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 dessert, these rolls bring a cozy vibe to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a delightful taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll find this recipe approachable even for beginners.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them warm for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack; they’re great any time of day!
• Perfectly Fluffy: The unique blend of flours ensures that these rolls turn out light and airy every time.
• Decadent Glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence that takes these rolls to the next level.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure that your baking process goes smoothly.

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 properly; using different sizes helps in managing various mixtures.
• Rolling pin: A key tool for rolling out dough evenly, ensuring uniform cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your rolls, allowing them to rise beautifully.

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
• 4 cups organic All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Artisan Bread flour
• 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

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the almond milk in a small saucepan until it’s lukewarm. Remove from heat and steep the black tea bags for about 5 minutes. Afterward, discard the tea bags, add maple syrup, and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine both flours, yeast, sea salt, pumpkin spice blend, and chai spice blend. Mix well using a whisk to ensure an even distribution of all dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter (cooled), vanilla extract, and the warm tea mixture until smooth.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until everything comes together into a dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Step 5: Let it Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Roll Out & Fill

Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface and sprinkle with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend.

Step 7: Roll & Slice

Roll up tightly from one end to form a log. Cut into equal slices and place them on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover with plastic wrap or a cloth again and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until they puff up nicely.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

While baking, mix together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and cooled chai tea mixture until smooth.

Step 11: Drizzle & Serve

Once out of the oven, drizzle your chai cream cheese glaze over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor!

Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a sweet treat during the day, here are some serving ideas to elevate your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Chai Latte: Pair your rolls with a warm chai latte for a comforting experience that enhances the chai flavors in the rolls.
• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness and spices of the cinnamon rolls perfectly.

Topped with Extras

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle the chai cream cheese glaze generously over each roll for an added layer of richness.
• Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside seasonal fruits like apples or pears to balance the sweetness.
• Yogurt Parfait: Create a yogurt parfait with layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit to offer something light alongside the rolls.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Creating the perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve cinnamon roll perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help create a smooth dough that rises well.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving your rolls their fluffy texture.
• Don’t Skip Proofing: Allow the dough enough time to rise. A properly proofed dough results in lighter, airier rolls.
• Keep Spices Fresh: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Old spices can dull the warm chai notes you want in your rolls.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Complementing your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
2. Oatmeal: A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with nuts and honey offers a hearty addition to your brunch spread.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the meal without overpowering the sweet rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl made from bananas and berries is both nutritious and visually appealing next to cinnamon rolls.
5. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread brings healthy fats into play and pairs nicely with sweet flavors.
6. Granola Parfait: Layered yogurt, granola, and berries make for an elegant side that complements the soft texture of cinnamon rolls.
7. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
8. Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can serve as a calming beverage choice that ties together your brunch experience nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and milk can hinder dough rising. Always use room temperature ingredients for a better texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking flour can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the proofing step: Allowing dough to rise is crucial. Don’t rush this step; it ensures fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Ignoring spice quality: Fresh spices make a big difference. Use high-quality chai spice blends for rich flavor.
• Underestimating baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your rolls and adjust baking time as needed to achieve golden perfection.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls special?

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls combine warm spices and pumpkin puree for a unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls, making them perfect for fall.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel airy when you poke it gently with a finger; it should spring back slightly.

Can I customize the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the chai spice blend according to your taste preferences or add additional spices like nutmeg or cloves.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or raisins or adjusting the spice levels. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Try this recipe today!