Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze bring cozy fall comfort right into your kitchen. With the rich creaminess of pumpkin purée blended into the dough and a swirl of chai spices layered throughout, every roll tastes like autumn wrapped in a soft, gooey hug. These rolls aren’t just a recipe—they’re the essence of seasonal baking traditions that bring warmth to crisp mornings, relaxed weekends, or family holiday gatherings. In this article, we’ll share the story behind these spiced rolls, guide you step-by-step through the easy method, and answer the most common Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll recipe questions so you can bake them like a pro.

A Cozy Fall Story of Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

The Warm Memory Behind Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls filling the kitchen. For me, the memory begins with frost on the windows and a mug of steaming chai tea nearby as the dough quietly rises under a towel. The aroma of pumpkin mingling with cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of ginger instantly feels like a blanket for the soul.

I remember the first time I baked Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls for a family brunch. The house smelled like a bakery on an autumn morning. Everyone gathered around the table as the warm rolls were pulled from the oven—golden on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and generously coated in glaze. Even before the first bite, the scent alone had us smiling. That combination of pumpkin purée in the dough and chai spice in the filling created a flavor memory we now repeat every year. Seasonal traditions like this are why the simple act of baking can feel so profound.

These cozy treats aren’t just about sweetness—they’re about connection. Whether shared with loved ones or made as an indulgence for yourself, Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls make every chilly morning feel like a celebration.

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze

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• Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Soft, gooey pumpkin-infused dough rolled with a spiced chai sugar filling and topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for cozy fall mornings and holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4½–5 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)

2¼ tsp instant yeast

½ cup granulated sugar (dough)

1 cup pumpkin purée

½ cup melted unsalted butter

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar (filling)

2–3 Tbsp chai spice blend

½ cup melted butter (for filling)

1 tsp vanilla extract (glaze)

1½ cups powdered sugar (glaze)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2–3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let foam for 5 minutes.

2. Whisk in pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar until smooth.

3. Gradually add flour and salt; knead 6–8 minutes until soft and elastic. Let rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled (1–1½ hrs).

4. Mix brown sugar, filling sugar, and chai spice in a bowl. Melt butter for brushing.

5. Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle filling evenly.

6. Roll tightly from long edge, seal seam, and cut into 12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.

7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls 22–25 minutes until golden but soft.

8. Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth. Spread glaze over warm rolls.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sodium: 300
• Fat: 12
• Carbohydrates: 55
• Protein: 5

Why Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls Feel So Special

Classic cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, but Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls take things to another level. The pumpkin purée doesn’t just add flavor—it enriches the dough, keeping it extra soft and moist. The chai spices bring unexpected depth with notes of cardamom, cloves, and black tea warmth that balance perfectly with traditional cinnamon.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe stand apart is how each element works together: the tender pumpkin dough, the aromatic chai-sugar filling, and the silky glaze that melts into the rolls while they’re still warm. Instead of being overly sweet, the rolls develop layers of spice and rich autumn flavor that feel festive yet comforting.

Seasonal baking traditions are powerful because they create rhythm and joy throughout the year. Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls embody that ritual perfectly—they signal the start of fall, the coziness of slower weekends, and the gatherings that bring friends and family together. That’s why people return to recipes like this time and again. They aren’t just baked goods—they’re edible memories.

Ingredients and Tools for Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples, yet transforms them into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a role—pumpkin purée keeps the dough moist, chai spices provide warmth and complexity, and classic baking essentials like yeast, milk, and butter ensure the rolls rise soft and fluffy.

Ingredient Notes:

• Use 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, for pure flavor.
• For the chai spice blend, you can mix cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves yourself or use a pre-made blend.
• Cream cheese glaze balances the spices with tangy sweetness.

Simple Tools That Make Baking Easier

• Stand mixer with dough hook – for kneading effortlessly.
• Rolling pin – to roll the dough thin and even.
• Pastry brush – ideal for spreading butter before adding filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters.
• Mixing bowls – dedicated bowls for dough, glaze, and filling.
• Sharp knife or bench scraper – to cut uniform rolls.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – the perfect fit for a dozen rolls.
• Plastic wrap or towel – protects dough while proofing.

Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Preparing Dough and Filling

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and instant yeast. Let foam for 5 minutes.
2. Add pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar. Stir until smooth.
3. Incorporate flour and salt gradually. Knead for 6–8 minutes with a stand mixer or 10 minutes by hand until elastic and slightly tacky.
4. Let dough proof in a greased bowl covered with a towel for 1–1 ½ hours until doubled in size.

Filling: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chai spices in a small bowl, and keep melted butter ready for brushing.

Rolling, Baking, and Glazing the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12 rectangle.
2. Brush with melted butter and evenly sprinkle filling. Press to adhere.
3. Roll into a tight log and seal seam.
4. Slice into 12 pieces and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
5. Let rolls rise covered for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden but still soft inside.

Glaze: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls so it sinks slightly into the spirals.

• Keep dough hydrated but tacky—avoid adding too much flour.
• Don’t over-bake; aim for soft centers.
• Glaze while warm, not hot, for best texture.

FAQ and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate shaped rolls overnight, then rise and bake in the morning.

How do I store Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls?
Keep in an airtight container for 3 days at room temp or 5 days refrigerated. Reheat gently to keep moist.

Can I substitute pumpkin pie spice for chai spices?
Yes, pumpkin pie spice has more cinnamon dominance, while chai adds deeper notes. Both work well.

What glaze works best?
Cream cheese glaze adds indulgence, while vanilla glaze offers a lighter option—choose based on preference.

Can I make them without yeast?
Yes, but the texture changes to more of a quick-bread roll. For fluffy results, yeast is best.

Conclusion

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze are a celebration of fall flavors, baking traditions, and cozy moments. Soft pumpkin dough, warming chai spices, and creamy glaze blend into a treat that feels festive and nostalgic. Perfect for holidays or simply enjoying with coffee or tea, this Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe strikes the right balance of sweetness, spice, and comfort. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and let these Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls become a hallmark of your seasonal traditions.