Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
If you’re out of cardamom, a little extra cinnamon can do the trick. And if whole milk isn’t on hand, any milk or milk substitute you prefer will work just fine. Baking in my grandma’s kitchen taught me that flexibility is key!
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar for the filling.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the chai spice mixture, leaving a small border uncovered along one of the long edges.
- Starting from the long edge with the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before icing or serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International