Chai Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
02 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp granulated white sugar (to bloom the yeast)
04 - 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
05 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 3/4 tsp ground ginger
07 - 1/4 tsp ground allspice
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
10 - 1/8 tsp ground cloves
11 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
13 - 2 eggs, whisked
14 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
15 - 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened

→ Chai Caramel Sauce

16 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
17 - 2 chai tea bags
18 - 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
19 - 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
20 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
21 - 3/4 tsp ground ginger
22 - 1/4 tsp ground allspice
23 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
24 - 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
25 - 1/8 tsp ground cloves
26 - 1/3 cup (116 g) honey
27 - 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
28 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Chai Filling

29 - 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
30 - 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
31 - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
32 - 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
33 - 1/2 tsp ground allspice
34 - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
35 - 1 tsp ground cardamom
36 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
37 - 1/4 tsp salt
38 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls)

→ Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

39 - 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened
40 - 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
41 - 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
42 - 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
43 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
44 - 1/4 tsp ground ginger
45 - 1/8 tsp ground allspice
46 - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
47 - 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
48 - Pinch of ground cloves

# Instructions:

01 - Bloom yeast by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy. Combine flour, spices, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Add eggs, vanilla, softened butter, and yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 7-10 minutes. Form a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours in a warm spot.
02 - Steep chai tea bags in heated heavy cream for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool. Mix butter, sugar, spices, honey, vanilla, and cooled chai cream. Spread evenly in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
03 - Mix butter, brown sugar, spices, and salt in a bowl until combined.
04 - Roll risen dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle (1/4 inch thick). Spread filling evenly. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls (1.5 inches wide). Place in prepared dish with caramel sauce. Pour heavy cream between rolls. Cover and proof for 1 hour until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 29-32 minutes until golden brown.
06 - Mix softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spices. Combine and beat until light and creamy.
07 - Let baked rolls cool for 10 minutes. Spread frosting over rolls while warm. Serve and enjoy.

# Notes:

01 - Lightly grease plastic wrap to prevent sticking during proofing.
02 - Use unflavored dental floss for cleaner cuts when slicing rolls.
03 - Measure ingredients, especially flour, with a digital scale for accuracy.