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, and the chai cream cheese glaze is sure to fill your days with comfort! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these rolls will impress your family and friends. You’ll love their fluffy texture and delightful flavors that remind you of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a unique taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make – This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create bakery-quality rolls.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend brunch, these rolls fit right in.
• Versatile Topping Options – The chai cream cheese glaze can be adjusted with different spices for personal flair.
• Freezable – Bake a batch now and freeze some for later enjoyment!

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Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making these delightful rolls, ensure you have all necessary tools ready. This preparation will help streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Rolling pin – Helps achieve the perfect thickness for your dough.
• Baking sheet – Provides an even surface for baking your cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Dairy Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use whole milk, if desired)
• 1 1/4 cup Almond milk, unsweetened + at room temp. (You can use whole milk or heavy cream, if desired)
• 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted + cooled until warm (Make sure that it’s WARM, not hot!)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temp.
• 4 oz. organic cream cheese, softened at room temp. (That’s 1/2 a pack!)

Dry Ingredients

• 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 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup organic brown sugar + 1 Tbsp
• 3 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted

Flavorings

• 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!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 Tbsps cooled Chai tea mixture (See Notes!)

Pumpkin Ingredients

• 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (NOT Pie filling!)
• 2 large eggs, room temp.
• 1-2 tsps pumpkin spice blend

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming the almond milk slightly. Steep the black tea bags in it for about 5 minutes. Remove the bags and stir in the maple syrup and chai spice blend.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, artisan bread flour, yeast, sea salt, and brown sugar. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter (make sure it’s warm), and the cooled chai tea mixture.

Step 4: Mix Dough Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until combined into a soft dough. If necessary, add more flour until it no longer sticks to your hands.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let 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 gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.

Step 7: Add Filling

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

Step 8: Roll Up Dough

Starting from one long side of the rectangle roll it tightly into a log shape. Pinch edges to seal.

Step 9: Cut Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dental floss cut the log into equal pieces about 1 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 10: Second Rise

Cover rolls with plastic wrap or a cloth again and let rise for another 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 11: Bake

Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes or until lightly golden on top.

Step 12: Prepare Glaze

While baking, whip together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add cooled chai tea mixture gradually until reaching desired consistency.

Step 13: Glaze Your Rolls

Once baked rolls are cool enough to handle but still warm drizzle them generously with chai cream cheese glaze before serving! Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to present these delicious rolls.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Spiced Chai Latte: A warm chai latte complements the flavors perfectly, enhancing the chai spices in the rolls.
• Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Brew a cup of pumpkin spice coffee for a cozy vibe, making your breakfast feel festive.

Add a Side of Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apples provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spiced rolls.
• Berries: Mixed berries add a burst of flavor and color to your plate, balancing the sweetness.

Drizzle More Glaze

• Extra Chai Cream Cheese Glaze: Enhance each roll with an additional drizzle of glaze for added creaminess and sweetness.

Serve Warm

• Warm and Fluffy: Serve these rolls warm right out of the oven. The warmth enhances the aroma and makes them irresistible.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Making perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature so they mix smoothly into the dough without shocking it.
• Knead Properly: Knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which helps create fluffy rolls.
• Check Yeast Freshness: Always check that your yeast is fresh; expired yeast won’t rise properly.
• Let Dough Rise Fully: Allow enough time for the dough to double in size during rising; this is crucial for light rolls.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking; overbaking can dry out the rolls, so aim for golden-brown edges.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing sides with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for a creamy, crunchy side.
2. Breakfast Sausages: Savory breakfast sausages add protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
3. Egg Muffins: Whip up some egg muffins filled with veggies for a nutritious companion.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light and refreshing touch alongside the rich cinnamon rolls.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness that pairs well with sweet flavors.
6. Cinnamon Apple Compote: A warm apple compote brings another layer of spice and sweetness to your brunch spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the yeast’s freshness: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Using old yeast can result in flat rolls. Store your yeast in a cool, dry place for longevity.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science that requires precision. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure consistent results.

• Skipping the resting time: Allowing your dough to rise properly enhances texture and flavor. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for fluffy rolls.

• Overfilling the rolls: It’s tempting to add more filling, but too much can cause your rolls to spill out during baking. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a uniform dough that rises better.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds on high, checking for desired warmth.

• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste and texture of your rolls. Always opt for pure pumpkin puree.

How do I make my cinnamon rolls fluffier?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and allow enough rising time for the dough. Warm temperatures also help activate the yeast effectively.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! You can substitute almond milk for any non-dairy milk, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and replace butter with a vegan alternative.

What spices work well with pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves complement pumpkin beautifully. Feel free to adjust based on personal preference!

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

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

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert during fall gatherings or cozy weekends at home. Their unique combination of pumpkin and chai spices offers delightful flavors that can be customized further with nuts or dried fruits. Give this recipe a try and enjoy warm, comforting treats that will impress everyone!