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 fall gatherings, cozy breakfasts, or a delightful dessert, these rolls are a must-try for any pumpkin lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, chai spices, and cream cheese creates a uniquely flavorful experience.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just over an hour, you can enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; these rolls fit any occasion perfectly.
• Comforting Aroma: The warm spices will fill your home with a cozy scent that’s perfect for fall.
• Customizable Options: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, such as using dairy-free milk or adjusting spice levels.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make these Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and keeping your workspace organized.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even dough thickness for perfectly shaped rolls.
• Baking sheet: Provides the right surface for baking your cinnamon rolls evenly.

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 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

Start by warming the almond milk in a saucepan. Remove from heat and steep the black tea bags for about 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags once done.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine warm almond milk with maple syrup and chai spice blend.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add flours gradually while mixing in sea salt and pumpkin spice blend until you form a soft dough.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl:
Cover with a damp cloth.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

While dough rises:
1. In another bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend until combined.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

After rising:
1. Punch down the dough.
2. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
3. Spread filling evenly over dough.

Step 6: Shape Rolls

Roll up tightly from one long side to another:
Slice into equal pieces.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover again:
Let them rise for another 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake

Bake rolls for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While rolls bake:
1. Beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Gradually add cooled chai mixture until desired consistency is reached.

Step 10: Serve

Once baked, let cool slightly before drizzling glaze over top:
Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls warm!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls offer versatility and comfort. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Chai Latte: Pair your rolls with a warm chai latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness and spices perfectly.

With Toppings

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle the creamy glaze from the recipe on top for an extra indulgent touch.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Savory Quiche: Serve alongside a slice of quiche for a hearty brunch option.

For Dessert

• Ice Cream: Warm cinnamon rolls topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream create a delicious dessert experience.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls for an extra layer of sweetness.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your rolls turn out fluffy and flavorful.

• Use Warm Ingredients: Make sure your milk and butter are warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size; this step is crucial for fluffy rolls.
• Sift Your Flour: Sifting helps aerate the flour, resulting in lighter dough.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences for more or less warmth.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the rolls cool slightly before applying glaze; this prevents it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To create a well-rounded meal around your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, consider these delicious side dishes. They complement the flavors beautifully while adding variety.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances out the sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely.
3. Savory Sausage Links: The savory flavor of sausage provides a delicious contrast to sweet rolls.
4. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with citrus dressing adds brightness and texture to your meal.
5. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs serve as a protein-rich addition that pairs well with cinnamon rolls.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that balance out the sweet flavors of pumpkin chai.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your experience. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the temperature: Yeast needs warmth to activate. If your ingredients, especially liquids, are too hot or too cold, it can kill the yeast or slow down its activation. Always ensure your water and milk are warm but not hot.

• Overworking the dough: Kneading is essential, but over-kneading can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined and knead gently until smooth.

• Skipping the rise time: A proper rise allows the dough to develop flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; let it rise until it doubles in size for fluffy rolls.

• Using the wrong type of pumpkin: Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor of your cinnamon rolls.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so precision matters. Use a kitchen scale for best results or ensure your measuring cups are level when adding ingredients.

• Neglecting the glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze is what makes these rolls special! Don’t skip it; it adds a delicious layer of flavor that complements the rolls perfectly.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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

• Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds. Add more time if needed, but avoid overheating which can dry them out.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! You can substitute almond milk for dairy milk and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The butter can also be replaced with vegan butter.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during rising. You can check by lightly pressing your finger into the dough; if it leaves an impression, it’s ready!

What spices are in chai spice blend?

A typical chai spice blend includes cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. You can adjust these spices based on your preferences.

Can I use another type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if desired, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

How do I store leftover cream cheese glaze?

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can re-whip it before using again!

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls offer a cozy twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that everyone will love. With their warm spices and creamy glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert any day of the year. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruits to the filling or experimenting with different spices!