Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Vegan

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls with a comforting aroma enjoy your freshly baked Vegan Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls that will transport you to a cozy café on a chilly morning. These rolls are not just any cinnamon rolls; they are infused with the delightful spices of chai, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves—wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. Topped with a luscious vegan icing, each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making these rolls an irresistible treat for breakfast or brunch.

Vegan Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1/4 ounce packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 cup cane sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Chai Spice Mix:
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup vegan butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon chai spice mix (from above)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons almond milk

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture.
• In another bowl, mix flour, cane sugar, salt, and chai spices. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Knead and Rise:

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix softened vegan butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chai spice until well combined.

Assemble the Rolls:

• Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 15×9 inches.
• Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with optional nuts.
• Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch seams to seal and trim off uneven ends.
• Slice into 12 equal pieces using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife.

Second Rise:

• Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Icing:

• In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and almond milk until smooth.

Serve:

• Allow rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with icing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Rolls

• For an overnight option, prepare up to step 5 and refrigerate overnight before baking.
• Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
• Use dental floss to slice rolls without squishing them.

Exploring Vegan Breakfast Alternatives and Tips for Cinnamon Rolls

If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but are looking for other delicious vegan breakfast options, there are plenty of alternatives to satisfy your cravings. Additionally, if you’re considering substitutions or enhancements for your cinnamon rolls, here are some helpful tips.

Other Vegan Breakfast Recipes Similar to Cinnamon Rolls

1. Vegan Sticky Buns: Similar to cinnamon rolls but with a gooey caramel sauce, these buns are topped with nuts and can be flavored with various spices.
2. Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls: Use a chocolate hazelnut spread as the filling instead of cinnamon and sugar for a decadent twist.
3. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Incorporate pumpkin puree into the dough and use pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor.
4. Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg to the filling for a fruity variation.
5. Vegan Cardamom Buns: Replace cinnamon with cardamom in the filling for a fragrant Scandinavian-inspired treat.

Substituting Chai Spices

You can definitely substitute chai spices with different blends. A simple mix of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a 4:2:1 ratio can mimic the warm flavors of chai. For example:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Feel free to experiment with other spices like vanilla or anise to create your own unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences[1][3].

Making Creamier Icing

To achieve a creamier icing for your cinnamon rolls, consider these tips:

• Add Coconut Cream: Substitute part of the almond milk with coconut cream for a richer texture.
• Use Vegan Cream Cheese: Blend in vegan cream cheese for a tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
• Increase Fat Content: Incorporate more melted vegan butter or add a tablespoon of nut butter to enhance creaminess.

Storing Leftover Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your leftover cinnamon rolls fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.
• Freezing: For extended freshness, freeze individual rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be reheated directly from frozen.

Gluten-Free Variations

If you’re looking for gluten-free options for these cinnamon rolls:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or add xanthan gum separately if not included in the blend.
• Almond Flour or Oat Flour: Combine almond flour with tapioca flour or oat flour to create a soft dough.
• Chickpea Flour Dough: For a protein-packed option, consider chickpea flour mixed with gluten-free starches.

By exploring these alternatives and tips, you can enjoy delightful vegan breakfasts while customizing your favorite cinnamon roll recipe to suit your dietary needs!

These vegan chai-spiced cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household, perfectly soft, deliciously spiced, and topped with creamy icing that makes every bite heavenly! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later; they freeze beautifully too!