Ready in a little over an hour, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the ultimate decadence. The dough is filled with savory pumpkin and warm spices, and the chai cream cheese glaze is sure to fill your days with comfort! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the warmth of chai spices for a deliciously unique taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have fresh rolls ready in just over an hour.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy brunches, or as an everyday indulgence.
- Comforting Aroma: The delightful scent of cinnamon and chai will fill your kitchen, making it a welcoming space.
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for an extra twist!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Rolling pin: Helps to evenly roll out the dough for perfect cinnamon rolls.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your rolls until golden brown.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls:
For the Dough
- 1/2 cup Almond milk, unsweetened
- 2 black tea bags, premium
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp chai spice blend
- 4 cups organic All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Artisan Bread flour
- 1 packet Rapid Rise Yeast (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.
- 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (NOT Pie filling!)
- 2 large eggs, room temp.
- 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted + cooled until warm
- 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.
- 3-4 Tbsps cooled Chai tea mixture
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the almond milk until it’s just lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine it with the tea bags and maple syrup. Let it steep for about 5 minutes before removing the tea bags.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In another bowl, combine both flours, yeast, pumpkin spice blend, sea salt, and brown sugar. Add this dry mixture to the milk mixture along with eggs and melted butter. Stir until combined.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
Step 5: Add Filling
Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and Dessert Lover Blend evenly across. Roll up tightly from one end to form a log.
Step 6: Cut into Rolls
Slice your log into even pieces (about 12). Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover again with cloth and let them rise for another 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8: Bake
Bake rolls for about 25–30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl. Add cooled chai tea mixture gradually until you achieve desired consistency.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle your chai glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Serving Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. These delightful rolls pair well with various accompaniments that enhance their warm, spiced flavors.
Enjoy with a Warm Beverage
- Chai Latte: A perfect match that complements the chai spices in the rolls.
- Coffee: The rich taste of coffee balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve these rolls with a creamy cup of hot chocolate.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Apples: Crisp apples provide a refreshing contrast to the soft, sweet rolls.
- Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries add a burst of color and tartness.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas bring natural sweetness and enhance the flavor profile.
Pair with Spreads
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Use leftover chai cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nut Butter: Almond or cashew butter adds a nutty flavor and healthy fats.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle over the rolls for added sweetness and richness.
How to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
To ensure your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help activate the yeast effectively.
- Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to achieve fluffy rolls.
- Let it Rise: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise; this will create lighter, airier rolls.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven to avoid overbaking; they should be golden brown but not dry.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow rolls to cool slightly before adding glaze; this helps it set beautifully without melting away.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers creaminess and crunch.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein, complementing the sweet rolls.
- Oven-Baked Bacon Alternatives: Use turkey bacon for a savory option without pork products.
- Granola with Milk: A crunchy granola served with almond milk makes for a wholesome side.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds adds nutrition and energy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold milk or eggs can hinder yeast activation. Always use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Skipping the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size.
- Overbaking: Checking your rolls a few minutes early can prevent them from becoming dry. Aim for a golden-brown color.
- Ignoring the chai flavor: Not using enough chai spice blend can dull the flavor. Measure carefully to ensure that warm chai notes shine through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per roll.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.
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 know if my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel airy when you poke it lightly with your finger.
What if I don’t have chai spice blend?
You can create your own by mixing equal parts of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom.
How can I customize my Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls?
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture or drizzling caramel sauce on top after baking!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different spices or fillings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall any time of year!
Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful treat that perfectly marries the sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic chai spices. These rolls are fluffy and soft, filled with a rich pumpkin and spice mixture, then drizzled with a creamy chai glaze that elevates each bite. Ready in just over an hour, they make for an ideal breakfast, brunch, or dessert option that can brighten any gathering. Invite the inviting aroma of cinnamon and chai into your kitchen as you enjoy these delicious rolls fresh out of the oven.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Almond milk, unsweetened
- 2 black tea bags, premium
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp chai spice blend
- 4 cups organic All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Artisan Bread flour
- 1 packet Rapid Rise Yeast (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.
- 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (NOT Pie filling!)
- 2 large eggs, room temp.
- 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted + cooled until warm
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup organic brown sugar for filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temp. for filling
- 1 Tbsp Dessert Lover Blend for filling
- 3 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted for glaze
- 4 oz. organic cream cheese, softened at room temp. for glaze
- 3–4 Tbsps cooled Chai tea mixture for glaze
Instructions
- Warm almond milk and steep tea bags with maple syrup for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix both flours, yeast, spices, salt, and brown sugar.
- Combine dry ingredients with the milk mixture, eggs, and melted butter; stir until combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth; let rise in a greased bowl until doubled (30 minutes).
- Roll out dough into a rectangle; spread softened butter and sprinkle filling mixture evenly before rolling tightly.
- Slice into rolls and place cut-side up on parchment-lined baking sheet; let rise again (20 minutes).
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare glaze by mixing cream cheese and powdered sugar with cooled chai tea mixture to desired consistency; drizzle over warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider incorporating nuts or dried fruit into the filling. Customize the glaze by adding vanilla extract or a dash of your favorite spices.




