Name: Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 black tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea); 1 cup water; 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste); Ice (optional, for iced version)

Jump to Recipe

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm, flavorful drink, and Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is the ultimate treat when you’re craving something sweet and soothing. This rich and aromatic beverage combines the smoothness of black tea, the warmth of cinnamon, and the sweetness of vanilla, making it the perfect drink for relaxing afternoons or chilly evenings. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet day at home or serving it as a special drink for friends and family, this milk tea is sure to impress.

The combination of creamy milk and tea creates a smooth, comforting base, while the vanilla adds a layer of sweetness and depth. The touch of cinnamon brings a gentle warmth that’s both aromatic and comforting. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, so you can whip it up in minutes whenever you want to treat yourself. Whether you prefer your milk tea hot or iced, this recipe will quickly become a favorite addition to your beverage rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Cozy

This vanilla cinnamon milk tea is the perfect drink to curl up with on a cold day. The warm spices and creamy texture provide a sense of comfort with every sip.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this milk tea at home without any special equipment, making it a great option for busy days.

3. Customizable Flavor

You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even milk type to suit your personal taste preferences. It’s easy to make it your own!

4. Great for Any Time of Day

Enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon treat, or an after-dinner dessert drink. It’s versatile enough to fit any time of day.

5. Perfect for Sharing

This recipe can be easily scaled up to make multiple servings, making it a great drink to share with friends and family at gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Black tea (loose leaf or tea bags)
Milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Sugar or sweetener of choice (optional)
Water

Variations

Iced Version: Make it a refreshing iced tea by letting the milk tea cool down and then pouring it over ice.
Non-Dairy Option: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Spiced Twist: Add extra spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
Sweetener Options: Swap sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to suit your taste.
Boba or Tapioca Pearls: Add boba pearls or tapioca pearls for a fun twist and make it more like a bubble tea.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by boiling water in a kettle or saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add your black tea leaves or tea bags to the water. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Step 2: Add Cinnamon

While the tea is steeping, add ground cinnamon to the hot tea. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cinnamon to infuse into the tea.

Step 3: Sweeten the Tea

Add sugar, honey, or another sweetener of your choice to the tea. Stir until the sweetener dissolves completely. Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Step 4: Heat the Milk

In a separate pot or microwave-safe container, heat the milk of your choice until it’s hot but not boiling. You can do this in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Once heated, add the vanilla extract and stir.

Step 5: Combine the Tea and Milk

Pour the brewed tea with cinnamon and sweetener into a mug, and then add the warm milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the vanilla cinnamon milk tea hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top if desired. For an iced version, let the tea cool down and then pour it over ice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Adjust the Strength: If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea for a few extra minutes. For a lighter flavor, steep it for a shorter time.
Don’t Boil the Milk: Be sure not to boil the milk, as it can curdle. Heating it just until hot is enough to give a smooth, creamy texture.
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, try using freshly ground cinnamon or whole cinnamon sticks.
Experiment with Milk: Try different types of milk, such as oat milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk, for different flavor profiles.

How to Serve

Serve your vanilla cinnamon milk tea in a large mug or a teacup. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for extra visual appeal. If you prefer it iced, pour it over a glass of ice and enjoy it cold. This drink is perfect on its own or paired with light snacks like cookies, muffins, or pastries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover milk tea, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply heat it gently on the stove or microwave, or serve it over ice for an iced version.

Freezing

While milk tea is best served fresh, you can freeze the tea (without milk) for up to 1 month. To make it into an iced version, pour the frozen tea into a glass and add milk and sweetener once it’s thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tea in a microwave-safe container and warm it up in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent the milk from separating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this tea with green tea?

Yes! You can substitute black tea for green tea if you prefer. Green tea will have a lighter flavor, but it will still pair nicely with vanilla and cinnamon.

2. Can I use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon?

Absolutely! If you prefer using cinnamon sticks, add one or two sticks to the tea while it’s steeping. Remove them before serving.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! Simply use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.

4. Can I make this recipe cold?

Yes, to make an iced version, brew the tea and let it cool down. Then pour it over ice and add the milk mixture. You can also serve it chilled after refrigerating.

5. How sweet should I make this tea?

The sweetness is entirely up to you! Start with a small amount of sugar or sweetener, and adjust to your taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

6. Can I add other spices?

Definitely! You can experiment with nutmeg, cloves, or even cardamom for an added depth of flavor. A pinch of any of these spices can elevate the tea even further.

7. Can I add boba pearls to this milk tea?

Yes! If you love bubble tea, you can cook tapioca pearls separately and add them to your milk tea for a fun twist.

8. Can I use vanilla syrup instead of vanilla extract?

Yes, vanilla syrup can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract. Just adjust the quantity according to your desired sweetness.

9. Can I make this milk tea without sweetener?

Of course! You can skip the sweetener if you prefer a less sweet drink, or use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if desired.

10. Can I use flavored tea instead of black tea?

Yes, flavored teas like chai or spiced tea can add an extra layer of flavor to your milk tea. Just make sure the flavor complements the vanilla and cinnamon.

Conclusion

Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is the perfect drink for any occasion, offering a rich, flavorful experience in every sip. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this comforting beverage is easy to make and customizable to your tastes. With the combination of creamy milk, aromatic cinnamon, and sweet vanilla, it’s a treat that’s sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this delightful tea any time you need a cozy pick-me-up or a special indulgence.