Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Ready in a little over an hour, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the ultimate decadence. These rolls combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a delightful chai cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they offer a cozy treat that satisfies sweet cravings while filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy crafting these delightful rolls.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast item, a sweet snack, or a decadent dessert at gatherings.
• Comforting Aroma: Baking these rolls fills your home with comforting scents that will make your mouth water.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, these rolls are sure to impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly without any mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out dough evenly for consistent baking results.
• Baking dish or sheet pan: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your delicious rolls to perfection.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 until it’s just warm to touch. Remove from heat and steep the black tea bags for about 5 minutes.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm almond milk with pure maple syrup and chai spice blend.
2. Sprinkle yeast over this mixture and let it sit until foamy—about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:

1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, artisan bread flour, pumpkin spice blend, and sea salt.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the flour mixture gradually to the yeast mixture:

1. Mix well until it forms a sticky dough.
2. Incorporate pumpkin puree and eggs into the dough.
3. Knead in melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap:

1. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill

Once risen:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
3. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough.
4. Sprinkle with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend.

Step 6: Form Rolls

Roll up tightly from one edge:

1. Cut into slices about an inch thick.
2. Place rolls in greased baking dish.

Step 7: Bake and Glaze

Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown:

1. While baking, prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar with softened cream cheese and cooled chai tea mixture.

Once baked:

Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving!

Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls make for a delightful addition to any meal, especially during the cozy fall months. These rolls can be enjoyed in various ways to elevate your dining experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: The spicy notes of chai tea complement the flavors of the rolls beautifully. Serve with steamed almond milk for a cozy drink.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the sweetness of the rolls and balances their richness.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness to your meal. Consider apples, pears, and pomegranates for a fall twist.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that pairs well with the soft rolls.

As a Dessert

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy contrast to the warm cinnamon rolls, making it an indulgent dessert option.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the rolls adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out fluffy and delicious.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast will help your rolls rise properly.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving you soft, chewy rolls.
• Let It Rise: Allow your dough enough time to rise; this step is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls.
• Temperature Matters: Make sure your almond milk and butter are warm but not hot when mixing; this helps activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. They should be golden brown but not overly dark to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.
2. Savory Quiche: A vegetable quiche provides protein and complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully.
3. Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon offer a savory-sweet balance that echoes the flavors in the rolls.
4. Herbed Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges tossed in herbs are an excellent side dish that contrasts nicely with soft cinnamon rolls.
5. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds another layer of comfort food that pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors.
6. Coconut Chia Pudding: A light chia pudding made with coconut milk offers a refreshing contrast while being packed with nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, even small missteps can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the yeast activation: Always activate your yeast in warm water before adding it to the dough. This step ensures that your rolls rise properly.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to measure ingredients precisely. Incorrect measurements can lead to dense or overly sticky dough.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can slow down the rising process and result in less fluffy rolls.
• Ignoring resting times: Allow the dough to rest as instructed. This helps develop gluten, which contributes to a soft texture in your cinnamon rolls.
• Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaked rolls can become dry; they should be golden brown but still soft.

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 in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked cinnamon rolls.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this may make them tough.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm the rolls for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls that may help you.

Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, almond milk works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.

How do I make my own chai spice blend?

You can make a simple chai spice blend by mixing equal parts of ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?

For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese or a mixture of cashew cream and maple syrup.

How do I ensure my rolls are fluffy?

Make sure to follow all resting times during preparation. This aids in gluten development and results in lighter rolls.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls bring warmth and comfort into any meal. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite!