Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Directions

1. In 1 cup warm water (110ºF), add 1 tsp sugar and 2 tsp yeast. Don’t stir; let sit 10 minutes until foamy (if not, the yeast is expired).
2. Melt ¼ cup vegan butter and let cool.
3. Warm 1 cup oat milk to 110ºF, stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and let sit 5–10 minutes to curdle.
4. Mix chai spice blend in a small bowl.
5. In a large bowl, whisk cassava flour, brown rice flour, arrowroot, psyllium husk, baking powder, baking soda, 1 tsp chai spice mix and salt.
6. In a stand mixer, beat cooled butter with 3 tbsp sugar for 20 seconds. Add milk mixture and yeast mixture, then slowly mix in dry ingredients using paddle attachment. (If no mixer, use a spoon and hands.) Dough should be soft, not dry or crumbly. If too wet, add up to ¼ cup cassava flour.
7. Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
8. For the filling: melt ¼ cup vegan butter and let cool. Mix brown sugar with 2 tbsp chai spice; set aside.

Assemble

1. After the dough rises for 1 hour, transfer it to parchment paper dusted with brown rice flour. Roll into an 11×16″ rectangle, dusting your rolling pin as needed.
2. Brush with melted butter (reserve ½ tbsp for later) and sprinkle the spice-sugar filling on top.
3. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment and lightly butter the sides.
4. Roll the dough tightly from the short edge into a log, using the parchment as a guide or your fingers.
5. Cut into 9 equal pieces (about 1.5″ each) with a serrated knife, using a gentle sawing motion. Place cut side up in the pan.
6. For rising:

Overnight: Cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate, then bring to room temp for 30–45 minutes before baking.

Same day: Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush rolls with reserved butter, sprinkle extra spice and sugar, and bake uncovered 23–25 minutes.
2. While baking, make frosting: beat vegan cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, spice and vanilla.
3. Rolls are ready when soft on top and slightly crisp outside. Cool briefly, frost, and enjoy fresh. Store leftovers covered on the counter; reheat 45 seconds in the microwave.