Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
Cozy up with a mug of Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, a wonderfully aromatic beverage that blends creamy milk, bold black tea, sweet honey, and warm spices into pure comfort. This soothing drink is incredibly easy to make but truly feels like a little luxury, with its fragrant layers of cinnamon and vanilla swirling together for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or nighttime wind-down. Whether you’re new to making specialty teas at home or looking for a new favorite, this recipe brings a magical touch to the familiar flavors you already love.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Tea:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional for steeping)
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea
Step 1: Prepare the Tea Base
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. If you love a pronounced cinnamon flavor, add your cinnamon stick now. As soon as the water reaches a rolling boil, slip in your black tea bags or loose-leaf tea using an infuser. Dial the heat down to a gentle simmer and let everything steep for 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the tea plenty of time to develop strength without going bitter, while the cinnamon infuses its warm, spiced character.
Step 2: Remove Tea and Cinnamon
Once your tea has reached deliciously fragrant heights, lift out the tea bags, infuser, and cinnamon stick if you used one. This keeps your Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea perfectly smooth without stray bits of cinnamon or overinfused tea. Pause and inhale the heady aroma!
Step 3: Build Creaminess and Sweetness
Pour in 1 cup of whole milk (or the milk variety you prefer), along with 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir gently while keeping the pot over low heat. The goal is to warm everything through so the sweetener dissolves and the flavors marry, but be careful not to let it boil—gentle warmth maintains that silky texture.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once your Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is perfectly hot and beautifully scented, pour the mixture into your favorite mugs. If you’re feeling fancy, strain as you pour for an extra smooth finish. Immediately enjoy your tea while it’s steaming, creamy, and comforting. That first sip is magic!
How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea

Garnishes
Take your mug to the next level with a little extra flourish. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon right before serving brings a pop of color and extra aroma. For a café-inspired touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or even a cinnamon stick as a delightful stirrer — it’s all about that personal touch that makes Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your tea with simple, satisfying sides that complement its sweet, spiced profile. Think buttery shortbread, crisp biscotti, or even a slice of toasted brioche. For something a bit more indulgent, a warm scone with jam or honey pairs divinely — these cozy combos turn your tea into a mini retreat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea in clear glass mugs really showcases its creamy color, especially topped with a cinnamon swirl or a floating star anise for visual flair. Hosting friends? Serve it in little teacups on a tray with cinnamon stick stirrers for a tea party vibe. For iced tea fans, chill the tea and pour over ice for an ultra-refreshing variation that’s just as rich and vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea (does this ever really happen?), let it cool before transferring to a sealed jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will stay lovely for up to two days. The flavor may deepen slightly, making for a wonderful next-day treat.
Freezing
While not common, you can actually freeze leftover milk tea for a fun twist. Pour cooled tea into ice cube trays, freeze, and then use those cubes to chill your next batch without diluting the flavor. Avoid freezing a whole batch in a single container since the texture of milk can change significantly.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, pour your serving into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat. Stir occasionally and remove from heat as soon as the tea is hot—avoid boiling, as this can alter the milk’s texture. In a hurry, the microwave works too (use short intervals and stir well!).
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea with non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk are fantastic choices, and they lend their own unique creaminess and flavor. Oat milk in particular offers a wonderfully rich texture that pairs perfectly with the spices and tea.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Definitely! This recipe is your playground—feel free to add more or less honey (or sugar), and tweak the cinnamon to your personal taste. You can also experiment with maple syrup or agave if you want alternative sweeteners.
What other tea types work in this recipe?
While bold black tea is the classic base, chai tea bags bring a more complex, spiced character. You can experiment with Ceylon, Assam, or even decaf black teas if preferred—each gives its own subtle twist to Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea.
Is there a caffeine-free version?
Of course! Use your favorite decaf black tea or even rooibos for a caffeine-free alternative that maintains that rich, robust flavor and pairs beautifully with the vanilla and cinnamon.
How do I make it iced?
After preparing as instructed, let the tea cool completely before pouring over ice. You can even use frozen milk tea cubes to chill your drink for maximum flavor—enjoy Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea as a refreshing cold treat, especially in warm weather.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea is more than just a cozy drink—it’s an experience and a little act of self-care you can enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try, play around with your favorite tweaks, and let yourself savor each creamy, spiced sip. Here’s to the delightful comfort of homemade tea creations!
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Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Milk Tea, a delightful fusion beverage that combines the richness of tea with the warmth of vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for cozy evenings or a soothing pick-me-up.
Ingredients
For the Tea:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional for steeping)
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea: Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add black tea bags or loose tea in an infuser along with the cinnamon stick if using. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Mix the Milk: Remove tea bags/infuser and cinnamon stick. Stir in milk, honey or sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until hot but not boiling.
- Serve: Pour the tea into mugs and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier drink, use half-and-half or add condensed milk.
- Try using chai tea bags for a spiced variation.
- Adjust sweetness and cinnamon level to suit your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Tea-based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg