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Oh, the delightful aroma of cinnamon wafting through my kitchen is pure magic! The first time I whipped up a batch of Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea was on a blustery winter afternoon. I was nestled in my warm kitchen, a soft blanket draped around my shoulders, watching the snowflakes dance outside my window. All of a sudden, I craved something cozy and uplifting to match the enchanting view. That’s when I decided to toss some cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans into a pot of water. As it brewed, the sweet warmth enveloped me, bringing a smile to my face.
The taste was a heavenly hug in a mug—rich and creamy with a hint of sweetness, perfectly balanced with spiced warmth. This tea quickly became one of my favorite go-to sips, and I just know it will warm your heart, too. It’s soothing, invigorating, and exactly what you need for those chilly evenings or a busy day that could use a little extra TLC.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, your cozy cup is ready in no time!
- Flavorful Bliss: The warm blend of cinnamon and vanilla transforms your everyday tea into a comforting delight.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer dairy or plant-based milk, you can easily tailor this drink to fit your tastes.
- Healthy Comfort: Bursting with natural flavors and spices, this tea can be a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether your guests prefer their tea hot or iced, this recipe will be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
2 cups Water
This is the base of our cozy tea. Feel free to use filtered water for the best flavor!2 cups Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Use your favorite milk! Almond, oat, or classic cow’s milk all create a lovely creamy texture.4 Cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon)
Cinnamon adds warmth and spice; the sticks are perfect for boiling, while ground cinnamon can lend flavor without steeping!4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped (or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
Fresh vanilla beans provide a sweet, aromatic flavor that’s phenomenal. If you opt for extract, that’s perfectly fine—just skip the steeping time!2 Star anises (optional)
These beautiful spices can add a lovely, slightly licorice-like flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!4 tsp Loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional)
Adding black tea brings a nice caffeine kick; it’s great for a cozy morning boost!Honey or other sweetener of choice
Sweeten to your preference! Honey offers rich depth, while other sweeteners can tailor to dietary needs.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Bring Water to a Boil
Start by heating 2 cups of water in a small pot over medium heat. The moment you hear that gentle bubbling, let’s get the flavors dancing!
Add Cinnamon and Vanilla
If you’re using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them to the pot, then turn off the heat and cover it. If you’re using the powdered version, sprinkle them in, but you can skip steeping; no need to hold back those flavors any longer!
Steep the Ingredients
Let the pot sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the warm spices to marry beautifully, creating a fragrant embrace that fills your kitchen!
(Optional Step) Brew the Black Tea
If you’re in the mood for a classic tea touch, add the loose-leaf black tea or tea bags to the pot during the last few minutes of steeping. Brew it for 3-5 minutes based on how strong you like your tea.
Heat the Milk
In a separate pot, gently warm 2 cups of milk over medium-low heat. You want it steaming, but mark the point before boiling—trust me, it makes a dreamy, creamy finish!
Strain and Combine
Using a strainer, pour the aromatic cinnamon vanilla infusion into the warm milk. Oh, the aroma will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Sweeten and Serve
Add your favorite sweetener and stir well! Whether you enjoy it hot or let it cool over ice, each sip wraps you in coziness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh vanilla and cinnamon for the best flavor dose.
- Milk Substitutes: Using oat or almond milk can lend a unique, nutty twist.
- Adjust Sweetness: Don’t be shy—taste and adjust to find your perfect sweetness balance!
- Double the Batch: Want to have enough for later? Feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it for days!
Flavor Variations
- Seasonal Spice Twists: Add nutmeg or cloves for a deeper fall or winter flavor!
- Chocolate Lovers Unite: A teaspoon of cocoa powder can create a chocolate version of this cozy drink.
- Citrus Zing: For a lighter twist, a few drops of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea in a beautifully crafted mug and garnish it with an extra cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. Pair it with some warm baked goods like snickerdoodle cookies or buttery scones for the ultimate treat!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare a large batch and store the tea concentrate in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm the milk when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Leftovers
If you have leftover milk tea, blend it into smoothies, or pour it over oatmeal for a creamy twist on breakfast.
Freezing
You can freeze this tea in ice cube trays! Just pop them into your favorite drinks or smoothies later for a cozy touch.
Reheating
Reheat leftover tea on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to maintain the creamy texture. You want to warm it gently so it doesn’t curdle!
FAQs
Can I make this tea without the black tea?
Absolutely! It’s just as delightful without it.
Can I adjust the sweetness to my preference?
Definitely! Add more honey, sugar, or a sugar substitute until it fits your taste!
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! The infusion can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a week. Just warm it up when you’re ready to sip!
What’s the best type of milk to use?
Use whichever you prefer! Almond milk gives it a nutty twist, whereas whole milk adds extra creaminess.
Final Thoughts
As I finish up my cup of Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, I can’t help but feel a little more balanced, a bit more warm, and wholly grateful for these simple moments. There’s something so comforting about a homemade drink, and I’m thrilled to share this treasure with you! So, grab your favorite mug and indulge in a sip of comfort that’s bound to brighten your day—and it may just become your new favorite too! Happy sipping, friends! 🌟
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating 2 cups of water in a small pot over medium heat.
- If you’re using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them to the pot, then turn off the heat and cover it.
- Let the pot sit, covered, for about 10 minutes.
- If you’re in the mood for a classic tea touch, add the loose-leaf black tea or tea bags to the pot during the last few minutes of steeping. Brew it for 3-5 minutes based on how strong you like your tea.
- In a separate pot, gently warm 2 cups of milk over medium-low heat.
- Using a strainer, pour the aromatic cinnamon vanilla infusion into the warm milk.
- Add your favorite sweetener and stir well! Serve hot or chilled over ice.