Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Ready in a little over an hour, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the ultimate decadence. The warm spices and savory pumpkin create a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its rich chai cream cheese glaze, these rolls are sure to impress at any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these rolls as a sweet breakfast option or a delightful dessert during fall festivities.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these cinnamon rolls are great for gatherings or brunch with friends.
• Comforting Aroma: Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure your rolls turn out perfectly.

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 thoroughly without spilling.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking your delicious treats.

Ingredients

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 Chai 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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm almond milk with maple syrup and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, bread flour, chai spice blend, pumpkin spice blend, and sea salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture along with pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
2. Knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix together softened butter with brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend until well combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log shape.
2. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

1. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise again for about 20 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for approximately 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare the Chai Glaze

1. In another bowl, beat together powdered sugar and softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Slowly add cooled chai tea mixture until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle them generously with chai glaze before serving warm!

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte: Pair your rolls with a creamy chai latte to complement the chai flavors.
• Spiced Apple Cider: A warm spiced apple cider adds a cozy touch and balances the sweetness of the rolls.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a vibrant fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer with yogurt and granola for a hearty brunch option that adds texture.

As a Dessert

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Top your cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the rolls for an extra touch of decadence.

How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use warm ingredients: Make sure your almond milk and melted butter are warm, not hot, as this helps activate the yeast effectively.
• Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this will give your rolls their fluffy texture.
• Let dough rise properly: Allow enough time for the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This can take about 1 hour.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar for your glaze will ensure a smooth and lump-free consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Enhance your meal by pairing these delicious side dishes with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with soft cinnamon rolls.
3. Avocado Toast: A slice of avocado toast brings healthy fats and freshness to your breakfast spread.
4. Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet rolls.
5. Cottage Cheese Bowl: Pairing with cottage cheese adds creaminess and can be topped with nuts or fruit.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl is nutritious and provides a refreshing contrast to rich cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Bold Ingredients: Using the wrong type of flour can affect texture. Always use the specified flours for the best results.
• Bold Yeast Temperature: If your warm water is too hot, it may kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature that feels warm to the touch, not hot.
• Bold Mixing Too Much: Over-mixing the dough can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined for a softer texture.
• Bold Measuring Incorrectly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for consistency.
• Bold Not Letting It Rise: Skipping the rise time can result in dense rolls. Allow the dough to double in size for fluffiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls unique?

These rolls combine pumpkin puree with chai spices, giving them a warm, comforting flavor perfect for fall.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

How do I store leftover Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for long-term storage.

How can I customize my Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?

Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits into the filling or swap out spices based on your preference!

Can I use other types of milk?

Absolutely! You may replace almond milk with any non-dairy or dairy milk of your choice based on availability.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful blend of flavors that make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Their versatility allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these scrumptious rolls anytime!