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, while the chai cream cheese glaze adds an extra layer of comfort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe approachable even if you’re a beginner.
• Versatile Occasion: Ideal for brunch with friends or a cozy family breakfast, these cinnamon rolls fit any occasion.
• Comforting Treat: Enjoying a warm roll fresh from the oven brings comfort that few desserts can match.
• Impressive Presentation: The chai cream cheese glaze adds a beautiful finish, making your homemade treats look professionally made.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin whipping up your delicious rolls, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your baking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to create perfectly shaped cinnamon rolls.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix wet and dry ingredients separately without any mess.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

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!

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 Your Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine almond milk and black tea bags. Heat gently until warm but not boiling.
2. Remove tea bags after steeping for about 5 minutes. Stir in maple syrup and chai spice blend.
3. In a separate bowl, mix both flours with yeast, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, and brown sugar.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour the warm almond milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add in pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until combined; then knead on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape Your Rolls

1. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
2. Spread softened butter over the dough followed by brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend.

Step 5: Roll & Cut

1. Roll up tightly from one end to create logs; cut into slices about 1 inch thick.
2. Place on a greased baking sheet or lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Final Rise & Bake

1. Allow rolls to rise again for about 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Make Glaze While Baking

1. In another bowl, mix sifted powdered sugar with softened cream cheese and add cooled chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 8: Serve

1. Once baked, drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

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

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cinnamon roll experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the warm rolls.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• A little extra chai cream cheese glaze on top can elevate the flavor and make each bite even more indulgent.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea complements the warm spices and creates a comforting morning ritual.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each roll. This adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.

Served Warm

• Enjoy the rolls fresh from the oven. The warmth enhances their fluffy texture and makes them irresistibly delicious.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and almond milk mix better when at room temperature, helping create a smoother dough.
• Knead the dough properly: Kneading develops gluten, which gives your rolls their fluffy texture. Aim for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
• Let the dough rise adequately: Allow your dough to double in size during the first rise. This step is crucial for light and airy rolls.
• Don’t skip sifting flour: Sifting helps aerate the flour, resulting in lighter baked goods and preventing clumps.
• Monitor baking time closely: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake to avoid overcooking.
• Cool before glazing: Allow your cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before adding glaze so it doesn’t melt away completely.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Complement your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with some tasty side dishes. Here are some excellent options that pair well:

1. Spiced Apple Compote
   A warm apple compote with cinnamon brings in seasonal flavors that perfectly match the pumpkin chai theme.

2. Crispy Hash Browns
   These golden-brown potatoes provide a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet rolls.

3. Fruit Salad
   A mix of fresh seasonal fruits offers a refreshing side that balances the richness of the cinnamon rolls.

4. Creamy Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy side that adds texture and nutrition.

5. Chia Seed Pudding
   This pudding can be flavored with vanilla or spices, making it a unique and healthy complement to your meal.

6. Savory Quiche
   A vegetable quiche adds bulk and can be made ahead, offering both convenience and flavor diversity at breakfast or brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect Yeast Temperature: Using water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, around 100°F to 110°F (38°C to 43°C).
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups precisely for flour, sugar, and liquids for consistent results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined; stop as soon as there are no dry ingredients.
• Skipping the Rise Time: Letting the dough rise is crucial for fluffiness. Don’t rush this step; allow it to double in size for best results.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can hinder the dough’s rise. Always use room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing.
• Not Allowing Rolls to Cool Before Glazing: Applying glaze on hot rolls can cause it to melt away. Allow your rolls to cool slightly before glazing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each roll on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls more flavorful?

Adding extra spices or using high-quality vanilla extract can enhance flavor. Consider incorporating nuts or raisins into the filling for added texture.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

What is the best way to store leftover Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them individually wrapped for up to two months.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just ensure that fresh pumpkin is cooked down and pureed smoothly before using it in your recipe.

How long do these cinnamon rolls take from start to finish?

The total time is about one hour from prep to baking. This includes rising time and baking time.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Their warmth and comforting flavors make them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding nuts, different spices, or swapping out glazes – the possibilities are endless!