Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Ready in a little over an hour, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the ultimate decadence. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and chai spices. Topped with a creamy glaze, they are an irresistible treat that will delight your family and friends during any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm, inviting taste that is perfect for fall or any time you crave comfort food.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up these cinnamon rolls in just over an hour.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a special breakfast, a delightful brunch offering, or a sweet dessert after dinner.
• Customizable Glaze: The chai cream cheese glaze can be adjusted to suit your taste; feel free to add more spices or even nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Impressive Presentation: These rolls look as good as they taste, making them perfect for gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls seamlessly, having the right tools on hand will simplify the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and ensuring even mixing.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for rolling out the dough evenly.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking the rolls to perfection.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls:

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, 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 combining warm almond milk with black tea bags in a bowl. Let it steep for about 5 minutes before removing the tea bags.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm almond milk mixture with pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Add Filling

Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough evenly. Sprinkle brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend on top.

Step 8: Roll Up & Cut

Starting from one end of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces about 1 to 2 inches thick.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cinnamon rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet; let them rise for another 15 minutes before baking for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

While baking, prepare glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and cooled chai tea mixture until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls after baking.

Enjoy your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance their flavors.

With a Chai Cream Cheese Glaze

• Drizzle the chai cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls for an extra layer of sweetness and spice.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Serve with slices of fresh fruit, such as apples or pears, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Complement your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to create a cozy atmosphere.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top the rolls with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and a creamy texture.

Ice Cream Delight

• Serve warm cinnamon rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature for better mixing and rising.
• Knead properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which helps achieve fluffy rolls.
• Let it rise: Ensure the dough rises in a warm place until doubled in size; this is crucial for texture.
• Don’t rush the baking: Bake until golden brown, checking periodically to avoid overbaking.
• Cool before glazing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding glaze, so it doesn’t melt off.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that enhances your breakfast spread.

3. Savory Scrambled Eggs
   Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and a savory contrast, making for a hearty meal.

4. Crispy Hash Browns
   Golden-brown hash browns add texture and flavor, offering a satisfying crunch next to sweet rolls.

5. Oatmeal Bowl
   A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and dried fruits complements the spices in the cinnamon rolls.

6. Spiced Nuts Mix
   A mix of spiced nuts adds crunch and a touch of saltiness that pairs nicely with sweet pastries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing and dense rolls. Always use room temperature ingredients for a fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, resulting in too much flour. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup.
• Skipping the proofing step: This is crucial for developing flavor and creating light rolls. Make sure to allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
• Overfilling with filling: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Spread a thin even layer of pumpkin mixture for balanced sweetness.
• Not letting the rolls cool before glazing: Glazing warm rolls can cause the icing to melt away. Allow them to cool slightly for a perfect glaze.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my rolls fluffier?

To achieve fluffier rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. Allow adequate rising time for the dough.

Can I substitute almond milk?

Yes! You can use whole milk or any non-dairy milk you prefer without changing the taste significantly.

What if I don’t have chai spice blend?

You can create your own by mixing cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I make these Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then assemble and bake them in the morning.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover rolls should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you want them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different spices or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. They make an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Try this recipe today and indulge in its comforting flavors!