Browned Butter Vanilla Chai Muffins with Cinnamon Crumble and Chai Glaze

Get ready to warm up with these cozy Browned Butter Vanilla Chai Muffins! These muffins are the perfect blend of rich browned butter, aromatic chai spices, and sweet vanilla. Topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble and drizzled with a spiced chai glaze, these muffins are like a hug in baked form. Each bite is filled with the comforting flavors of chai and vanilla, with a crumbly topping that adds texture and a touch of sweetness. These muffins are ideal for chilly mornings, paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This:

These muffins are a delightful combination of warm, cozy flavors and tender, moist texture. The browned butter adds a depth of nutty flavor, while the chai concentrate infuses each bite with comforting spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The crumble on top is crunchy and sweet, adding a contrast to the soft muffin, and the chai-spiced glaze ties it all together perfectly. You’ll love how these muffins make your kitchen smell incredible and how easily they come together for a special breakfast or snack.

Perfect Occasion:

These Browned Butter Vanilla Chai Muffins are perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, autumn brunches, or afternoon tea. They’re also a great choice for holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving something sweet and spiced, these muffins will quickly become a favorite. They’re also ideal for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week for a quick treat with your morning coffee.

Decoration Tips:

To make these muffins look bakery-worthy, be generous with the crumble topping before baking to create a beautiful, textured surface. Once the muffins are cool, drizzle the chai glaze in a zigzag pattern over the top for an elegant finish. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the glaze for an extra touch of warmth. For a festive flair, garnish with a few edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Ingredients for Muffins:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup chai concentrate
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Instructions for Muffins:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and whisk until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the chai concentrate. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Ingredients for Crumble Topping:

• 6 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions for Crumble Topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cold butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until crumbly and well combined.
2. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin before baking.

Baking Instructions:

1. Bake the muffins at 425°F for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredients for Chai Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons chai concentrate
• 1 tablespoon browned butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions for Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, chai concentrate, browned butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and pourable.
2. Once the muffins are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a decorative pattern.

Enjoy:

These muffins are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature with the chai glaze slightly set. Serve with your favorite hot beverage and enjoy the cozy, spiced flavors that will brighten any day!