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Freshly baked chai cinnamon rolls cooling on a wire rack

Overnight Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These overnight chai cinnamon rolls are infused with aromatic spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for a cozy morning treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk 105-115°F
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk at room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
For the Chai Filling:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream as needed for consistency

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Small bowl
  • Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Electric mixer

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. Activate the yeast by whisking warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar; let it sit until foamy.
  2. Combine the activated yeast mixture with remaining sugar, salt, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter, then gradually mix in flour until the dough is slightly sticky.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1 ½ hours until doubled.
Filling & Assembly
  1. While the dough rises, prepare the chai filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper until it forms a paste.
  2. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface, then spread the chai filling evenly, leaving a small border.
  3. Tightly roll the dough from one long side, pinch the seam to seal, and then cut the log into 12 equal slices of about 1 ½ inches thick.
Overnight Proof & Bake
  1. Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
  2. The next morning, remove the dish and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Frosting & Serve
  1. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until desired consistency is reached.
  2. As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over them and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, ensure your milk is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast. The overnight cold proof develops deeper flavors and makes for an easier morning bake. Adjust milk/cream in the frosting for your preferred consistency.