Save Pin
Cinnamon Vanilla Milk Tea is comfort in a mug. Sweet vanilla vibes mix with spicy cinnamon to make something perfect for kicking back on the couch or pouring over ice when you want a cool treat. You'll decide on the type of milk and just how sweet you like it. It's a cozy, fun drink any time of year.
The first time I made this was after my kids finished sledding on a snowy day. They loved it so much that now we treat ourselves with this whenever we're in the mood for something cozy and nice.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Honey or sweetener: any kind works, local honey's great for warmth, just mix in to taste until it's just right
- Loose-leaf black tea or tea bags: extra, but adds more boldness if you want it
- Star anise: totally optional, but throws in a soft licorice flavor that's kinda fun
- Vanilla beans or extract: split a bean for more fragrance, but extract is easy-peasy and tasty too
- Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon: sticks for that snuggly smell, ground for a faster, bigger cinnamon punch
- Milk: pick whatever you love, but oat milk makes it extra creamy
- Water: filtered is best so the flavors pop
Simple Step Guide
- Sweeten and Enjoy:
- Mix in your honey or sweetener, give it a taste, add more if you want. Drink warm for max comfort or chill and pour over ice for a cooler vibe.
- Strain and Bring Together:
- Strain the infused mix into your pot of warm milk, catching any spice chunks or tea bits as you go.
- Heat the Milk:
- Slowly warm your milk in a separate pot till it's just steaming. Don't let it boil or it'll get weird and separate.
- Brew the Tea:
- If you want tea, toss it in now—loose leaves or a bag—steep for three to five minutes based on how strong you like it. Pull the tea out as soon as it's brewed so it doesn't get bitter.
- Steep for Good Flavor:
- Now let everything sit, covered, for ten minutes. This lets those cinnamon and vanilla flavors really come out and makes your milk tea super tasty and aromatic.
- Infuse the Spices:
- If you're using cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean, add to boiling water, then cover and turn off the heat. Drop in star anise now if you're using it. For ground cinnamon and extract, just mix them in and move on.
- Boil the Water:
- Start by boiling your water in a small pot. You want it hot enough for the spices and tea to really soak in.
Save Pin
Cinnamon is the star here. I grab my fanciest sticks for this one because just the smell reminds me of hanging out in my grandma’s kitchen. We’d all crowd around for another cup of her spicy winter tea.
How to Keep It Fresh
Pop your leftover milk tea in the fridge for up to two days. Let it cool right down before putting it in a covered container. When you want more, stir and gently reheat on the stove (don't scorch it!) or serve it iced for a chilly sip. I love making double and saving some for later.
Swaps and Tweaks
Vanilla beans hard to find? Good vanilla extract is just fine. For a fun spin, toss in a bit of cardamom or swap in a clove for the star anise. Coconut sugar is yummy too. Use any black tea you like—or go with herbal blends for zero caffeine. What’s great is you can totally make this your own.
Save Pin
Ways to Serve
Dust the top with cinnamon or a bit of nutmeg to keep things cozy. If it's hot, try it with shortbread or almond cookies. Want it cold? Pour over ice and sip away. Sometimes I splash on some milk foam or plop on a bit of whipped cream for a treat.
Common Questions
- → Is ground cinnamon fine in place of sticks?
Yep! Ground cinnamon does the job. Just stir it into the hot water and enjoy the same flavor.
- → Got a favorite dairy-free milk for this?
Oat or almond milk are both tasty picks and creamy enough without hiding those spices.
- → Want to punch up the taste a bit?
Drop in a little nutmeg, cardamom, or splash some maple syrup for an extra kick.
- → What can I use to sweeten it?
Anything goes—try honey, sugar, agave, or any sweetener you prefer. Make it your own.
- → Can this be made cold?
Definitely! Let it cool, throw in some ice cubes, and you’ve got a cool, spiced treat.
- → How long should I let my tea steep?
Go for 3 to 5 minutes. Taste it and see if you want it lighter or bolder, then call it done.