Description
These aren’t your average sticky buns. Soft, chai-spiced dough is swirled with tangy cranberry jam and baked until golden and gooey. Topped with a warm maple glaze or enjoyed as-is, each bite delivers a cozy collision of spiced sweetness and tart berry zing—brunch magic for chilly mornings.
Ingredients
Chai Dough:
1 cup warm milk
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp each: cloves, nutmeg, and allspice
Cranberry Filling:
1 cup cranberry jam or sauce (chunky or smooth)
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp softened butter
Optional Maple Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
Stir in melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, spices, and salt. Add flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, cranberry jam, and sprinkle brown sugar evenly.
Roll up from the long side, slice into 12 pieces, and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
Drizzle with glaze while warm or serve plain and sticky.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1½ hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310/ bun
- Sugar: 22g/ bun
- Fat: 11g/ bun
- Carbohydrates: 45g/ bun
- Protein: 5g/ bun