sliced oranges or apples for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and tang, complementing the rolls perfectly.

For Dessert

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A light drizzle of whipped cream can turn these rolls into a decadent treat.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls takes practice and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for flawless results.

• Use Warm Liquid: Ensure your almond milk and melted butter are warm, not hot, as this helps activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size for fluffy rolls.
• Properly Measure Ingredients: Use kitchen scales or measuring cups accurately to ensure the right texture.
• Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour helps aerate it, leading to lighter and fluffier rolls.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before adding the glaze; this prevents it from melting away.

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 delicious options.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness.
2. Nutty Granola: This crunchy addition offers texture and nutty flavors that complement the soft rolls.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness.
4. Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea mirrors the chai flavors in the rolls, creating harmony in your meal.
5. Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese can add a savory element that contrasts nicely with the sweet rolls.
6. Avocado Toast: The creamy avocado spread on toasted bread offers healthy fats and is filling alongside sweet cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can hinder yeast activation. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before using them.
• Skipping the rise time: Rushing through the rising process can lead to denser rolls. Allow the dough enough time to rise until it doubles in size for fluffy results.
• Overfilling the rolls: Adding too much filling may cause the rolls to overflow while baking. Spread a moderate amount of filling for neat, beautiful rolls.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is precise, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your rolls. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Baking at incorrect temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven that’s too hot or too cool will affect how well your rolls bake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil, reheating for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, here are some common questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk or heavy cream if you prefer.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

What type of flour works best?

A combination of all-purpose flour and bread flour creates a perfect texture. Both Bob’s Red Mill options work wonderfully!

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chai cream cheese glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different spices or nuts according to your taste. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are sure to impress family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!