Chai-Spiced Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Cozy Treat

Bring the warm, comforting flavors of chai into your kitchen with these Chai-Spiced Cupcakes. Infused with a blend of rich spices and the distinct taste of chai, these cupcakes offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. Topped with a creamy, spiced frosting that complements the cupcake’s flavor, they are perfect for those who love a touch of spice in their sweets. Enjoy these as a special snack or serve them at your next gathering to delight your guests.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 chai teabag
• 3/4 cup oat milk (or any milk)

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream or milk

Instructions:

1. Cupcake Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oat milk and steep with chai teabag for 10 minutes.
2. Creaming: In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and molasses, mixing well.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Fold in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and all spices. Mix in chai-infused milk until smooth.
4. Bake: Line a cupcake tin with liners, fill each about 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cupcakes.
5. Frosting: Cream butter and cream cheese for 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, spices, and cream, mixing to a light, fluffy consistency.
6. Decorate: Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally, sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
7. Storage: Store cupcakes in the fridge.

Notes:

• Spice levels can be adjusted to taste.
• These cupcakes are a perfect match for a cup of tea or coffee.

Enjoy these Chai-Spiced Cupcakes, a delightful treat that combines the coziness of chai with the joy of a sweet dessert!