Name: Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups Water; 2 cups Milk (dairy or plant-based); 4 Cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon); 4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped (or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract); 2 Star anises (optional); 4 tsp Loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional); Honey or other sweetener of choice (sugar or sugar substitute)

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Introduction

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and aromatic drink that blends warm spices with creamy milk. Perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons, this tea offers a subtle sweetness and rich flavors that soothe the senses.

Two tall clear glasses filled with a creamy light beige drink featuring small black pearls scattered inside. The drink has swirls of caramel brown syrup around the middle and bottom layers, topped with a frothy light cream layer sprinkled with light brown powder. Each glass is garnished with a cinnamon stick and a dark brown star anise on top. The glasses sit on a round wooden board with several cinnamon sticks and star anise placed around it, all set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups Water
2 cups Milk (dairy or plant-based)

4 Cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped (or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)

2 Star anises (optional)
4 tsp Loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional)

Honey or other sweetener of choice (sugar or a sugar substitute)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a small pot.
Step 2: If using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them to the pot, turn off the heat, and cover with a lid. Add star anises now if using. If using vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, add them directly to the pot but skip steeping.

Step 3: Let the ingredients steep in the hot water for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: (Optional) Add the black tea and brew for an additional 3–5 minutes according to your preferred strength.
Step 5: Heat the milk in a separate pot until warm but not boiling.

Step 6: Strain the cinnamon vanilla infusion into the warm milk and mix well.
Step 7: Add honey or your preferred sweetener to taste and stir.
Step 8: Serve hot, or chill and serve over ice for a refreshing variation.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger spice flavor, toast cinnamon sticks lightly before steeping to release more aroma.
Use oat or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative that complements the spices well.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra warming twist.

Adjust sweetness gradually to suit your taste, starting with a small amount of honey or sweetener.
If you prefer not to use loose tea or bags, skip step 4 for a purely spiced milk infusion.

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. Avoid boiling after reheating to prevent milk from curdling.

How to Serve

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a creamy light brown milk tea topped with a thick layer of white frothy cream sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. Each cup is garnished with a brown cinnamon stick standing upright and a dark brown star anise placed on the foam. The mugs sit on a rough wooden board scattered with more star anise and loose cinnamon powder, all set against a soft white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?

Yes, vanilla extract works well as a convenient substitute. Add it directly to the water or milk without steeping, and adjust quantity to taste.

Is this recipe suitable for a lactose-free diet?

Absolutely. Substitute dairy milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy to keep the tea lactose-free and still creamy.