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, creating a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Topped with a creamy chai glaze, these rolls are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply indulging on a chilly day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a unique flavor profile that warms the soul.
• Quick Preparation: With just over an hour from start to finish, you can enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a cozy weekend brunch, these rolls are sure to impress friends and family.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to adjust the glaze or add nuts and dried fruits for your own twist on this classic treat.
• Comforting & Cozy: The warm spices evoke feelings of fall and comfort, making each bite a hug in roll form.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success. Having the right equipment will help streamline your process and improve your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps knead the dough efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing dough to rise properly.
• Sifter: Ensures even mixing of dry ingredients, leading to lighter rolls.

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

Begin by warming the almond milk until it’s lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine it with the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, artisan bread flour, brown sugar, chai spice blend, pumpkin spice blend, and sea salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the frothy yeast mixture, add maple syrup, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use your stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand until well combined. Knead until smooth.

Step 5: Let it Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough on a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.

Step 7: Add Filling

Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and dessert lover blend evenly across it.

Step 8: Roll Up & Cut

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Cut into twelve equal pieces.

Step 9: Bake

Place rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for about 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

As rolls cool slightly after baking, prepare your glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and cooled chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 11: Glaze & Serve

Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy your delicious Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can elevate the experience. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, these rolls are versatile and delightful. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: Pair your rolls with a warm chai latte to enhance the chai flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite that complements the pumpkin in the rolls perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate adds a sweet touch to your brunch table.

Topped with Glaze

• Chai Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle this delicious glaze over warm rolls for an extra layer of flavor.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup brings out the sweetness in the pumpkin and spices.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apples offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey rolls.
• Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a burst of color and tartness to balance the sweetness.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Breakfast Casserole: Serve alongside a savory breakfast casserole for a balanced meal.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a healthy side option.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To make your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls even better, consider these tips. They will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor everyone will love.

• Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure that your milk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for better dough consistency.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this will help create fluffy rolls.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dough rise is crucial for getting soft, airy rolls. Be patient!
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chai spice blend or add more pumpkin spice for personal preference.
• Store Correctly: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing your delicious Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with side dishes can make your meal complete. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages add a hearty element that works well with cinnamon flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your brunch spread.
4. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad dressed with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch.
5. Granola Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a healthy contrast to sweet rolls.
6. Mashed Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toast provides healthy fats and pairs nicely with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast from activating properly. Always ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Not measuring flour accurately: Too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s texture. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is essential for fluffy rolls. Be patient and give it enough time to double in size.
• Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out your rolls. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes and aim for a golden-brown color.
• Ignoring spice balance: The unique flavor of pumpkin chai relies on spices being balanced. Adjust your spice blend carefully to suit your taste preferences.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For best texture, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise for up to 2 months.
• Alternatively, freeze baked rolls after cooling completely, wrapped tightly.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one roll at a time for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a covered pan over low heat; warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree as pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the recipe’s flavor.

How can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk, replace eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

What spices are included in the chai spice blend?

Typically, chai spice blends include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. You can adjust these spices according to your preference.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, shape it into rolls, and then refrigerate overnight before baking them in the morning.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture. Whether you serve them for breakfast or brunch, they will surely impress anyone who takes a bite. So why not give this comforting recipe a try?