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Chai Spice-Infused Bread

This cozy bread is infused with the fragrant spices of chai, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, creating a warm, aromatic loaf with a hearty texture and golden crust. The process involves mixing, kneading, and proofing the dough before baking until it’s fragrant, slightly chewy, and beautifully browned. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it fills the kitchen with comforting spice aromas.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm milk about 37°C/98°F
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon chai spice blend cinnamon, cardamom, cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • optional nuts or dried fruit for folding in before shaping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Dough hook or spoon
  • Loaf pan
  • Oven
  • Wire rack
  • Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Warm the milk until just steaming and stir in brown sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, chai spice blend, and salt. Make a well in the center.
  3. Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the well, then add melted butter. Mix with a spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough in the bowl or on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough gently to release excess air. If desired, fold in nuts or dried fruit now for extra texture.
  6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 minutes, until it slightly crests above the pan edges.
  7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.
  9. Slice the bread once cooled slightly. The fragrant aroma of chai spices should fill the air, with a warm, hearty crumb ready to enjoy.

Notes

For an extra fragrant loaf, toast the chai spices lightly before mixing. You can also brush the crust with milk or egg wash before baking for a shiny, crisp finish.