CHOCOLATE SPICE CHAI CUPCAKES WITH MAPLE ICING

Rich and irresistibly cozy, these Chocolate Spice Chai Cupcakes with Maple Icing transform a simple dessert into something truly special. Infused with chocolate chai tea and crowned with a silky maple icing, they deliver the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness in every bite. One taste, and you’ll understand why they disappear so quickly. 

Ingredients

For Cupcakes:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tea bags of Four O’Clock Chocolate Spices Chai Tea
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For Maple icing:

• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tea bag of Four O’Clock Maple Herbal Tea
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Preparation for milk infusion: 

• Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming, not boiling.
• Add tea bags, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
• Remove tea bags, squeeze out liquid and let cool.

Preparation for Cupcakes:

• Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-count muffin tin with liners.
• In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients; flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In a larger bowl, beat butter, granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, then vanilla. Mix in sour cream.
• Alternate dry ingredients and infused milk into wet mixture until combined.
• Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
• Bake 18-22 min until toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool before frosting.

Preparation for icing:

• Follow milk infusion steps.
• Beat butter until smooth and creamy
• Gradually add powdered sugar until combined.
• Pour in maple syrup, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Slowly add cooled infused milk until smooth and spreadable consistency.
• Frost cooled cupcakes. You can use a piping bag for cleaner more quantity-controlled coverage.

Optional:  For a sweeter touch, drizzle maple syrup over the top.