Spiced Chai Latte Cupcakes (Printable Version)
Moist cupcakes blended with warming chai spices and creamy chai frosting for cozy indulgence.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk
03 - 2 chai tea bags
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
13 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
14 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Chai-Spiced Frosting
16 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
19 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
20 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
21 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
22 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
23 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
24 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
02 - Heat 1/2 cup milk until steaming and steep chai tea bags for 10 minutes. Remove bags and cool the milk to room temperature.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
04 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately fold dry ingredients and chai-infused milk into butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add milk, spices, vanilla, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally garnish with cinnamon or a chai tea leaf.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- Sharing this feels like letting you in on a little secret about the perfect cozy treat that combines spice and sweetness beautifully
- These cupcakes became my go-to when I wanted to impress but keep things simple, with flavors that never fail to comfort
02 -
- Don't rush steeping the chai in milk; it develops the signature flavor that makes these cupcakes unique
- Letting your cupcakes cool completely before frosting is essential to avoid melting the frosting and losing that perfect texture
03 -
- Use fresh ground spices for the most vibrant flavor; pre-ground spices can lose their punch quickly
- The secret is to not overmix your batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy every time