Indulge in Spiced Masala Chai Teacakes: A Recipe for Comfort

Teacakes vary based on location. This recipe features spiced bread teacakes, inspired by masala chai spices. Serve them warm with generous butter. Leftovers taste great toasted.

Masala Chai Teacakes

Prep: 15 min
Prove: 1 hr 50 min+
Cook: 1 hr 10 min
Makes: 8

Ingredients

• 100g raisins or sultanas
• 100ml hot strong black tea
• 360g bread flour
• 30g caster sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• 1½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 100ml warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• Butter, for serving

For the Syrup

• 1 black teabag
• 5 cardamom pods, crushed
• 20g fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
• 50g caster sugar

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruit in hot tea for at least 20 minutes.
2. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, spices, and yeast.
3. Create a well in the center. Add warm milk, 100ml water, and the egg.
4. Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes. Add softened butter and knead until smooth.
5. Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rest for 20 minutes.
6. Drain the soaked fruit and knead it into the dough for another 5-7 minutes.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until nearly doubled (1-2 hours).
8. Knock the air out and split the dough into eight pieces. Shape each into a ball and flatten.
9. Transfer to lined trays, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6.
11. Bake teacakes for 15-18 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack.
12. To make syrup, combine teabag, spices, vanilla, sugar, and 60ml water in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer briefly.
13. Brush warm syrup over the teacakes. Serve with butter.