Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Ready in a little over an hour, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the ultimate decadence. The soft dough is filled with savory pumpkin and warm spices, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. The rich chai cream cheese glaze adds a delightful twist that will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas. Ideal for fall gatherings or cozy weekends at home, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up these rolls in just over an hour.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert—these rolls fit any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirl of filling and creamy glaze will make these rolls a showstopper on any table.
• Comforting Aroma: Baking these rolls fills your home with inviting scents that evoke the warmth of the season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all your ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even flavor throughout.
• Rolling pin: Helps you roll out the dough to the perfect thickness for easy swirling of the filling.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple rolls at once; using parchment paper makes cleanup easier.

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

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine almond milk and black tea bags until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and steep for about 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine both flours with yeast, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
3. Once the tea mixture has cooled slightly, add it along with warm water and pumpkin puree to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix in beaten eggs and melted butter until fully combined. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 2: Let It Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth.
2. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. After rising, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 4: Add Filling and Roll Up

1. Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend evenly across the surface.
3. Carefully roll up the dough from one long side to create a tight log.

Step 5: Cut Into Rolls

1. Slice the rolled dough into approximately 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
2. Place each roll cut-side up on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

While rolls are baking:
1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Gradually mix in cooled chai tea mixture until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8: Glaze Rolls

Once baked:
1. Allow rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls! Perfectly fluffy with every bite!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. These rolls are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for different occasions.

Enjoy with a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: The warm spices in the chai latte enhance the flavors of the rolls.
• Coffee: Pairing with coffee offers a classic combination that brings out the sweetness of the rolls.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve these rolls with a cup of rich hot chocolate.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apples provide a refreshing contrast to the soft, sweet rolls.
• Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries add a burst of color and tartness to your plate.
• Banana Slices: Creamy banana complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Top with Additional Treats

• Extra Glaze: Drizzle more chai cream cheese glaze over the top for an indulgent touch.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Creating the perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to help you achieve bakery-quality results.

• Knead Well: Ensure you knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic; this helps create fluffy rolls.
• Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which can take about 1 hour.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls during baking; they should be golden brown, not dark.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before adding glaze to prevent 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 great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy accompaniment.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, making your breakfast more filling.
4. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup can add extra sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
5. Savory Breakfast Hash: Serve with a hearty vegetable hash for a savory contrast to the sweet rolls.
6. Nut Butter Spread: Offer almond or peanut butter on the side for guests who want a nutty flavor boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, avoid these common mistakes.

• Ignoring dough temperature: Ensure your dough is warm but not hot. Too much heat can kill the yeast, ruining your rolls.
• Using the wrong pumpkin: Always opt for pure pumpkin puree and not pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor.
• Not letting the dough rise properly: Give your dough enough time to rise. A well-risen dough results in fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Overfilling with filling: While it might be tempting to pile on the filling, too much can make rolling difficult and lead to spills during baking.
• Skipping the glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze adds a delightful finishing touch. Don’t skip this step for maximum indulgence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Homemade Pumpkin Chai 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 before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds per roll for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to create a vegan version of these rolls.

How do I enhance the spice flavor?

For a stronger spice flavor, increase the amount of chai spice blend or pumpkin spice blend according to your taste preference.

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond milk?

You can use any plant-based milk or regular milk as a substitute for almond milk in this recipe without compromising texture or flavor.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, then bake them fresh in the morning.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Their warm spices and creamy glaze make them truly irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture. Try this recipe today; it’s sure to become a favorite!