Go Back
For the Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 1/2 teaspoon ground chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves) - 1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Each ingredient plays a vital role. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise. Sea salt enhances flavor. Unsalted butter, when browned, adds a rich, nutty taste. Eggs bind the mix and add moisture. Vanilla extract offers a fragrant sweetness, and buttermilk keeps the cupcakes tender. The brewed chai tea and ground spices create that signature chai flavor, while chocolate chips bring a delightful surprise. If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat flour for more fiber. - Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a richer flavor. - Baking powder can be replaced with baking soda and vinegar in a pinch. - For dairy-free options, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk for buttermilk. - If you don’t have chai spices, use pumpkin pie spice as a quick substitute. Feel free to get creative! Just remember, each swap might change the final taste or texture. Start by gathering all your tools. You will need: - A standard cupcake pan - Paper liners - Two mixing bowls (one large, one medium) - A whisk - A spatula - A saucepan - An oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the cupcake pan with the paper liners. This makes for easy cleanup and helps the cupcakes release smoothly. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir often until it turns golden brown. You will smell a nutty aroma when it's ready. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit. In a large bowl, mix the cooled browned butter with two large eggs, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and half a cup of buttermilk. Whisk these together until they are smooth. This mixture will be rich and creamy. In a medium bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Make sure everything is mixed well. You want to avoid clumps in your batter. Now, combine the dry and wet mixtures. Gently fold them together until just combined. Do not overmix, or your cupcakes will be tough. Next, pour in one cup of cooled brewed chai tea and half a teaspoon of ground chai spices. Fold until the batter is smooth. Finally, add a half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix gently. Divide the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes with a lovely topping of whipped cream cheese frosting! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To brown butter, you need to pay close attention. Start by placing unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. The butter will first melt, then foam. Keep stirring. After a few minutes, it will turn golden brown. You’ll smell a rich, nutty aroma. This brown butter adds depth to your cupcakes. Make sure to remove it from the heat as soon as it’s brown. If you let it cook too long, it will burn. Overmixing is a common mistake when making cupcakes. It can lead to dense or tough cupcakes. To avoid this, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Use a spatula or a whisk. Mix just until you see no dry flour. It is okay if there are small lumps in the batter. This helps keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. To create the best flavor in your Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes, focus on high-quality ingredients. Use fresh ground spices for the chai mix. They add a warm, aromatic flavor. Brew strong chai tea for a richer taste. The chocolate chips bring sweetness and balance to the spice. You can also enhance your cupcakes by adding a little extra vanilla or a pinch of salt. These small tweaks can elevate your flavors to a new level. For more detailed guidance, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make these cupcakes gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Check that it has xanthan gum or add it separately. The texture will still be light and fluffy. You won’t lose any flavor! If you want mini cupcakes, just adjust the baking time. Fill each mini liner halfway with batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. These bite-sized treats are great for parties! Feel free to play with spices! You can add more chai spices for a stronger flavor. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or a splash of espresso for coffee lovers. You can also toss in nuts or dried fruits for texture. Get creative and make it your own! Check the Full Recipe for more ideas. To keep your Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. Place the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep them for longer, the fridge is a good option. Freezing cupcakes is easy. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out the cupcakes. Leave them at room temperature for about an hour to thaw. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds for a quick warm-up. Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they start to look or smell off, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy the delightful flavors while they are fresh! Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes offer a warm, rich flavor. You taste the nutty brown butter first. The chai spices bring warmth with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness. Each bite is cozy and inviting, perfect for any dessert lover. Yes, you can make these cupcakes dairy-free. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the browned butter. You can swap buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk mixed with lemon juice. This will help create a similar texture and taste. To make these cupcakes egg-free, you can use a few options. A common choice is to use flaxseed meal mixed with water. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This acts as a great binder. You can also use applesauce or mashed bananas as an alternative for each egg. You can find the Full Recipe for Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes above. It includes all the ingredients and steps needed to create these delightful treats. Enjoy baking! This blog post covered key ingredients for Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes and how to use them. We reviewed step-by-step instructions to bake perfect cupcakes and shared tips for extra flair. You learned about variations and best storage methods, too. Cupcakes are fun treats you can enjoy in many ways. Try these tips and recipes, and share your delicious results with friends. You will love making and tasting these sweet delights!

Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes

Indulge in the warm and cozy flavors of Brown Butter Dirty Chai Cupcakes! These delightful treats blend rich brown butter, fragrant chai spices, and decadent chocolate chips for a unique twist on your favorite dessert. Perfect for coffee lovers and chai tea fans alike, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Ready to tempt your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned to perfection

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon ground chai spices (a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves)

1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled to room temperature

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners to prepare for the batter.

    In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined.

      In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring constantly. Keep cooking until the butter turns a rich golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. Once achieved, remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the eggs, pure vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Using a whisk, mix the ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

          Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

            Pour in the cooled brewed chai tea and the ground chai spices. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are fully combined and the batter is smooth.

              Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

                    Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for around 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 cupcakes

                        - Presentation Tips: For a delightful finishing touch, top each cupcake with whipped cream cheese frosting, then sprinkle lightly with additional ground chai spices. Enhance the aesthetic by placing a small piece of dark chocolate on top for an elegant flair. Enjoy your delicious creations!