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Cozy Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe (Easy Copycat)

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A warm, spicy, and sweet copycat Starbucks pumpkin chai latte made in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for fall mornings or cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chai tea bags
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended, or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and pumpkin puree: Pour 1 cup of milk into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and whisk until smooth.
  2. Add the spices and sweeteners: Stir in ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again to combine.
  3. Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Warm the milk mixture, whisking occasionally, until hot but not boiling (about 3-4 minutes, or until tiny bubbles form around the edges). Do not boil.
  4. Steep the chai tea bags: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 2 chai tea bags, pushing them down into the liquid. Let steep for 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove the tea bags: Use a spoon to press the tea bags against the side of the pan to extract flavor, then discard. Whisk the mixture. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
  6. Froth the milk (optional): Use a frother to froth the milk mixture directly in the saucepan for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, pour the hot latte into a jar, screw the lid on, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then pour back into the mug.
  7. Pour and garnish: Pour the latte into a mug. Top with whipped cream if desired. Sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk to prevent separation. Whisk pumpkin puree thoroughly to avoid lumps. Adjust spice level to taste. For dairy-free, use oat milk and maple syrup. Warm the mug before serving to keep the latte hot longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, copycat Starbucks, fall drink, pumpkin spice, chai tea latte, easy recipe, homemade latte