If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon swirling through velvety milk tea, then this Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining robust black tea with creamy milk, fragrant vanilla, and a comforting touch of cinnamon, this drink is both soothing and rich. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet yet subtle, and its simple ingredients come together quickly to create a deliciously indulgent experience that feels like a hug in a cup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this tea is refreshingly simple, and each one plays a vital role—from building the perfect balance of flavor to adding that creamy, aromatic charm that makes this recipe stand out.
- Black tea (2 bags or 2 tsp loose-leaf): The bold foundation that gives your milk tea depth and richness.
- Water (1 cup): Essential for brewing the tea just right without overpowering the flavors.
- Milk (1 cup dairy or plant-based): Provides creaminess and smooth texture; choose your favorite type!
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp) or cinnamon stick: Adds warm spice that elevates the drink’s cozy vibe.
- Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Infuses a fragrant sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Maple syrup or sweetener of choice (1–2 tsp): Sweetens naturally and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Optional pinch of sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out a subtle depth.
How to Make Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Black Tea
Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, add the black tea bags or loose-leaf tea and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong and robust you prefer your tea. This strong tea base is essential for balancing the creaminess and spices later on.
Step 2: Warm the Milk with Cinnamon
While your tea steeps, pour 1 cup of your choice of milk into another saucepan and gently heat it over medium-low heat. Add your ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick to allow the warm spice to infuse the milk slowly. Keep the milk warm but avoid boiling it to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Sweetener
Once the milk is warmed through, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and your chosen sweetener, such as maple syrup. This combination brings that signature sweet and aromatic lift that makes this Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe so memorable and complete.
Step 4: Combine Tea and Spiced Milk
Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves, and gently pour the warm spiced milk into the brewed tea. Using a whisk or milk frother, blend the mixture until it’s beautifully creamy and lightly frothed. For an added touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt now to intensify the flavor depth.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Serve your Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea hot in your favorite mug. For an extra delightful finish, dust the surface with a little cinnamon or even vanilla bean specks. It’s simple but feels like a little celebration in every sip!
How to Serve Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe
Garnishes
To make your tea visually irresistible and even more delicious, consider sprinkling a dash of cinnamon powder or a few vanilla bean specks on top. A cinnamon stick can also double as a charming stirrer, adding to the cozy aesthetic and aroma.
Side Dishes
This creamy, spiced drink pairs wonderfully with lightly sweet baked goods like buttery scones, cinnamon rolls, or vanilla cookies. The savory notes of these sides complement the tea’s warmth without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy treat, try serving this tea in a clear glass mug to showcase its creamy, inviting color. Layer the tea by pouring the milk slowly to create a gentle swirl effect before mixing. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon for a decadent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Since milk tea tastes best fresh, avoid keeping it longer to preserve its creamy texture and bright flavors.
Freezing
Because of the milk content, freezing this tea is not recommended as it can cause separation and affect the smoothness when thawed. To enjoy later, prepare fresh each time or keep refrigerated as described.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently warm your stored milk tea on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir continuously until heated through, and add a splash of fresh milk if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea for this recipe?
Absolutely! While black tea is traditional and provides the best robust base, you can experiment with green tea or rooibos for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the steeping times and milk pairing.
Is it okay to use plant-based milk?
Definitely. Almond, oat, or soy milk work wonderfully and add their own unique creaminess. Just choose unsweetened varieties if you want full control over sweetness.
Can I adjust the cinnamon level?
Yes! The cinnamon is key to this recipe’s character but tweak to your preference. Use more for a spicier kick or less if you want just a subtle hint of warmth.
How do I make this tea iced?
Once the tea is brewed and combined with the spiced milk, let it cool completely, then pour over ice. You might want to reduce the sweetener slightly since cold drinks can mute sweetness.
What are some good sweetener alternatives?
Maple syrup is lovely here, but feel free to try honey, agave nectar, or even a flavored simple syrup. Each adds a different nuance that can transform the flavor without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe is one of those comforting blends that feels like a warm hug whenever you need it. Easy to make yet impressively flavorful, it’s a delightful way to brighten your day or unwind in the evening. So go ahead, try it yourself and discover just how magical a simple cup of tea can be when treated with a little vanilla, cinnamon, and love.
Print
Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Black Milk Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a comforting and aromatic beverage combining bold black tea with warm cinnamon, smooth vanilla, and a touch of sweetener. This recipe creates a luscious drink perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons, easy to make with commonly available ingredients.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
- 1 cup water
Milk Mixture
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan, preparing the base for your tea.
- Steep Tea: Steep the tea bags or loose-leaf tea in the boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes depending on how strong you want your tea to be.
- Warm Milk and Cinnamon: While the tea steeps, warm the milk in a separate saucepan over medium-low heat and add the ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick to infuse flavor.
- Add Vanilla and Sweetener: Once the milk is warm but not boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup or your choice of sweetener.
- Combine Tea and Milk: Remove tea bags or infuser from the tea and combine the brewed tea with the spiced milk.
- Whisk or Froth: Gently whisk or froth the combined mixture to create a creamy, smooth texture.
- Add Salt (Optional): Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with a light dusting of cinnamon or vanilla bean specks if desired for an elegant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, soy, or any plant-based milk as preferred.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking, or omit sweetener for a less sweet version.
- Cinnamon sticks can be used in the milk for a milder infusion, but ground cinnamon gives stronger flavor.
- Frothing creates a more cafe-style texture, but whisking by hand works great too.
- This tea is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
