Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea

Featured in Fast and Simple Recipes for Busy Days.

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea offers a comforting escape from ordinary beverages with its aromatic blend of warm spices and creamy goodness. This simple yet sophisticated drink starts with the gentle infusion of cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans in hot water, allowing their complex flavors to fully develop. The optional addition of black tea adds a gentle caffeine boost and tannin depth, while star anise brings a subtle licorice note that complements the other spices beautifully. What makes this drink special is its versatility—it can be made with any milk of your choice, from traditional dairy to plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each option creates a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the core comfort of the beverage. Perfect for both chilly mornings when served hot and summer afternoons when poured over ice, this milk tea adapts to any season or mood. The natural sweetness from vanilla means you can adjust the additional sweetener to your taste, making it as indulgent or light as you prefer.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:13:45 GMT
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Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea wraps you in a sensory embrace that soothes both body and spirit. This aromatic elixir combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweet complexity of vanilla, all mellowed by creamy milk for a beverage that feels like a gentle hug in a cup. Whether enjoyed steaming hot on chilly mornings or served over ice during warmer months, this simple yet sophisticated tea elevates everyday moments into mini wellness retreats.

After serving this to friends during a rainy afternoon gathering, one guest who typically only drinks coffee asked for the recipe, saying it had "converted her to the tea side." The empty pot told the whole story of its universal appeal.

Essential Elements

  • Quality cinnamon: Provides warming spice and subtle sweetness
  • Real vanilla: Adds complex, aromatic depth
  • Black tea base: Creates subtle caffeine lift and tannin structure
  • Creamy milk: Mellows spices and creates silky mouthfeel
  • Gentle heating: Preserves delicate flavors
  • Proper steeping: Extracts maximum flavor
  • Thoughtful sweetening: Enhances natural flavors without overwhelming
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Creating Perfect Tea

Spice Infusion
Steep cinnamon and vanilla properly. This crucial step creates the aromatic foundation.
Tea Addition
Add tea after spice infusion for proper flavor layering. Timing affects the final balance.
Milk Integration
Heat milk separately to preserve texture. Combine gently for perfect incorporation.
Sweetening Balance
Add sweetener to taste after combining. This allows for perfect customization.

My grandmother always said, "A properly made cup of tea is medicine for the soul." This aromatic blend honors that wisdom perfectly with its warming, comforting character.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this soothing beverage with lightly sweetened butter cookies or warm scones for a delightful afternoon treat. For morning enjoyment, pair with whole grain toast or a simple bowl of oatmeal. The vanilla and cinnamon notes complement nearly any breakfast pastry beautifully.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different milk varieties like oat or coconut for unique flavor profiles. Try adding a star anise pod or cardamom seeds for warming complexity, or incorporate a strip of orange zest for bright citrus notes. For evening enjoyment, substitute decaffeinated tea or skip the tea altogether for a caffeine-free option.

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Storage Success

Store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, being careful not to boil, or enjoy chilled over ice for a refreshing alternative. The spice flavors often deepen overnight, creating an even more complex beverage.

After perfecting this recipe through countless cozy afternoons, I've found that success lies in the details - the quality of the cinnamon and vanilla, the careful steeping of the tea, and the gentle heating that preserves all the delicate flavors. Whether you're seeking comfort on a difficult day or simply elevating your daily ritual, this Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea delivers warmth and nourishment in every aromatic sip.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without tea for a caffeine-free version?
Absolutely! The black tea is listed as optional in the recipe. The cinnamon and vanilla create a delicious flavor on their own, making for a wonderful caffeine-free beverage that can be enjoyed any time of day or evening.
→ What's the best milk to use for this recipe?
The beauty of this recipe is that it works well with any milk. For a richer, creamier version, use whole dairy milk. For plant-based alternatives, oat milk provides creaminess similar to dairy, almond milk offers a lighter option, and coconut milk adds a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla.
→ Can I make a large batch to store for later?
Yes! This milk tea stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make a double or triple batch, let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or bottles. Reheat portions as needed for hot milk tea, or pour over ice for a quick iced version.
→ What's the difference between using vanilla extract versus vanilla beans?
Vanilla beans provide a more complex, authentic flavor and add those characteristic specks of vanilla seen in high-quality beverages. Vanilla extract offers convenience and still delivers good flavor. If using extract, add it after heating (as the recipe suggests) to preserve its flavor, as heat can diminish the taste of extracts.
→ What sweeteners work best in this milk tea?
Honey complements the warming spices beautifully, but maple syrup adds a wonderful depth. Regular sugar dissolves easily when the beverage is hot. For a lower-calorie option, stevia or monk fruit sweetener works well. Brown sugar or coconut sugar can add additional caramel notes that pair wonderfully with the cinnamon.

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea

This Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea combines aromatic vanilla and warm cinnamon with your choice of milk for a comforting beverage that can be enjoyed hot or iced.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 cups water
02 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 4 cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon)
04 4 vanilla beans, split and scraped (or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
05 2 star anises (optional)
06 4 tsp loose-leaf black tea or 4 black tea bags (optional)
07 Honey or other sweetener of choice (sugar or a sugar substitute)

Instructions

Step 01

Bring water to a boil in a small pot.

Step 02

If using cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, add them in the pot, turn off the heat, and cover with a lid. If you are using star anise, you can also add it now. If you are using vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, you can just add them to the pot but there is no need to steep, so you can skip the next step.

Step 03

Let the ingredients steep in hot water for about 10 minutes.

Step 04

(Optional Step) Add the black tea and brew for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Step 05

Heat the milk in a separate pot until it is warm but not boiling.

Step 06

Pour the cinnamon vanilla infusion through a strainer into the warm milk to combine them.

Step 07

Add sweetener of your choice and stir.

Notes

  1. For an iced version, let the milk tea cool completely and serve over ice.
  2. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated as needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small pot for water
  • Small pot for milk
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy if using dairy milk
  • Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk alternatives

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 3 g