Description
Bakery-style pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls with a tender, pillowy crumb, warm spices, and a silky cream cheese glaze—perfect for cozy fall mornings.
Ingredients
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1/2 tsp fine salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cardamom
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie mix)
1/2 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling: 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Filling: 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Filling: 1 tsp chai spice blend (optional)
Filling: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Glaze: 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Glaze: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
Glaze: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze: 2–3 tbsp milk, as needed
Instructions
1. Whisk 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; pour into dry ingredients and stir.
3. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms; knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, 60–90 minutes.
5. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chai spice; roll dough to a 16×12-inch rectangle, spread softened butter, sprinkle sugar mixture, add nuts if using.
6. Roll up from the long side into a tight log; slice into 12 rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
7. Cover and let rise until puffy, 30–45 minutes; meanwhile preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through; cool 10 minutes.
9. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla; thin with milk to desired consistency and spread over warm rolls.
10. Serve warm; store leftovers covered at room temp 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days, rewarming gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes