There’s something magical about the scent of chai spices and freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen on a cool morning. These Soft & Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls take that comforting moment and make it unforgettable—layered with brown sugar chai filling, drenched in sticky chai caramel sauce, and finished with a creamy chai cream cheese frosting. Every swirl is sweet, spiced, and irresistibly cozy. Whether you serve them for brunch or dessert, this fall-inspired recipe feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

Perfect fall flavor: Each bite bursts with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg—classic chai warmth that’s perfect for crisp mornings.
Soft and gooey texture: The dough bakes up pillowy and tender, while the caramel sauce keeps the bottoms sticky and luscious.
Dual-purpose treat: Ideal for both brunch and dessert—just warm, drizzle, and enjoy.
Make-ahead friendly: Proof the rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning for holiday mornings or lazy weekends.
Visually irresistible: Golden swirls, glossy caramel, and thick frosting make these rolls a Pinterest-perfect showstopper.
Vegetarian-friendly: No gelatin or alcohol—just wholesome, cozy ingredients everyone will love.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 1 hour
Proofing Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

1 ¼ cups warm whole milk (110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar (for blooming yeast)
4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cardamom
⅛ teaspoon cloves
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, whisked
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chai Caramel Sauce

⅓ cup heavy cream
2 chai tea bags
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cardamom
⅛ teaspoon cloves
⅓ cup honey
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Chai Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cardamom
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ cup heavy cream (for pouring between rolls)

For the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon cardamom
Pinch of nutmeg and cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bloom the YeastCombine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
Make the DoughMix flour, spices, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and softened butter. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and proof until doubled, about 1 hour.
Make the Chai Caramel SauceWarm cream with chai tea bags for 10 minutes, then mix with butter, brown sugar, honey, spices, vanilla, and salt. Spread this mixture over a greased 9×13 pan.
Prepare the FillingMix butter, brown sugar, and chai spices until fluffy.
Assemble the RollsRoll dough into an 18×12 rectangle, spread filling, then roll into a log and slice into 12 rolls. Arrange rolls over the caramel sauce. Pour heavy cream between each roll.
Final Proof & BakeCover and proof 1 hour until doubled. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Frost & ServeWhip frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve immediately for that gooey, fall-perfect bite.

Variations to Try

Pumpkin Chai Rolls: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree to the dough for a seasonal twist.
Maple Glaze Finish: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple maple glaze.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans before baking for crunch.
Mini Roll Version: Make bite-sized rolls for parties or brunch boards.

Tips from Chef Emma

Steep your chai tea fully for a deep, aromatic flavor.
Use softened butter—not melted—for fluffy dough.
Warm the frosting slightly before spreading—it melts into every swirl.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 360
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugars: 30g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 210mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these chai rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.
Q: Can I make them without cream cheese?
A: Substitute with a maple glaze or vanilla icing for a lighter finish.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes—freeze baked rolls without frosting, thaw, and glaze before serving.
Q: How do I keep them soft the next day?
A: Reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.

Final Thoughts

These Soft & Gooey Chai Cinnamon Rolls bring together everything we love about fall—warm spices, sticky caramel, and creamy frosting. Perfect as a cozy brunch centerpiece or a comforting dessert, they’re an irresistible combination of flavor and nostalgia. Save this recipe to your fall baking board so it’s ready when the craving hits!