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 a cozy dessert, these rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the cozy combination of pumpkin and chai spices that offers a warm taste perfect for fall.
• Easy Preparation: With just over an hour of total time, you can whip up these cinnamon rolls without a fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
• Comforting Treat: The creamy chai glaze elevates these rolls to a comforting indulgence everyone will love.
• Homemade Goodness: Make them from scratch using wholesome ingredients for a fresh flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, ensure you have the right tools on hand.

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 without spilling; helps maintain organization in your workspace.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect dough thickness for rolling out your cinnamon roll dough evenly.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your rolls to golden perfection.

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

Start by warming the almond milk in a saucepan over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add black tea bags. Let steep for about 5 minutes before removing them.

In a large mixing bowl:
* Combine warm almond milk with maple syrup and chai spice blend.
* Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Add in:
* 4 cups all-purpose flour,
* 2 cups artisan bread flour,
* Sea salt,
* Pumpkin spice blend,
* Warm water,
* Organic brown sugar,
* Pumpkin puree,
* Eggs,
* Melted butter.

Mix until combined into a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After rising, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.

Step 4: Add Filling

Spread softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend; sprinkle this mixture evenly over buttered dough.

Step 5: Roll & Cut

Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces using dental floss or sharp knife.

Step 6: Bake

Place rolls onto prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for about 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Make Glaze

While rolls bake, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, and cooled Chai tea mixture until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm cinnamon rolls when they come out of the oven.

Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls as they bring warmth and joy to every bite!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls.

Drizzle with Maple Syrup

• Add a touch of pure maple syrup on top for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

Offer a Side of Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream can enhance the richness and provide a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with warm rolls.

Accompany with Hot Beverages

• Pair your cinnamon rolls with chai tea or coffee to elevate the flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Serve Warm

• Always serve these rolls warm from the oven for the best taste and texture. Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave if needed.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve fluffy, flavorful rolls every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and milk are at room temperature helps activate the yeast properly for better rising.

• Check yeast freshness: Always use fresh yeast to ensure optimal rising. Expired yeast may lead to dense rolls.

• Knead well: Kneading the dough until smooth develops gluten, giving your cinnamon rolls their fluffy texture.

• Allow for proper rising: Let the dough rise in a warm environment until doubled in size. This step is crucial for light and airy rolls.

• Don’t skip sifting powdered sugar: Sifting powdered sugar before making your glaze prevents lumps, resulting in a smooth finish.

• Experiment with spices: Adjust the amount of chai spice blend according to your taste preference for a more personalized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

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

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides creaminess and crunch, complementing the cinnamon flavors.
3. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with granola offers a nutritious option that pairs well with sweet pastries.
4. Savory Quiche: A slice of vegetable quiche introduces savory elements that contrast nicely with sweet rolls.
5. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch alongside the sweetness.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option adds texture while being light enough not to overpower the main dish.
7. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of mixed roasted nuts provides healthy fats and crunch to balance out the soft cinnamon rolls.
8. Herbal Tea: Serve a calming herbal tea as a beverage option that pairs well without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature for better mixing. This helps create a smooth dough and enhances texture.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too much can make the rolls tough. Aim for a soft and slightly sticky dough that is just combined.
• Skipping the second rise: Allowing the dough to rise a second time is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let it rise until doubled in size.
• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Always use pure pumpkin puree to control flavor and sweetness. Check labels to avoid pre-seasoned varieties.
• Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method or weigh the flour for precision.

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 3 days.

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds, checking every 10 seconds.
• Stovetop: warm on low heat in a pan, covered with a lid, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, sweet rolls made with pumpkin puree and infused with chai spices, topped with cream cheese glaze.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, use dairy-free butter, and non-dairy milk options to create vegan versions.

How do I store leftover Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Leftover rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last up to three days if properly stored.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance flavor. Just fold them into the filling before rolling up the dough.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll enjoy warm, comforting flavors that bring joy to any breakfast table!