Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking to up your cinnamon roll game this season, let me introduce you to Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls. These dreamy rolls are everything you could want in a brunch treat: unbelievably fluffy, thick, and perfectly sweet, with a bold chai-spiced kick both in the pillowy dough and the creamy glaze. Imagine cozying up on a chilly morning with one of these beauties—each bite is like a sip of your favorite chai latte, but in dessert form. Even better, there are make-ahead and gluten-free options, so everyone can indulge in a swirl of spiced, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls might sound fancy, but each ingredient is surprisingly simple and purposeful, combining to give you an irresistibly soft dough and magical layers of flavor. Here’s how each one helps make every roll unforgettable.

• Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a neutral, creamy base for infusing the fragrant chai tea—feel free to use your favorite plant-based milk.
• Black tea bags: These premium tea bags infuse deep, earthy notes that anchor the chai flavor in both dough and glaze.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness and richness to the chai infusion.
• Chai spice blend: A warming mix of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and more—key to capturing that cozy café-style vibe.
• Organic all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the dough, delivering the classic, tender crumb we crave.
• Organic artisan bread flour: Boosts chewiness and structure; if you’re out, more all-purpose works too.
• Organic cane sugar: Adds gentle sweetness throughout the dough while also helping create that golden crust.
• Rapid rise yeast: Makes these rolls extra fluffy and shaves time off the rise—one 2 ¼ tsp packet does the trick!
• WARM chai tea mixture: This liquid gold flavors and hydrates the dough, plus there’s extra for the glaze.
• WARM water: Essential for activating the yeast quickly and evenly.
• Vegan butter: Melted into the dough and spread in the filling, it lends richness and the perfect soft bite.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet, spicy profile—don’t skip it!
• Sea salt: Just a dash brings all the flavors into focus and keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Organic brown sugar: For that ooey-gooey caramel-like filling you know and love.
• Ground cinnamon: More cinnamon makes the filling extra fragrant and comforting.
• Organic powdered sugar: Sifted for a super smooth, creamy glaze.

How to Make Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Chai Tea Mixture

Start with the heart of this recipe: your homemade chai tea! Gently bring your almond milk to a low boil, toss in your black tea bags, and let them steep away with maple syrup and your chai spice blend. Let this mixture cool completely—you’ll use it for both the dough and that luscious glaze.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Combine rapid rise yeast with a spoonful of sugar and warm water in your mixing bowl. Give it a quick stir, then let it fizz and foam for 5-10 minutes, letting you know the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Stir the cooled chai tea mixture and melted vegan butter into your yeast mixture, along with that splash of vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together your flours, the rest of the sugar, and sea salt. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing on low until a soft dough comes together. Knead it by machine for 5-10 minutes until it’s elastic and springs back lightly—a telltale sign your dough will bake up extra fluffy!

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Coat a large bowl with a little olive oil and nestle your dough in, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, then let it rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size. Now’s the perfect time to dream about that first gooey bite while prepping your filling!

Step 5: Make the Filling

Cream the softened vegan butter in one bowl. In another, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. You want the butter to be paste-like, so it spreads easily over the dough, ensuring every roll gets an even layer of that sweet spiced blend.

Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough

Turn your risen dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it into a large rectangle. Spread on most of your softened butter, then sprinkle generously with the brown sugar-cinnamon mix—don’t be shy, every bite should be deliciously gooey! Use a pastry brush for extra even coverage.

Step 7: Shape and Slice

Tightly roll up the dough from the long side, creating a beautiful spiral. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the log into 1.5-inch pieces. Arrange the rolls cut side down in your prepared pan, leaving just enough room for them to puff up and hug each other as they bake.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover your rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again (about 20 minutes), then gently brush with the remaining butter. Watch them get plump and pillowy—this last rise guarantees those epic, pull-apart layers!

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and your kitchen smells like a spice market. While they’re baking, whip up your glaze—don’t wander too far, the smell is hypnotic!

Step 10: Make the Chai Latte Glaze

In a bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of your reserved chai tea, mixing until smooth and dreamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed—it should drape over your Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls like a sweet, spiced blanket.

Step 11: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are just cool enough to handle, generously swoosh on the glaze. Slice, serve, and savor every moment—these Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls are pure autumn bakery bliss!

How to Serve Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chai spice over the top of your glazed rolls makes them look (and taste!) even more inviting. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few curls of dairy-free white chocolate for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Enjoy your Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls alongside a big mug of hot vegan chai, creamy oat milk lattes, or even a homemade pumpkin smoothie. They pair beautifully with fresh fruit, coconut yogurt parfaits, or a handful of toasted nuts for a balanced brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your brunch table by serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board or a beautiful platter—let people pull them apart family-style! You can also stack mini rolls into a tower for festive gatherings, or tie single rolls with twine as charming takeaway favors for friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls fresh by wrapping them tightly or sealing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you think they’ll last longer (unlikely!), pop them in the fridge for up to a week to maintain that freshly baked softness.

Freezing

Baked Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, wrap them individually or as a batch, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat rolls by giving them a quick zap in the microwave (about 20 seconds per roll) or warming them in a low oven (300F for 10 minutes) to restore that just-baked softness. Add a drizzle of extra glaze if desired—no one can resist a gooey, warm Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Roll!

FAQs

Can I make Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose and bread flours for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and slightly reduce the total amount by 1 cup. Slowly add more flour if the dough seems sticky, and you’ll still end up with soft, delicious results.

Do I have to let the dough rise overnight?

Not at all, though the overnight method is a great way to prep ahead for special mornings. If you’re short on time, just follow the classic rise times in the recipe, and you’ll be enjoying your rolls the same day.

Can I use a store-bought chai tea bag instead of making my own blend?

Yes! If you have a chai tea bag blend on hand, feel free to use it in place of the homemade spice mix for the infusion—just make sure the flavor is as bold as you like, adjusting the spices in the glaze if needed.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls cleanly?

Use a sharp knife, a bench scraper, or even unflavored dental floss slid under the rolled dough and pulled through for super tidy, uniform slices. This keeps each roll in perfect, spiraled shape!

Can I prepare the Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls in advance for a party?

Definitely! Assemble and slice the rolls, place them in the baking dish, and cover tightly. Refrigerate overnight, then let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour the next day before baking. They’ll be fresh, fluffy, and ready for a crowd!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your friends, family, or just treat yourself, give these Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls a spot in your kitchen this season. With their irresistible layers of spiced sweetness and the coziness of a chai latte in every swirl, they’re the perfect reason to slow down, savor, and share something truly special. Try them once—you’ll be hooked!

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