Dunkin Donut’s Vanilla Chai Tea Mix Recipe

When cool nights and colder mornings start peeking around the corner, nothing says comfort to me more than Vanilla Chai Tea. Something about the change in weather, cozy sweaters, and a mug full of something hot is so cozy to me.

When we lived in Massachusetts, that mug of something hot usually consisted of a sweet, delicious Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai. Since we are no longer in Massachusetts, and there isn’t a Dunkin Donuts for at least 30 miles in either direction, I decided it was time to whip up a batch of my own from scratch.

I searched and searched and tested many recipes. I added ingredients and removed ingredients until I found the right combination. After much trial and error, I give you my version (which is pretty darn tasty!) of the perfect Homemade Vanilla Chai Mix From Scratch! 

I swear, it’s good, so good that you might even think it’s an actual Dunkin Vanilla Chai. But try it out and let me know what you think!

Making Vanilla Chai Tea Mix

Before you dive into making your Dunkin Donuts-inspired vanilla chai mix, you’ll need a few things from your kitchen, including a blender, measuring cups, and mason jars or air-tight containers for storage.

If you plan on giving this chai tea mix as a gift, you’ll definitely want to use mason jars. I’ve also created a cute and printable gift label that you’ll find at the end of this post. You’re welcome 😉

Now let’s get to it!

Ingredients 

• 1 Cup instant tea powder unsweetened (1 1/2 – 2 cups if you like a stronger tea)
• 1 Cup nondairy powder creamer
• 1 Cup Coffee mate French Vanilla Flavored Powder
• 1 Cup dry milk
• 2 Cups sugar (or artificial sweetener such as Splenda)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Mix well with a whisk.

Blend in small batches (1 to 2 cups at a time) in your blender until the mix becomes a fine powder.

Pour into an airtight container to store.

Just look at how fine that powder is!

To serve: 

To a mug of very hot water, add 2 – 3 Tablespoons of Homemade Vanilla Chai Mix. Stir until all ingredients have dissolved. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream if desired.

For a creamier cup of vanilla chai, make it with milk instead of water! Mmmm good!

This Homemade Vanilla Chai Mix is perfect for gift giving. Package it up in a small mason jar (airtight is always best). Cut a small circle of festive fabric to match your holiday or theme and place it under the metal ring of the mason jar. Add a fun little gift tag with instructions on how to mix the Vanilla Chai using a hole punch and pretty ribbon.

I have made these cute printable tags. If you would like to use them for your Vanilla Chai gifts, simply click the image below to open the PDF file. You can then save and/or print right from your computer. There are 6 per sheet!

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Vanilla Chai Mix From Scratch

Perfect for those cool fall evenings and great for gift giving.

Prep Time30 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Indian

Keyword: chai tea, dunkin donuts vanilla chai, Vanilla chai tea

Servings: 4

Calories: 100kcal

Ingredients

• 1 Cup instant tea powder unsweetened 1 1/2 – 2 cups if you like a stronger tea
• 1 Cup nondairy powder creamer
• 1 Cup Coffee mate French Vanilla Flavored Powder
• 1 Cup dry milk
• 2 Cups sugar or artificial sweetener such as splenda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• Whipped cream for garnish optional

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Mix well with a whisk.
• Blend in small batches (1 to 2 cups at a time) in your blender until the mix becomes a fine powder.
• Pour into an air tight container to store.

Nutrition

Serving: 3tbs | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 0.1mg

What is vanilla chai tea?

Vanilla chai is a tea-based drink with a vanilla flavor. Typically, the vanilla flavor comes from produced actual vanilla, an artificial vanilla flavoring, or a mix of spices. Vanilla chai, like all varieties of spiced chai, is typically brewed from a fragrant mixture of black tea and spices. It is generally made rich with milk and sweetened with sugar.

Is vanilla chai tea healthy?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Chai tea as a general rule of thumb has many health benefits. But if you’re adding a ton of sugar and milk to your vanilla chai tea, then the answer is more well…not really. But everything in moderation, right? 

Below is more about the health benefits of chai tea in general. Then just remember to moderate your usage of sugar. Feel free to adjust this recipe to both your taste and your dietary needs.

Health Benefits of Chai Tea

According to WebMd, chai tea has numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and boost overall health. The spices used in chai tea also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Other benefits of chai tea include: 

Lower Blood Pressure

Chai tea contains a number of ingredients that may help lower blood pressure, including cinnamon, which has been shown to prevent hypertension in people with diabetes. Additionally, black tea has been shown to lower blood pressure when consumed regularly. 

Improve Brain Cognition

Chai tea has been shown to improve cognitive function due to the presence of caffeine and L-theanine. The caffeine provides a short-term boost in energy and focus, while the L-theanine promotes a state of relaxation that can improve long-term cognitive function. The combination of these two substances makes chai a great drink for those looking for an energizing but calming beverage. 

Additionally, the spices found in chai tea have been shown to improve memory and attention. Cinnamon, in particular, has a pleasant smell that can help improve focus and task switching. Thus, chai tea is a great drink for those looking for an all-around brain booster.

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Black tea, especially chai, helps to regulate glucose levels and may prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar. It is especially valuable for controlling glucose levels after drinking sugary beverages. 

The combination of black tea and spices helps to slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, providing sustained energy throughout the day. Chai tea is a delicious and healthy way to keep blood sugar levels in check.

So as you can see, chai tea on its own is healthy. But when you start adding sugar to your tea and cream, that’s where things get complicated. So know your body and indulge in moderation. 

Is there caffeine in vanilla chai tea?

Chai does have caffeine. It is not as much as coffee, but it is there. This means that if you are looking for a caffeinated drink to start your day, chai tea is a good option. It has all of the spices that you love, plus the added perk of caffeine. Whether you are a morning person or not, chai can help you start your day off on the right foot. 

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Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉

Are you looking for more recipes from popular restaurants? We’ve got just that! Here’s our roundup of favorite copycat restaurants, from places like Texas Roadhouse to the Olive Garden. You also might like our post on Harry Potter Drinks.