Chai Cardamom Rolls

Ingredients

FOR THE DOUGH

• 1 tsp powdered chai
• 178mls whole milk, warmed
• 50g butter
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 7g active dry yeast
• 350g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 50g granulated sugar

FOR THE CHAI CARDAMOM FILLING

• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp powdered chai
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract or paste
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

• 113g unsalted butter, softened
• 226g cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 500g icing sugar
• pinch of salt

Method

MAKE THE DOUGH

1. In a saucepan, warm the milk. Once it’s warm, take it off the heat and add the chai powder. Mix until combined, then set aside.
2. Next, brown the butter. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, until it starts to brown. Once it’s done let cool slightly.
3. Once done, grab the warmed milk and chai mixture, and add the yeast. Leave for a few minutes until it starts to bubble slightly. Meanwhile, in a bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar, the eggs and egg yolk, and the browned butter. Use a fork to combine.
4. Add the flour, salt, and the milk mixture with yeast. On a medium speed using the dough hook, mix until it starts to form a ball. This can take anywhere from 10 – 15 minutes.
5. Once done, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place in a warm area to let proof. This will take about 1 1/2 hours and the dough will double in size.

MAKE THE CHAI CARDAMOM FILLING

1. While the dough is proofing, make the filling. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and butter. Use a spatula to mix. Then add in the chai, cardamom, and vanilla extract. Mix until you form a spreadable filling.

ASSEMBLE THE ROLLS

1. Once the dough has finished proofing, remove the kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Then punch down on the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured countertop and roll it out until about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread the chai cardamom filling over the dough using a spatula, ensuring it is even across the dough.
3. Roll the dough into a long log shape. Cut the bit off the ends off so you start with a clean cut. Cut 9 rolls about 2 inches wide using either dental floss or a knife. Place the rolls into a lined dish. Cover them with plastic wrap and let proof for about 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. Once the rolls have finished proofing, bake them in the oven for about 30 minutes until golden brown.

MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1. To make the frosting, add the butter into the bowl of a mixer. Mix it until creamy. Then add the cream cheese, and mix again until it all comes together.
2. Gradually add in the icing sugar and mix on low speed until everything is well-combined.
3. Then mix in the vanilla and combine until there are no lumps and the frosting is smooth.
4. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before covering the tops with the cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy!