There’s something gloriously comforting about the scent of vanilla and spices mingling in the air—like a warm hug on a brisk day. These Vanilla Chai Cupcakes are the perfect excuse to grab a cozy blanket and a good book, or maybe just a moment to yourself in the madness of life. Remember that viral cat video from last week? These cupcakes are kind of like that—unexpectedly delightful and just what you needed.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a cupcake pan with liners. In a small bowl or plastic bag, mix together cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to create the chai spice mix.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix. Gradually fold in sifted flour and buttermilk, alternating between the two, until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a separate small bowl, combine baking soda and apple cider vinegar, and then add this mixture to the batter. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat the butter in a stand mixer until creamy. On low speed, mix in vanilla extract and the remaining chai spice mix. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth.
- If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold milk to the buttercream to reach your desired consistency. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the buttercream onto them using a frosting tip of your choice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons chai spice mix (see below)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Remaining chai spice mix
- 1 tablespoon cold milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
FAQ
- What are the key ingredients needed for Vanilla Chai Cupcakes?
- The main ingredients include butter, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, chai spice mix, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar.
- How do you make the chai spice mix for the cupcakes?
- The chai spice mix is made by combining ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- What is the best method for ensuring perfectly sized cupcakes?
- A great tip is to use an ice cream scoop to distribute the batter evenly into the muffin tins.
- How can you adjust the thickness of the buttercream icing?
- If the buttercream is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cold milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
- What baking temperature and time are recommended for these cupcakes?
- The cupcakes should be baked at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Tips
- To achieve perfectly portioned cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tins.
- When preparing the chai spice mix, ensure it is thoroughly combined to guarantee a consistent flavor throughout the cupcakes and buttercream.
- To avoid overmixing the batter, gently fold in the flour and buttermilk alternately. This will help maintain a light and fluffy texture in the cupcakes.
- If your buttercream is too thick, gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of cold milk to reach the desired consistency, allowing for easier piping onto the cupcakes.
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Frosting piping tips (e.g., Wilton 1M tip)
- Ice cream scoop (for portioning batter into cupcake tins)
