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 are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The dough is filled with savory pumpkin and warm spices, while the chai cream cheese glaze adds a luxurious touch that will fill your days with comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, these rolls are accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them fresh from the oven, as a sweet treat at brunch, or even as a cozy dessert.
• Comforting Aroma: Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that brings everyone to the table.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these rolls are ideal for gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will ensure you can focus on creating delicious Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps you achieve an even dough thickness for perfect rolls every time.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base 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

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Warm almond milk and add black tea bags to steep for about 5 minutes.
2. Remove tea bags and stir in maple syrup and chai spice blend.
3. In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, bread flour, yeast, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, and brown sugar.
4. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture along with warm water.
5. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–10 minutes until smooth.
2. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

Once risen:
1. Punch down the dough gently.
2. Roll out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.

Step 4: Add Filling

Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough:
1. Sprinkle with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend evenly across the surface.
2. Roll tightly into a log shape.

Step 5: Cut Rolls

Using a sharp knife or string:
1. Slice into even pieces (about 12).
2. Place in a greased baking dish or on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover again with cloth:
Let rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

While baking:
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add cooled chai tea mixture until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Glaze Rolls

Once baked:
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your serving style, here are some suggestions for serving these delicious rolls.

Classic Serving

• Serve warm straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.

With Chai Cream Cheese Glaze

• Drizzle the chai cream cheese glaze over the rolls for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy these cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to balance the sweetness.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• A cup of hot coffee or spiced tea makes for a comforting beverage pairing with your cinnamon rolls.

As a Dessert

• These rolls can also double as a dessert after dinner, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Offer them at breakfast or brunch gatherings; they make for a festive and flavorful addition to your spread.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ingredients like eggs and milk should be at room temperature for better mixing and rising.

• Knead the dough properly – Kneading helps develop gluten, giving your rolls that fluffy texture. Aim for about 5-7 minutes of kneading.

• Let the dough rise – Allowing the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size is crucial for light and airy rolls.

• Check oven temperature – Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help maintain the right baking temperature.

• Avoid overbaking – Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven. They should be golden brown but not overly dark when done.

• Cool slightly before glazing – Let the rolls cool for a few minutes 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 the overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.

3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs complement the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls nicely.

4. Oven-Baked Bacon Alternatives – Turkey bacon or veggie strips provide a savory option without overpowering flavors.

5. Chia Seed Pudding – This healthy option offers a creamy texture that pairs well with sweet rolls.

6. Spiced Nuts – A handful of spiced nuts adds crunch and nutty flavors that go well with chai spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always proof your yeast in warm water and sugar. This ensures it’s active before mixing it with the dough.
• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your almond milk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls.
• Rushing the rising time: Be patient with the dough’s rise time. Allow it enough time to double in size for fluffy rolls.
• Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on baking times and check for doneness using a toothpick. Overbaked rolls can become dry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on high for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

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

How should I store my Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

What spices are included in chai spice blend?

Chai spice blends typically include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. You may adjust according to taste.

How do I ensure my rolls are fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow enough rising time for the dough. Proper measurement of ingredients also helps achieve fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Their warm flavors make them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture or adjusting spices according to your preference!