Life

11 Cozy, Chai-Spiced Recipes Because This Pumpkin Thing Is Too Much

I’ve just about had it with fall. The past few months have been one long apple-picking, cider-brewing, pumpkin-eating love fest — but enough is enough. If you’re like me and are one decorative gourd away from losing it, allow me to introduce your new best friend: Chai-spiced everything.

But first things first. What the heck is chai, anyway? Technically, it translates from Hindi as “tea” — any kind of tea, although it’s best known as that cozy masala of spices. You know the one: It’s got a little cardamom and a whole lot of cinnamon, plus some cloves and ginger, which pretty much make chai the mother lode of fall flavors. So this season, let’s do it justice. Because chai deserves more than a latte, we’ll turn it into the breakfast of champions, from scones to French toast. And then, we go rogue. We’ll make lemonade, ice cream, and rice pudding — all infused with those magical, slow-burning spices that warm you up from the inside out. Move over, Starbucks. We got this one covered.

Image: Cookie and Kate

by Lisa Siva

Chai Pumpkin Loaf

Pumpkin bread? Been there, done that…but throw in some chai concentrate and spices, and you’ll turn it into a whole new loaf. Thanks, Adventures in Cooking!

Image: Adventures in Cooking

French Toast

Bonus points if you slice up that loaf and turn it into French toast. Savory Simple tops hers off with a brown sugar crumble.

Image: Savory Simple

Pear Scones

Feeling fancy this morning? Whip up a batch of chai-infused pear scones à la Pastry Affair — so you can drink your tea and eat it, too.

Image: A Pastry Affair

Coconut Chai Lemonade

It’s never too late for lemonade, especially when it’s infused with all the warming spices of chai. Honestly Yum shows us how.

Image: Honestly Yum

Snowdrop Cookies

Lightly spiced, these elegant cookies would make the perfect edible gift. Thanks, Savory Simple!

Image: Savory Simple

Snickerdoodles

Looking for a less fussy cookie? These snickerdoodles are your best bet. Oh, Ladycakes takes your ordinary cinnamon sugar coating to the next level with cardamom, ginger, and cloves.

Image: Oh, Ladycakes

Blondies

Think you prefer brownies to blondies? Think again. Heather Christo amps up her traditional recipe with a generous visit to the spice rack.

Image: Heather Christo

Rice Pudding

I know, I know. Why have rice pudding when you can have chocolate? Because it’s warm and cozy and just one pot away. Thanks, A Pastry Affair!

Image: A Pastry Affair

Carrot Cupcakes

Our friends at Some Kitchen Stories kick their carrot cake up a notch with a healthy dose of cloves and cardamom.

Image: Some Kitchen Stories

Affogato

Too cold for gelato? We think not. Cookie and Kate serves up a genius twist on the traditional affogato with chai tea instead of espresso.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Roasted Cashews

After a long day, settle in with Netflix and a bowl of these super easy roasted cashews from Leaf Parade. You deserve it.

Image: Leaf Parade

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