Chai Latte Cupcakes bring the warm, spiced flavors of chai tea into a delicious cupcake form. These cupcakes are infused with chai spices and topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strong brewed chai tea, cooled (about 1 chai tea bag brewed in 1/2 cup water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the milk, brewed chai tea, and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting:
- Beat the butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add cream and spices: Mix in the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Frost and Decorate:
- Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cinnamon frosting using a piping bag or a spatula.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon on top of the frosting for added flavor and decoration.
Tips for Perfect Chai Latte Cupcakes:
- Strong chai tea: Use a strong brewed chai tea to ensure the flavor stands out in the cupcakes.
- Spice adjustment: Adjust the amount of spices to taste if you prefer a more or less intense chai flavor.
- Cool cupcakes: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Delicious flavor combination: The chai spices in the cupcakes and the cinnamon frosting create a delightful blend of warm, cozy flavors.
- Perfect for any occasion: These cupcakes are great for fall gatherings, tea parties, or as a special treat any time of year.
- Elegant and tasty: The combination of spices and creamy frosting makes these cupcakes not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Enjoy making and indulging in these Chai Latte Cupcakes—a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of chai tea into a delicious dessert!