Irresistible Mini Chai Muffins with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe

Delicate and aromatic mini chai muffins dance with warm spices that awaken every sense.

These bite-sized delights blend classic chai flavors into a tender, irresistible treat.

Fragrant cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger mingle beautifully throughout each soft morsel.

A drizzle of luxurious vanilla bean glaze adds a creamy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the spicy undertones.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these elegant little muffins with minimal effort.

The recipe promises a delightful experience that transports you to a cozy café with just one bite.

Serve these mini chai muffins as a sophisticated snack or elegant dessert that will surely impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 29 minutes

Calories: 110 kcal

Servings: 13

Mini Chai Muffins with Vanilla Glaze: Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure and tender crumb for these delightful mini muffins, choose unbleached flour for the best texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Magical rising agents that create a light and fluffy muffin texture, ensuring a perfect lift and softness.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the complex flavor profile of the chai spices.
• Chai Spice Mix: Brings warm, aromatic magic with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other exotic spices that transport your taste buds.

• Yogurt, Milk: Adds moisture and creates a rich, tender crumb, with Greek yogurt providing extra creaminess and protein.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a super moist and soft muffin texture that stays fresh longer.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds depth and subtle caramel-like notes to the muffins.
• Vanilla: Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle, comforting background note.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the muffin.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy coating that adds a touch of sweetness.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for the glaze.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Delivers intense vanilla flavor with beautiful specks of real vanilla bean for visual and taste appeal.

Kitchen Tools for Mini Chai Muffins Success

• Mini Muffin Pan: 32-cup pan for perfectly bite-sized muffins.
• Muffin Liners: Optional, for easy removal and clean-up.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining dry ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking wet ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps gently fold batter without overmixing.
• Whisk: Essential for smooth ingredient blending.
• Toothpick: Checks muffin doneness.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly.
• Small Bowl: For mixing vanilla bean glaze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step for Mini Chai Muffins with Glaze

• Kitchen Preparation

Gather all baking tools and ensure oven space is ready for mini muffin creation. Arrange mini muffin pan and needed equipment on clean countertop.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and warming chai spice mixture in large mixing bowl. Gently mix to distribute spices evenly throughout dry ingredients.

• Liquid Component

Whisk yogurt, milk, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and egg in separate container. Blend until smooth and well incorporated, creating a silky liquid base.

• Batter Formation

Softly fold liquid mixture into dry ingredients. Stir minimally to prevent overmixing, creating a light and tender muffin texture. Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.

• Baking Process

Fill mini muffin pan cavities with batter, ensuring even distribution. Slide pan into preheated oven and bake until golden and toothpick comes out clean. Allow brief cooling period in pan before transferring.

• Vanilla Glaze Creation

Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla bean paste in small bowl. Adjust liquid consistency to achieve desired glaze thickness for elegant muffin topping.

• Finishing Touch

Delicately dip or drizzle cooled muffins with prepared glaze. Let muffins rest until glaze sets, creating a beautiful, shiny coating.

Spicing Variations for Mini Chai Muffins

• Adjust the chai spice mix to match your personal heat preference by adding more or less ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger for a custom flavor profile.
• Replace yogurt and milk with coconut yogurt and almond milk to create a delicious vegan version of these mini muffins without compromising texture or taste.
• Fold chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the batter for added crunch and depth, creating a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
• Prepare the muffins and glaze separately up to two days in advance, storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness and save time during busy mornings.

Presentation Tips for Chai Muffins with Glaze

• Morning Chai Companion: Pair these mini muffins with a steaming cup of freshly brewed chai tea for a perfect breakfast or mid-morning treat that amplifies the warm spice flavors.
• Afternoon Tea Party Delight: Serve these bite-sized muffins on a beautiful platter during a casual gathering with friends, creating an elegant and delicious centerpiece that everyone will adore.
• Dessert Miniature Showcase: Use these chai muffins as a sophisticated dessert option after dinner, presenting them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Gifting Gourmet Treat: Package these mini muffins in cute clear boxes with a ribbon, making them a thoughtful homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or colleagues who appreciate a touch of sweet spice.

How to Store Mini Chai Muffins with Glaze

• Muffin Freshness Guardian: Store these delightful mini chai muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and flavorful.
• Chilled Delight Strategy: Refrigerate glazed muffins in a sealed container for extended enjoyment, lasting up to 5 days while maintaining their delectable texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a quick sweet treat is always within reach.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the muffin batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake fresh in the morning for a quick and aromatic breakfast surprise.

Dreamy Mini Chai Muffins with Vanilla Bean Glaze

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable mini chai muffins with vanilla bean glaze blend warm Indian spices and sweet comfort. Fragrant cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat pastry flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) chai spice mix
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (canola or melted coconut oil may also be used)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) low-fat milk or milk of choice
• 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1 g) baking soda
• ¼ tsp (1 g) kosher salt
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2–3 tsp (10–15 ml) low-fat milk

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F and prepare mini muffin pan with light cooking spray or liners.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice mix in a large mixing bowl until completely blended.
3. Liquid Component Integration: Vigorously combine yogurt, milk, oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate bowl until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Batter Formation: Delicately fold wet ingredients into dry mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing just until unified without overworking the batter.
5. Pan Filling and Baking: Evenly distribute batter across muffin cavities, then transfer to preheated oven. Bake 10-14 minutes until golden and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
6. Cooling Process: Rest muffins in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
7. Glaze Creation: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl until achieving a silky, pourable consistency. Adjust thickness by incrementally adding milk.
8. Finishing Touch: Once muffins are fully cooled, dip or drizzle with prepared glaze. Allow glaze to set and harden before serving.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Accurate ingredient measurements ensure consistent texture and flavor in these delicate mini muffins.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to prevent tough, dense muffins; stop mixing when batter appears just combined.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test to confirm muffins are fully baked, watching for a clean insertion and golden-brown edges.
• Glaze with Patience: Allow muffins to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, clean coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg