Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and flavorful drink that combines warm spices with creamy milk and rich black tea. Perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a café-style beverage right at home.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of water
• 2 ounces of milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or 4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 tablespoons of vanilla extract or 4 vanilla beans (split and scraped)
• 2 star anise (optional)
• 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags
• Honey or sweetener of choice, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the water into a small pot and bring it to a boil.
2. Step 2: Add the cinnamon sticks, split vanilla beans, and star anise (if using) to the pot. If using vanilla extract and ground cinnamon instead, add them directly and skip steeping. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the spices steep for about 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the black tea to the pot and allow it to steep for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred tea strength. This step is optional if you want to avoid caffeine.
4. Step 4: Heat the milk in a separate saucepan or microwave until warm but not boiling.
5. Step 5: Strain the cinnamon, vanilla, and tea infusion into the warm milk, mixing the flavors together.
6. Step 6: Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener to taste, stirring until dissolved.
7. Step 7: Pour the vanilla cinnamon milk tea into your favorite cups and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting black tea with green tea or rooibos for a different flavor profile.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a float of frothed milk on top for an extra indulgent treat.
• Include other warming spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or cloves for a spiced tea perfect for cooler months.
• Use plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or coconut and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup to make a vegan version.

Storage

Store any leftover milk tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving. For best flavor, enjoy fresh whenever possible.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this tea without caffeine?

Yes, simply omit the black tea and steep only the cinnamon and vanilla in the hot water for a naturally caffeine-free version.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of fresh vanilla beans?

Absolutely. Vanilla extract can be used to simplify the recipe without steeping, although fresh vanilla beans provide a richer, fresher flavor.

Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and aromatic beverage combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and rich vanilla with black tea and creamy milk. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a gentle caffeine boost, this recipe allows for customization with sweeteners, plant-based milk alternatives, and optional spices, making it both versatile and delightful.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 cups (32 ounces) 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 2 ounces water
• 2 ounces milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 4 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags

Spices and Flavorings

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or 4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 tablespoons vanilla extract or 4 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• 2 star anise (optional)

Sweetener (Optional)

• Honey, sugar, or sugar alternative to taste

Instructions

1. Bring Water to a Boil: Place 2 ounces of water into a small pot and bring it to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
2. Add Cinnamon and Vanilla Beans: If using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them to the boiling water, then immediately turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Add star anise if using. If using ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, add them later and skip steeping this mixture.
3. Steep the Spices: Let the cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, and star anise steep in the hot water for about 10 minutes to infuse their flavors thoroughly.
4. Add Black Tea: Add loose-leaf black tea or black tea bags to the cinnamon-vanilla infusion and steep for 3 to 5 more minutes depending on your desired tea strength. This step is optional for caffeine-free preference by omitting the tea.
5. Heat the Milk: Warm the 2 ounces of milk in a separate small saucepan over gentle heat or in a microwave until warm but not boiling.
6. Strain the Infusion: Pour the cinnamon, vanilla, and tea infusion through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids, directly into the warm milk. Stir to combine the flavors well.
7. Add Sweetener (Optional): Add honey, sugar, or your choice of sweetener to taste and stir until fully dissolved.
8. Serve: Pour the vanilla cinnamon milk tea into your preferred serving glasses and enjoy immediately. For an iced version, allow the tea to cool to room temperature, refrigerate until chilled, then serve over ice with optional cinnamon stick garnish and a splash of milk.

Notes

• Use high-quality organic cinnamon sticks and whole vanilla beans for best flavor.
• Substitute ground cinnamon and vanilla extract for a quicker, simpler version.
• For a caffeine-free option, omit the black tea completely.
• Try different tea bases like green tea or rooibos for unique flavor profiles.
• Add spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, or cloves for a more complex spiced tea.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk (almond, oat, coconut) and vegan sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Add a creamy topper, such as whipped cream or frothed milk, for an indulgent touch.
• Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days for iced tea versions.

Keywords: vanilla cinnamon milk tea, homemade milk tea, spiced milk tea, vanilla tea, cinnamon tea, black tea beverage, warm milk tea, iced milk tea