Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
Introduction
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a cozy and aromatic beverage perfect for any time of day. This rich and flavorful tea combines warm spices with creamy milk, creating a comforting drink that’s easy to make at home. Enjoy it hot or iced for a delightful treat.

Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 4 sticks cinnamon (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
- 4 pieces vanilla beans (split and scraped, or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2 pieces star anise (optional)
- 4 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea (or 4 black tea bags)
- 2 cups milk
- Honey or sweetener (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the water in a small pot until it bubbles vigorously.
- Step 2: Combine cinnamon and vanilla, then add to the boiling water. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Add star anise now if using.
- Step 3: Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Step 4: Add loose-leaf tea or tea bags to the infusion and steep for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Warm the milk separately over low heat until warm but not boiling.
- Step 6: Strain the cinnamon and vanilla infusion through a fine mesh sieve into the warm milk.
- Step 7: Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener, stirring gently to combine.
- Step 8: Serve the milk tea hot or let it cool and add ice for a refreshing iced version. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer tea, substitute part of the milk with cream or use a milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
- If you don’t have vanilla beans, pure vanilla extract works well—add it after steeping to preserve flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference, or try maple syrup or brown sugar for a different twist.
- Omitting star anise will create a milder spice profile but still deliver plenty of warmth from cinnamon and vanilla.
Storage
Store any leftover milk tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. For iced milk tea, keep it chilled and add fresh ice before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use black tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea?
Yes, black tea bags work perfectly and simplify the brewing process. Just use the same amount specified and steep according to the instructions.
Is this recipe suitable for making iced milk tea?
Absolutely! After preparing the tea, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or pour over ice for a refreshing iced beverage.
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Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is a warm, aromatic beverage combining the rich flavors of black tea, cinnamon, and vanilla. This comforting drink is perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon relaxation, and can be served hot or iced with a touch of honey or your favorite sweetener.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 cups Water
- 4 sticks Cinnamon (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
- 4 pieces Vanilla beans (split and scraped, or 4 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2 pieces Star anise (optional)
- 4 teaspoons Loose-leaf black tea (or 4 black tea bags)
Milk and Sweetener
- 2 cups Milk
- Honey or sweetener (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil the water: Bring 2 cups of water to a vigorous boil in a small pot over medium-high heat.
- Add spices and vanilla: Combine cinnamon sticks and split vanilla beans (or vanilla extract) and add them to the boiling water. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and add star anise if using.
- Steep spices: Let the cinnamon, vanilla, and star anise steep in the covered pot for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors into the water.
- Brew the tea: Add loose-leaf black tea or tea bags to the spiced infusion and steep for an additional 3–5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Warm the milk: In a separate pot, gently warm the 2 cups of milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Strain the infusion: Strain the cinnamon vanilla tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the warm milk to combine all flavors evenly.
- Sweeten and serve: Stir in honey or preferred sweetener to taste. Serve the vanilla cinnamon milk tea hot, or let it cool and serve over ice for a refreshing iced version. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top before serving.
Notes
- Using whole cinnamon sticks and real vanilla beans offers deeper flavor, but ground cinnamon and vanilla extract are convenient substitutes.
- Star anise is optional; it adds a subtle licorice note that complements the spices well.
- Adjust steeping times to preference — longer steeping results in a stronger spice and tea flavor.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by substituting milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tea
Keywords: vanilla cinnamon milk tea, black tea recipe, spiced milk tea, homemade tea, warm beverages, cinnamon tea, vanilla tea

