Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Tea Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 13, 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the warm, spicy sweetness of a Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla Chai Tea but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, you’re in luck! This delightful beverage combines the aromatic spices of chai with the creamy sweetness of vanilla, creating a perfect balance that’s both soothing and invigorating.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy morning pick-me-up or a relaxing afternoon treat, this recipe lets you recreate that iconic Dunkin’ flavor with ease. Plus, making it at home means you can customize the sweetness and spice levels to your liking, ensuring every sip is just right.

Get ready to embrace that comforting chai latte experience without waiting in line!

In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple, foolproof recipe to make your own Dunkin’ Donuts-style Vanilla Chai Tea. From gathering ingredients to brewing the perfect cup, you’ll master the art of this beloved drink and impress your friends and family with your barista skills!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Dunkin’ Vanilla Chai Tea recipe is a game-changer for chai lovers everywhere. Not only does it capture the essence of the original with its warm spices, creamy texture, and subtle vanilla sweetness, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make.

You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences perfectly.

Making your own chai at home means you can control the caffeine content, adjust the sugar, and even choose your favorite milk or milk alternative. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a café-quality drink on a budget, plus it’s perfect for cozy mornings, chilly evenings, or whenever you need a little comforting indulgence.

Plus, if you love exploring vegan options, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to swap in your favorite plant-based milks!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose black tea)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or your preferred plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Tea strainer or fine mesh sieve (if using loose tea)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Serving mugs
  • Kettle or pot to boil water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chai spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Boil water: Pour 2 cups of water into the saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add tea and spices: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the black tea bags or loose tea (use a tea strainer). Add the prepared chai spice mix and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir well.
  4. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tea and spices to infuse fully. Stir occasionally.
  5. Add milk: Pour in the 1 cup of milk and increase the heat slightly. Heat until the chai is hot but not boiling, about 2-3 minutes. Stir gently.
  6. Sweeten with vanilla: Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea and spices. Stir in 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup to add that signature vanilla flavor.
  7. Serve: Pour the chai into your favorite mugs. Optionally, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for garnish. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

“For a richer, creamier version, try using half-and-half or coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also add a splash of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetness.”

  • Make it vegan: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and replace sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder chai, reduce the black pepper and cloves. For a spicier kick, add a pinch more or even a dash of nutmeg.
  • Homemade vanilla syrup: Simmer equal parts sugar and water with a split vanilla bean or vanilla extract until syrupy for a fresh, natural vanilla flavor.
  • Serve iced: Let the chai cool, pour over ice, and enjoy a refreshing vanilla chai iced tea on warm days.
  • Experiment with tea bases: Try green tea or rooibos instead of black tea for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 120
Carbohydrates 20g
Sugars 18g
Fat 3g
Protein 2g
Caffeine 40-50mg

Serving Suggestions

This delightful vanilla chai tea pairs wonderfully with a wide range of snacks and meals. For a cozy breakfast, enjoy it alongside warm cinnamon rolls or a buttery croissant.

It also complements light sandwiches and salads perfectly, making it a great choice for a relaxed brunch.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, try pairing your chai with spiced cookies or vegan muffins to keep the spice theme going. For a savory twist, a grilled cheese sandwich or a hearty vegetable soup works beautifully; check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for some tasty ideas.

Conclusion

Making your own Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla Chai Tea at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. This recipe offers the perfect combination of warming spices, creamy milk, and sweet vanilla flavor that will satisfy your chai cravings any time of day.

Plus, it’s flexible enough to accommodate dietary preferences and ingredient availability, making it a versatile addition to your homemade beverage repertoire.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a café-quality chai latte anytime without the wait or extra cost. Whether you’re new to chai or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to for cozy mornings and relaxing afternoons.

Don’t forget to explore our other easy and delicious recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious to keep your culinary adventures exciting and flavorful!

📖 Recipe Card: Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Tea

Description: A warm and flavorful chai tea infused with vanilla sweetness, inspired by Dunkin Donuts. Perfect for a cozy and aromatic beverage experience.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT15M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1 cup milk (whole or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
  2. Add tea bags and spices to the boiling water.
  3. Simmer for 5 minutes to steep the tea and spices.
  4. Remove tea bags and strain the mixture.
  5. Stir in milk, vanilla syrup, and honey.
  6. Heat gently until warm, do not boil.
  7. Pour into cups and serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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