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Chai-Spiced Bread

This aromatic bread infuses classic chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, cloves—into a tender, golden loaf. The process involves mixing, proofing, and baking to develop a warm, fragrant crust with a soft, airy crumb, perfect for cozy mornings or teatime treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast proofed in warm water
  • 1/4 cup warm water about 38°C / 100°F
  • 250 ml whole milk spiced with chai blend
  • 2 teaspoons chai spice blend cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Warm the milk gently until just steaming, then add the chai spices and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out the spices and let the milk cool slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until it becomes frothy, about 5-8 minutes, signaling it's ready.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, brown sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center.
  4. Pour the warm chai-infused milk into the well, then add the melted butter and activated yeast.
  5. Mix everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, until it just reaches the top of the pan.
  9. Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden and crackly, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  11. Slice and enjoy the warm, aromatic bread with butter or honey, relishing the cozy chai spices in every bite.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of extra chai spice on top before baking for a fragrant crust.