No need to run out to the coffee shop, this copycat Dunkin' Donuts Vanilla Chai latte recipe is the best way to enjoy a spiced chai latte in the comfort of your home. Plus there's no need to wait for this seasonal drink to come back to the menu, you can enjoy it any time of year hot or iced!
If you're not really a coffee drinker but love a cup of something cozy and warm, this copy cat version of the Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Spice recipe, also known as the Vanilla Chai, might just become your new favorite morning beverage.
You might also enjoy this copycat recipe, Dunkin' Donuts Blueberry Matcha Latte or this copycat Starbucks Strawberry Latte recipe if you're looking for something more unique to try.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It is economical. Instead of heading out to one of your favorite coffee chains for a vanilla chai tea latte, you can easily make it yourself at home for a fraction of the cost.
- It is delicious. The combination of black tea, rich flavors of chai spices, vanilla and a touch of sweetness make for the ultimate in cozy, warm beverages.
- It is easy. This Dunkin Donuts Chai Latte whips up in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients and zero prep work.
Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
- Black Tea or Chai Tea. You will need to use a strong black tea like Darjeeling or Assam as the base for your latte. Note that loose leaf tea leaves often provides a richer flavor compared to tea bags, but tea bags will work just fine.
- Milk. You can use any type of milk you like. I prefer to use lactose free whole milk, but you can also use skim milk or your favorite plant based milk. Coconut milk would also be a delicious option if you are dairy free.
- Coconut Sugar. I prefer using coconut sugar as it has slightly lower glucose levels than brown sugar, but if that is not a concern of yours, using brown sugar will work just as well.
- Chai Spices. This recipe calls for a mix of spices; cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom, but you can also use a premade chai mix or chai tea syrup if you prefer and don't mind the extra grams of sugar. You can choose pre ground spices or grind your own using a spice grinder.
- Vanilla Extract. Use a high quality vanilla extract for best results.
Expert Tips
- To make this hot chai latte extra foamy, warm an additional ¼ cup of milk and froth using a handheld frother. Pour the steamed milk overtop of the chai tea and sprinkle with additional chai spices.
- If you're a coffee lover, make this a dirty chai by adding a shot of espresso.
- Make it an iced chai latte by allowing the hot milk mixture to chill in the fridge in a mason jar or other heat proof glass. Once chilled, serve in a glass over ice. You can also make this an iced dirty chai latte by adding a shot of chilled espresso.
- The Dunkin' Donuts Vanilla Chai is rather sweet. If your preference is for a sweeter chai tea, you can add some additional coconut sugar, tasting to adjust the sweetness level to match your personal tastes.
Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Recipe Step By Step Instructions
- Warm the milk & vanilla. In a small saucepan, warm the milk on the stovetop over medium heat and slowly whisk in the vanilla extract until it just begins to bubble.
2. Whisk in dry ingredients. If using loose leaf, add the black tea, chai spices and coconut sugar to the saucepan, whisking continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the spice blend and sugar is dissolved and the milk is hot. If you are using black tea bags, first mix the chai spices & coconut sugar together in the sauce pan, then add the tea bags to steep.
3. Steep the tea. Remove from the heat & allow the chai tea mix to steep for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Strain & enjoy. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the chai tea into a heat proof glass or a mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!
Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai FAQs
Did Dunkin' Donuts Discontinue the Vanilla Chai?
At the time of posting, it seems that Dunkin has discontinued the Vanilla Chai, also known as the Vanilla Spice latte, though it is still listed as a product on their website. No matter, now you have an easy recipe to make it yourself at home!
Can I make this an iced chai latte?
You can easily make an iced or hot version of this recipe. If you prefer an iced chai latte, follow the recipe steps as noted, then allow the hot milk mixture to chill in the fridge in a mason jar or other heat proof glass. Once chilled, serve in a glass over ice cubes. You can also make this an iced dirty chai latte by adding a shot of chilled espresso.
What if I like an extra foamy latte?
To make this hot chai latte extra foamy, warm an additional ¼ cup of milk using the steam wand of an espresso machine, or on the stovetop and froth using a handheld frother. Pour the steamed milk overtop of the chai tea and sprinkle with additional chai spices.
What to pair with a Vanilla Chai Latte
- Brioche French Toast Casserole
- Fluffy Pancakes
- 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Perfect Scrambled Eggs
- Easy Air Fryer or Oven Baked Breakfast Sausage
Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag or chai tea
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the milk & vanilla. In a small saucepan, warm the milk on the stovetop over medium heat and slowly whisk in the vanilla extract until it just begins to bubble.
- Whisk in dry ingredients. If using loose leaf, add the black tea, chai spices and coconut sugar to the saucepan, whisking continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the spice blend and sugar is dissolved and the milk is hot. If you are using black tea bags, first mix the chai spices & coconut sugar together in the sauce pan, then add the tea bags to steep.
- Steep the tea. Remove from the heat & allow the chai tea mix to steep for another 2-3 minutes.
- Strain & enjoy. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the chai tea into a heat proof glass or a mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!
Notes
- To make this hot chai latte extra foamy, warm an additional ¼ cup of milk and froth using a handheld frother. Pour the steamed milk overtop of the chai tea and sprinkle with additional chai spices.
- If you're a coffee lover, make this a dirty chai by adding a shot of espresso.
- Make it an iced chai latte by allowing the hot milk mixture to chill in the fridge in a mason jar or other heat proof glass. Once chilled, serve in a glass over ice. You can also make this an iced dirty chai latte by adding a shot of chilled espresso.
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