📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: You'll need pumpkin puree, chai tea bags (or loose leaf chai), milk (dairy or non-dairy), pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, or sugar).
2. Brew the chai: Steep the chai tea bags in hot water according to the package directions. For a stronger chai flavor, let it steep a little longer – about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this step; it's the foundation of your latte!
3. Combine pumpkin and spice: In a small saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor. Be careful not to burn the pumpkin!
4. Add milk and sweetener: Pour in your milk of choice and sweetener into the saucepan with the pumpkin mixture. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk is warm but not boiling. Scalding the milk can ruin the texture.
5. Froth the milk (optional): If you have a milk frother, now's the time to use it! Frothing the milk will give your latte that coffee shop-quality texture. If you don't have a frother, you can whisk the milk vigorously or use an immersion blender. I didn't have one the first time I made this, so I used an immersion blender. Worked like a charm!
6. Combine chai and pumpkin mixture: Pour the brewed chai tea into a mug. Then, pour the warm pumpkin milk mixture over the chai. Stir gently to combine.
7. Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. A little goes a long way!
8. Garnish (optional): Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, a cinnamon stick, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Get creative!
9. Enjoy: Sip slowly and savor the warm, comforting flavors of your homemade Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. Take a moment to appreciate the small things in life. You deserve it!