Looking for the coziest, most comforting drink ever? Then you're going to LOVE this Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea!
This homemade Cinnamon Tea recipe couldn't be easier to make or more delicious. Grab a cup and curl up with your favorite book!
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When I was a kid, I loved to read and did it nonstop, especially over summer vacation. I could finish multiple books a week for sure.
It's been a while since I've read at that rate! Now I'm lucky to get through a book every couple months. There's still nothing better than curling up with a great book though, especially when I have a warm, cozy drink nearby ... like my favorite Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea!
This wonderful, lightly sweetened Milk Tea recipe is the definition of comfort. It's warm and creamy with a hint of cinnamon. Not only is it delicious, but it's also quick and easy to make.
You are going to love this comforting drink. A sip is like a hug in a mug ... especially when paired with a few cookies and a great book!
Ingredients
This Cinnamon Tea with milk uses basic ingredients ... you probably already have everything in your pantry! Here's what you'll need:
- Cinnamon - Whole cinnamon sticks infuse this tasty tea with its signature warm flavor. In a pinch, you can use ground cinnamon, but sticks work best.
- Black Tea - A strong black tea, like English breakfast or earl grey, works great for this recipe. You can certainly experiment with green or herbal tea though. Rooibos tea would also be delish if you'd prefer a spicier flavor.
- Milk - I used 2% milk when testing this recipe. For an extra creamy drink, use whole milk. Non-dairy / vegan milks, like soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk, would also work great.
- Sweetener - This recipe calls for maple syrup, but honey works well, too.
- Vanilla - A little vanilla extract adds another layer of flavor to this tea.
You'll Also Need
In addition to the ingredients above, you'll also need a small saucepan with a lid to prepare the tea.
How to Make Cinnamon Milk Tea
Ready to try this wonderful Cinnamon Milk Tea for yourself? You'll find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Bring water and cinnamon sticks to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add tea bags to water mixture. Cover the pot, then let the tea steep for seven minutes.
- Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Mix in milk. While the tea steeps, heat the milk in your microwave or in another saucepan. Then, when the tea is ready, stir in the hot milk.
Isn't it amazing how few simple ingredients turn plain tea into a delicious treat? Grab your favorite book and start relaxing!
Cinnamon Tea Variations
This Cinnamon Stick Tea recipe is super simple to customize! Here are some easy ideas to inspire you:
- Tea - The recipe calls for black tea, but you can use green or herbal teas, too. Spicy rooibos tea would also be delicious.
- Honey - Don't have maple syrup? Swap in honey instead.
- Sweeter / Less Sweet - This tea is mildly sweet. If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add more maple syrup. For a less sweet drink, cut down on the maple syrup or leave it out altogether.
- Sugar Free - A few readers have made this recipe using sugar alternatives, like Stevia, with great results.
- Spicier - Like your tea a little spicy? Add a few slices of fresh ginger, or other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves, while you steep the tea.
- Latte - Turn this simple drink into a latte by frothing the milk before you add it to the tea.
Related Recipes
If you loved this cozy drink, make sure to try some of my other tea and coffee recipes:
- Chai Concentrate - Use this delicious, homemade syrup to make your fave Chai Lattes (and Dirty Chai Lattes) in minutes!
- Homemade Hot Chocolate - So delicious and so easy to make from scratch.
- Pumpkin Spice Steamer - Another cozy drink ... tastes like a pumpkin hot chocolate!
- Iced Green Tea with Coconut Milk - Your fave iced tea made with coconut milk instead of water.
- Iced Ginger Melon Green Tea - This unique drink blends tea and melon for a tasty seasonal treat.
- Iced Peach Green Tea - The perfect drink for a hot day, especially in peach season.
- Berry Green Tea Smoothie - A super refreshing smoothie made with tea and fresh berries.
Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea
Ingredients
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 black tea bags
- 1 ½ cups milk (I used 2%.)
- 3 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups water and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil.
- Remove water from heat, then add tea bags. Cover pot and let tea steep for 7 minutes.
- While tea is steeping, heat milk in microwave or another saucepan until warm. Set aside.
- When 7 minutes has passed, remove tea bags and cinnamon sticks from saucepan.
- Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract. Then add milk.
- Divide tea between 2 cups and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I am excited to try this! My hope is that it will be a warm drink other than cocoa that my teenagers might enjoy.
I've really never used whole cinnamon sticks for anything. Can they be used for making this tea again? Or do they spoil or lose flavor after one use? Also, what if I want to make a double batch of this tea? Would I use double the cinnamon sticks, or would the 3 be plenty to infuse the whole batch?
You could probably reuses the cinnamon sticks if you're making another batch of the tea right away (it won't be quite as strong though), but I wouldn't save the sticks and reuse them later. If you want to make a double batch, three cinnamon sticks would probably be enough, though it won't be quite as cinnamony. 🙂 I hope you and your teens enjoy the tea!
Tried this tonight, and it was delicious! Perfect for a winter's night!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jessica! Definitely a great drink on a cold day!
Yum! I just sent my hubby out for milk to try this deliciousness. 🙂 I tried milk tea at an Indian restaurant today and immediately left looking for a recipe that includes cinnamon (they also added a bit of ginger) Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Shauntel! I'm so glad you enjoyed the tea. You could definitely add some fresh ginger slices to the steeping tea next time ... that sounds delish!
Awesome flavor.substituted Splenda for syrup.excellent. I actually stopped and picked up a book.
I'm so glad you liked it, Crystal ... and that you were able to relax with a book for a bit! 🙂
This was lovely! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome recipe! Drinking a mug of this deliciousness right now!! 😊
For people who are interested in making: We did feel that it needed a bit more Maple syrup, so we added about 2 teaspoons extra, (to taste), so if recommend tasting before adding the milk! We also used unsweetened almond milk, so that may have been why (less sugar). We frothed the milk, and that made it so light and a little foamy! Yum! I recommend that if you have a frother! Must try!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the tea, Tara! And thank you so much for sharing the tips for those who'd like it a little sweeter. I love the idea of frothing the milk ... will try that next time! 🙂
This may sound odd but can you make this as a cold beverage as well
Hi Inara! That doesn't seem odd to me at all, sounds delicious. I haven't tried it cold, but here's what I'd do: prep the tea portion of the recipe ahead of time (through adding the maple syrup and vanilla), then cool in your refrigerator. Add the milk cold and serve over ice. OR, if you don't want to wait for the tea to cool, prep the tea part as directed but add an extra tea bag (or two), then stir in the milk cold. Serve over ice (the melting ice will dilute the tea a bit, which is why you… Read more »
What Tazo tea flavor are you using?!? 😀
You have a good eye, Andie! It's been a while since I took these pics, but it was probably English Breakfast or Earl Grey. 🙂
how much cinnamon do i add since we don’t have the sticks?
Hi, Celine! I haven't made it without the cinnamon sticks, but you could try adding 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Maybe start with less, then add more to taste. Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Yum! Reminds me of a drink my dad would make me when I was little. He would heat up milk and add maple syrup. I also love black tea with milk! I’ll definitely try!
What a great memory, Amanda! It's definitely a soothing drink ... hope you enjoy it.
Can I use cinnamon powder if I don't have the sticks?
Hi, Rose! You could use cinnamon powder, but it will make the tea a little grainy. I'd recommend letting the tea sit in the saucepan for a minute before serving. That way, the cinnamon will sink to the bottom, and if you pour carefully, most will stay in the pot. Try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, and let us know how it goes!
I'd have to say WATERPROOF that is genius!
I love that the screen lights up! i have an e-reader that's old and doesn't light up, so I really, really love that!
Excellent blog -- I also love my Nook! Currently, I'm trying to catch up on the Game of Thrones tome.
Love to read and have a cup of tea. Great ideas Ginnie
My favorite feature is that it's a mobile friendly website!
I have never really drank tea. I need to try it sometime. You never know maybe I'll like it.
Love, love, love Nooks!! They are so great to have!
the magazines and newspapers
I really think I need to try this! YUM!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Hi Ginnie,
Thanks for joining and sharing this tea recipe and your other projects with us at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
We hope to see you again!
Julie xo
I am a major tea lover, during it every day, and always with milk. I can't wait to try this recipe! Pinned it!