Description
Soft, spiced cupcakes infused with warm chai flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, topped with creamy cinnamon frosting. These cozy, aromatic cupcakes are perfect for fall or winter gatherings and offer a delightful twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and creamy, creating a fluffy base for the cupcakes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them and maintain the batter’s smooth texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Alternately add these dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Whip the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing well. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost Cupcakes: Spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
Notes
- For an extra touch of spice and texture, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting before serving.
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for regular milk in the batter and frosting.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Indian-Inspired
