Name: Chai Latte Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup milk (or chai-infused milk); 8 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup butter (for frosting); 2–3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Chai latte cupcakes are warmly spiced treats inspired by the comforting flavors of a chai tea latte. I love how the fragrant spices blend with a moist cupcake base and creamy frosting, making every bite cozy and indulgent. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or anytime I want a dessert with a little spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like these cupcakes because they take the familiar flavors of chai—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves—and transform them into a soft, fluffy dessert. The frosting adds a creamy sweetness that balances the spice, and the aroma while baking fills my kitchen with warmth. These cupcakes feel special yet approachable, and they always impress when I share them. Chai Latte Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Ground cardamom
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk (or chai-infused milk for extra flavor)
Cream cheese or butter (for frosting)
Powdered sugar (for frosting)

Directions

I preheat the oven and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In one bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
In another bowl, I cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the eggs and vanilla, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
I divide the batter into the cupcake liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, usually 18–20 minutes.
While the cupcakes cool, I prepare a simple frosting by beating cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla.
Once the cupcakes are cool, I frost them generously and, if I want to be fancy, dust lightly with cinnamon.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes. It usually takes me 15 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake, and another 10–15 minutes to frost, so I plan for around 45–50 minutes in total.

Variations

Sometimes I steep chai tea bags in warm milk and use that as the liquid in the batter for an even stronger chai flavor. I also like to top the frosting with a caramel drizzle or crushed pistachios for added texture. For a lighter option, I swap cream cheese frosting for whipped cream frosting.

Storage/reheating

I store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, I let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens. They also freeze well (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Chai Latte Cupcakes

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without frosting?

Yes, I sometimes enjoy them plain or with just a dusting of powdered sugar—they’re flavorful enough on their own.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

I can, and I just add chai spices to the mix for a shortcut version.

How do I make the chai flavor stronger?

I like to use chai-infused milk or even add a little brewed chai tea concentrate to the batter.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and they turn out just as moist.

What frosting pairs best with chai cupcakes?

I find cream cheese frosting works beautifully, but buttercream or whipped cream frosting also complements the spices.

Conclusion

Chai latte cupcakes are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a cozy drink in dessert form. I love how the spices create warmth and depth, while the creamy frosting balances it all out. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.