Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly while still being incredibly soft and decadent. The homemade chai tea infuses both the dough and the glaze, giving every bite a comforting warmth. They’re ideal for holiday mornings, weekend baking projects, or whenever you want to fill your home with the scent of cinnamon and spice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

CHAI TEA:

• 1 ½ cups almond milk, unsweetened (or other plant-based milk)
• 3 black tea bags, premium
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons chai spice blend

DOUGH:

• 3 cups organic all-purpose flour (see notes)
• 2 cups organic artisan bread flour
• ½ cup organic cane sugar + 1 tablespoon
• 1 packet rapid rise yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 ¼ cups chai tea mixture, warm (reserve ¼ cup for glaze)
• ¼ cup warm water
• 6 tablespoons vegan butter, melted and cooled until warm
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

FILLING:

• ½ cup organic brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegan butter, softened at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

GLAZE:

• 3 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter, softened at room temperature
• 3–4 tablespoons cooled chai tea mixture

Directions

1. Prepare the chai tea by heating almond milk until hot but not boiling. Add tea bags, maple syrup, and chai spice blend. Steep for 10–15 minutes, then remove tea bags and cool slightly.
2. In a small bowl, mix warm water, 1 tablespoon cane sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, bread flour, remaining cane sugar, and sea salt.
4. Add the yeast mixture, 1 ¼ cups warm chai tea mixture, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
6. Roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread softened vegan butter evenly on top.
7. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
8. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vegan butter, and cooled chai tea until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls. Prep time is around 30 minutes plus 1 ½–2 hours rising time. Baking takes 25–30 minutes, making the total time approximately 2 ½–3 hours.

Variations

• Use coconut milk instead of almond milk for a richer flavor.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
• Incorporate cardamom into the filling for an extra chai-inspired touch.
• Make a maple glaze instead of chai for a seasonal twist.
• Add a swirl of vegan cream cheese to the glaze for tanginess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze baked rolls without glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them the next morning.

What if I don’t have artisan bread flour?

You can use only all-purpose flour, though the rolls may be slightly less chewy.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and feel airy when poked lightly.

Can I use store-bought chai concentrate?

Yes, but reduce the sugar in the dough since many concentrates are sweetened.

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

Use unflavored dental floss to slice cleanly without squishing the dough.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will differ slightly.

How do I prevent dry rolls?

Make sure not to overbake and cover the rolls immediately after baking to retain moisture.

Can I add other spices to the filling?

Yes, nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice pair beautifully with cinnamon.

Can I make mini rolls instead of large ones?

Absolutely, just cut the dough into smaller slices and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.

Can I freeze baked cinnamon rolls with glaze?

Yes, but the glaze may change texture. For best results, freeze without glaze and add it after reheating.

Conclusion

Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to combine the cozy flavors of chai tea with the indulgence of soft, homemade cinnamon rolls. They’re rich, spiced, and sweet, making them an excellent choice for holidays, brunch, or simply treating yourself to something special.

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