Name: Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 cinnamon sticks (or ½-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon); 2 bags black tea (caffeinated or decaffeinated); 1 cup oat milk (or your favorite plant-based milk); 1-3 teaspoons maple syrup (or other sweetener to taste); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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I simply adore this Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe because it truly hits that perfect cozy spot whenever I need something warm and flavorful. The blend of cinnamon and vanilla with rich oat milk creates a comforting cup that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s quick to whip up, making it my go-to ritual on chilly mornings or lazy afternoons when I crave a delicious plant-based treat without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out for me is its beautifully balanced flavor profile. The warm spice of cinnamon combined with the deep richness of black tea creates such a harmonious blend, while the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that feels just like a hug in a mug. I also love how the oat milk lends a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors, making it satisfyingly smooth and dairy-free.

As someone who appreciates simplicity, I’m thrilled by how easy and fast this drink is to prepare. It requires just a handful of ingredients and can be ready in about 10 minutes, no special tools needed. I often make this Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe when hosting friends or to unwind after work, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a casual brunch addition, this tea feels special yet effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of five items arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a clear glass cup filled with light beige plant-based milk with a smooth texture. To the right of the cup, two black tea bags lie side by side with white tags attached. Above the tea bags is a small dark bottle of vanilla extract with a colorful label displaying green and yellow accents. Below the tea bags and slightly to the right, there is a small white bowl with dark maple syrup inside, accompanied by a silver measuring spoon resting in the syrup. On the bottom left corner, two cinnamon sticks with a wooden, rough texture are placed parallel to each other. All items are clearly separated and the scene is lit evenly, showcasing soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in building that warm, comforting flavor and creamy texture that makes this tea so memorable.

1 cup water: The base for brewing the cinnamon and tea, essential for extracting those rich flavors.
2 cinnamon sticks (or ½-1 tsp ground cinnamon): This spice is the star, providing that sweet, warming aroma and taste.
2 bags black tea: I use either caffeinated or decaf depending on the time of day; it adds the classic tea bitterness and body.
1 cup oat milk: My favorite plant-based milk for creaminess and natural sweetness, but you can use any nondairy milk you like.
1-3 tsp maple syrup: The sweetener that enhances the cinnamon and vanilla without overpowering — adjust to your taste!
1 tsp vanilla extract: This little addition brings depth and a lovely fragrant sweetness to the tea.

Directions

Step 1: Add 1 cup of water and 2 cinnamon sticks (or the ground cinnamon) to a small saucepan. Cover it and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and let the cinnamon infuse the water for about one minute. This step really wakes up the cinnamon flavor.

Step 2: Turn off the heat and add 2 black tea bags to the saucepan. Let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes; this allows the tea to develop a robust yet smooth taste that partners perfectly with the cinnamon.

Step 3: Remove the tea bags from the pot carefully. Then add 1 cup of oat milk, 1 to 3 teaspoons of maple syrup (depending on how sweet you like it), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the saucepan. Turn the heat back on just to gently warm the mixture until it’s steaming hot but not boiling. This ensures your milk tea is cozy and ready to enjoy.

Step 4: Once the tea is heated through and aromatic, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon intensity if needed, then pour into your favorite cups and enjoy immediately!

Servings and Timing

This Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe makes about 2 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying as two delightful cups for yourself. Prep time is approximately 5 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes for steeping and warming, so total time needed is around 10 minutes. There’s no resting or cooling time required, so you can sip and savor without delay.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe

A clear glass cup filled with a light brown creamy drink, with a layer of froth on top showing tiny bubbles and a smooth texture. The cup has a simple handle and is placed on a white marbled surface. Around the drink, there is a white bowl holding a tea bag with dark contents tied with a string, a small white cup holding dark liquid with a silver spoon, a cinnamon stick with a light brown color and textured surface, and a soft pink cloth. The scene is bright and clean with a soft shadow under the cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this tea piping hot to truly enjoy the comforting warmth of the cinnamon and vanilla. It pairs beautifully with simple snacks like almond biscotti, spiced cookies, or even fresh fruit for a light yet satisfying accompaniment. Whenever I have guests over, I garnish the tea with a tiny cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top, which adds a lovely rustic touch and intensifies the aroma right before sipping.

Presentation can be as cozy or as elegant as you like—try a clear glass mug to showcase the creamy beige color, or a festive ceramic cup for holiday vibes. This tea is a delightful alternative beverage for brunches, relaxing weekend mornings, or even a chilly afternoon pick-me-up. I sometimes even chill it to enjoy it as a refreshing iced tea in warmer weather, which feels equally delicious and refreshing.

For pairing, I enjoy this Cinnamon Milk Tea with seasonal fruit juices or a sparkling water infused with lemon for a well-rounded drink experience. It’s great for quiet evenings with a book, holiday gatherings, or casual catch-ups with friends, offering both comfort and a bit of indulgence in every glass.

Variations

If you want to customize this Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe, you have so many options to play with. For instance, you can swap oat milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk depending on your preference or dietary needs. Each alternative will lend a slightly different creaminess and flavor note, making the drink uniquely yours.

For a little twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon to create an even more aromatic and exotic flavor profile. If you’re watching your sugar intake, using a sugar-free syrup or skipping the sweetener altogether still yields a wonderfully soothing drink. Those who love chai spices might even steep a few cloves or black peppercorns with the tea bags for a spicy kick.

If you have more time and want to deepen the flavor, I recommend simmering the cinnamon sticks in the water for longer (up to 10 minutes) before adding the tea bags. Alternatively, if you prefer a quick cold brew method, steep the tea and cinnamon sticks in cold water overnight in the refrigerator and then warm or serve with ice for a refreshing version.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Cinnamon Milk Tea, store it in an airtight container or a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before reheating as the spices might settle or separate slightly.

Freezing

Freezing this type of milk tea is generally not ideal because the oat milk can change texture and separate after thawing, resulting in a less pleasant mouthfeel. I would recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen for the best taste and consistency.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your leftover tea is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching and maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can heat unevenly and cause separation of the plant milk. Heat until just steaming hot and then serve immediately for a fresh-tasting experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tea in this recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer black tea for its rich flavor, you can use green tea or rooibos tea for a caffeine-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on your choice.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes! The recipe itself does not include nuts, but if you choose a nut-based milk like almond milk, make sure your guests are not allergic. You can always use oat, soy, or rice milk as safe alternatives.

How can I adjust the sweetness if I don’t like maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut sugar syrup, or even a bit of brown sugar. Honey is not vegan, so it’s best to avoid it if you want to keep the recipe vegan and dairy-free.

Can I make this tea ahead of time for a gathering?

Definitely! You can prepare the tea base ahead, refrigerate it, and gently reheat when ready to serve. However, I recommend adding the oat milk and vanilla extract just before warming to preserve the best flavor and creaminess.

Is there a way to make this tea stronger or spicier?

Yes! Increase the amount of cinnamon sticks or add a dash of ground cinnamon when brewing. You can also experiment with adding other warming spices like cloves, star anise, or ginger for extra punch.

Conclusion

I really encourage you to give this Cinnamon Milk Tea (Vegan & Dairy-Free) Recipe a try because it’s such a simple yet wonderfully comforting drink that fits so many occasions. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or wanting a delicious dairy-free treat, this tea brings a touch of coziness and joy to every sip. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and the comforting flavors it delivers—I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!