If you adore cozy, comforting drinks with just the right touch of spice and sweetness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe. This delightful drink brings together the warm, fragrant flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in a silky, creamy tea that feels like a hug in a cup. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly afternoon or looking for a soothing evening treat, this recipe offers the perfect balance of richness and spice that makes every sip pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the aromatic cinnamon that adds warmth, to the creamy milk that smooths out every flavor. Together, they create a beautifully balanced drink that’s both vibrant and soothing.
- 2 cups Water: The base for brewing the cinnamon and vanilla infusion, crucial for extracting the delicate flavors.
- 2 cups Milk (dairy or plant-based): Adds creaminess and richness, making the tea luscious and smooth.
- 4 Cinnamon sticks or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy aroma that defines the character of this tea.
- 4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract: Imparts a sweet, comforting vanilla essence that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- 2 Star anises (optional): Adds a subtle licorice undertone for an extra layer of complexity.
- 4 tsp Loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional): Introduces a classic tea flavor, enhancing the body and depth of the drink.
- Honey or other sweetener of choice: Sweetens the tea naturally, balancing the spices and creaminess.
How to Make Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Cinnamon Vanilla Infusion
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot. If you’re using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them to the boiling water, then turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. This technique allows the flavors to gently seep out without bitterness. If you choose star anise, toss it in now for that hint of licorice sweetness. For those using vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, these can be stirred in later, so you can skip straight to the milk heating step.
Step 2: Steep with Optional Black Tea
Let your cinnamon and vanilla steep in the hot water for about 10 minutes. This slow steeping extracts all the fragrant oils and flavors that make the drink so special. If you like a stronger tea base, this is when you add your black tea leaves or bags, brewing for another 3-5 minutes depending on your taste preference.
Step 3: Warm the Milk
While your infusion is doing its magic, heat your milk separately in a small pot until it’s warm but not boiling. This ensures the milk stays silky and doesn’t form a skin or scorch.
Step 4: Combine and Sweeten Your Tea
Strain the infused water through a fine sieve straight into the warm milk, blending all those lovely spices and vanilla with the creamy base. Stir in honey, sugar, or your preferred sweetener to taste. This final step marries the flavors and brings everything together into one irresistible drink.
How to Serve Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, try garnishing your Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe with a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top. A small vanilla bean pod or a star anise floating on the surface not only looks stunning but hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This milk tea pairs beautifully with light, flaky pastries like almond croissants or buttery shortbread cookies. The subtle sweetness of these treats accents the warming spices perfectly, creating an irresistible teatime duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe in clear glass mugs to show off its creamy color. For a refreshing twist, chill the tea and serve it over ice with a twist of fresh orange peel or a sprig of mint for contrast. You can even froth the milk for a latte-style presentation that feels luxurious and extra cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Make sure it’s well covered to avoid absorbing other fridge smells. Give it a good stir before reheating to keep the flavors balanced.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this milk tea because dairy or plant-based milks can separate when frozen and thawed, leading to an unpleasant texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another cup, gently reheat the tea on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling it again to preserve the delicate vanilla and cinnamon flavors and to maintain that smooth milk texture.
FAQs
Can I use any type of milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer cow’s milk, almond, oat, or soy milk, each brings its own unique creaminess and flavor. Just be sure to heat it gently to avoid curdling, especially with plant-based options.
Is the black tea essential in this Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe?
No, the black tea is optional. The cinnamon and vanilla infusion alone is delicious and comforting, but adding black tea introduces a richer, more traditional tea element if you prefer.
How can I make this recipe sweeter without adding sugar?
Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or your favorite sugar substitutes all work beautifully to sweeten this milk tea naturally while complementing the vanilla and cinnamon flavors.
Can I prepare the infusion ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cinnamon and vanilla infusion in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just warm it gently when you’re ready to combine it with the milk.
Is this recipe suitable for serving cold?
Definitely! After preparing your Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe, let it cool and pour it over ice for a delightful cold beverage that’s perfect for warmer days or when you want something refreshing.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe is one of those magical drinks that lifts your spirits and warms your soul with every sip. Its simplicity, comforting flavors, and easy preparation make it a go-to in my kitchen and hopefully will be in yours too. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite cozy ritual you’ll look forward to whenever you need a little taste of happiness.
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Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy and aromatic Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea recipe that blends warm spices and creamy milk for a delightful beverage. Perfect for a comforting drink served hot or chilled over ice, with optional black tea for a caffeine boost and sweetened to your taste.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 2 cups Water
- 2 cups Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Spices and Flavorings
- 4 Cinnamon sticks or 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 Star anises (optional)
Tea
- 4 tsp Loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional)
Sweetener
- Honey or other sweetener of choice (sugar or sugar substitute)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot to prepare for steeping the spices.
- Add Spices: If using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them to the boiled water, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and steep. Add star anises now if using. For ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, add directly to the pot but skip steeping.
- Steep Spices: Let the spices and vanilla infuse in the hot water for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Tea (Optional): Add the loose-leaf or tea bags and brew for an additional 3-5 minutes depending on desired strength.
- Heat Milk: Warm the milk in a separate pot until it is warm but not boiling, to avoid scalding.
- Combine Infusion and Milk: Strain the cinnamon vanilla infusion into the warm milk to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Sweeten: Add honey or your preferred sweetener and stir well to dissolve.
- Serve: Enjoy the milk tea hot or allow it to cool and serve over ice for a refreshing cold drink.
Notes
- You can adjust sweetness according to your preference by varying the amount and type of sweetener.
- Using vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks provides a richer flavor compared to extracts and ground spices.
- The black tea is optional if you prefer a caffeine-free beverage.
- For a vegan version, choose plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk.
- This drink can be served hot or chilled over ice for different seasonal enjoyment.
