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 dessert, these rolls are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm and inviting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these cinnamon rolls quickly, making them great for busy mornings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them fresh from the oven for breakfast or as a sweet treat at brunch; they’re delicious any time of day.
• Comforting Aroma: The smell of these rolls baking will fill your home with a cozy warmth that invites everyone to gather.
• Perfectly Sweet Glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence that complements the rolls beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help streamline the process and ensure your rolls are fluffy and delicious.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls makes it easy to combine ingredients without mess.
• Rolling pin: This tool helps roll out the dough evenly for perfectly shaped cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning for your 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
• 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 Chai Cream Cheese 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

1. In a small saucepan, heat almond milk until warm. Remove from heat and steep black tea bags for about 5 minutes. Discard tea bags afterward.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm almond milk with maple syrup, chai spice blend, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Gradually add all-purpose flour, bread flour, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, warm water, brown sugar (excluding the tablespoon), pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. On a floured surface, knead dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
2. Place in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare Filling and Roll

1. In another bowl, mix together softened butter with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend until combined.
2. Once dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
3. Spread filling mixture evenly over rolled-out dough.

Step 4: Shape Rolls

1. Starting from one edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up dough tightly into a log shape.
2. Cut log into equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife to form individual rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place cut rolls on a lined baking sheet or in a greased pan allowing space between each roll. Cover again with plastic wrap or cloth; let rise for another 20–30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Make Glaze

While rolls are cooling slightly after baking:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar and softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add cooled chai tea mixture gradually until you reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about enhancing their delicious flavors. Here are some delightful suggestions to enjoy them at their best.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: Pair these rolls with a creamy chai latte for a comforting experience.
• Coffee: A strong cup of coffee complements the sweetness and spices perfectly.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a balanced meal alongside the rolls.

As a Dessert

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: Top with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option that’s just as delicious.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it rises properly.
• Warm Ingredients: Make sure your liquids are warm but not hot, as this helps activate the yeast without killing it.
• Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this ensures a fluffy texture in your rolls.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the dough to rise adequately; this enhances flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the chai spice blend according to your taste preference for richer flavor.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar for the glaze will give it a smoother consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

While these cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: This creamy addition offers protein and balances sweetness with its tanginess.
2. Breakfast Quinoa Bowl: A nutty quinoa bowl topped with fruits and nuts makes for a hearty breakfast.
3. Savory Oatmeal: A bowl of savory oatmeal seasoned with spices can be an interesting counterpoint to sweet rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with seeds or nuts for added crunch.
5. Cinnamon Apple Compote: A warm apple compote brings out beautiful fall flavors that pair well with pumpkin.
6. Herbed Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs create a savory balance alongside sweet rolls.
7. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds depth and nutrition to your brunch table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and milk. Cold ingredients can hinder the dough from rising properly, resulting in dense rolls.

• Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can lead to dry cinnamon rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.

• Ignoring the yeast activation: Make sure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and using warm water (not hot) to activate it. This ensures your rolls rise well.

• Over- or under-kneading the dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but avoid over-kneading as it can make the rolls tough.

• Skipping resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step!

• Not letting them cool before glazing: If you glaze the rolls while they’re still hot, the frosting will melt away. Let them cool slightly for a perfect finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.

• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water to create steam if needed.

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 even oat milk if preferred.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk.

How do I know when my rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown, and when you tap them lightly, they should sound hollow.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fill it a day ahead, then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

What variations can I try?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips into the filling for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only indulgent but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as breakfast or dessert, they promise warmth and comfort in every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe with your favorite spices or toppings!