Take your coffee and doughnut obsession to a whole new level with these Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts—a decadent fusion of bakery magic and café comfort. Each fluffy, golden doughnut is filled with a creamy chai-spiced latte custard and dusted with espresso sugar for a bite that’s rich, warm, and lightly caffeinated. They’re what happens when your favorite spiced tea meets your go-to pastry—and the result is pure indulgence.
Whether you serve them for brunch, dessert, or a weekend baking adventure, these doughnuts turn every bite into a moment of cozy joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Combines chai spice and coffee for irresistible flavor.
Soft, pillowy doughnuts with a luscious creamy filling.
Perfect for brunch, holidays, or gourmet gifting.
A creative twist on classic filled doughnuts.
Homemade but bakery-worthy in taste and texture.
Ingredients for Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts
This isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. And it starts right here.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your doughnuts, providing structure and a soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that golden-brown color when fried.
Baking powder: This leavening agent gives your doughnuts that fluffy rise.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, reminiscent of chai.
Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way in bringing out the chai flavor.
Whole milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender, contributing to a rich flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor; melted for easy mixing.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the chai spices.
Brewed chai tea: The star of the show! It infuses the dough with aromatic spices.
Heavy cream: For whipping into a luscious filling that makes these doughnuts irresistible.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and is perfect for dusting the finished doughnuts.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
Powdered sugar for dusting: A final touch that adds sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
For those looking to mix things up, consider infusing the whipped cream with a splash of bourbon or flavored syrup for an extra kick. If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the doughnuts instead of frying them. Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring the delightful flavors in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This mix is the foundation of your doughnuts, so make sure everything is well combined. The aroma of the spices will already start to transport you to a cozy café!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, vanilla extract, and cooled brewed chai tea. Whisk until smooth. This mixture is where the magic happens, bringing all those chai flavors to life. The warmth of the chai will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your doughnuts light and fluffy. Trust me, you want that perfect texture!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully drop spoonfuls of the doughnut batter into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. The anticipation is real!
Step 6: Whip the Cream
While the doughnuts cool, it’s time to whip up the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This creamy goodness will be the heart of your doughnuts. Just imagine that first bite!
Step 7: Fill the Doughnuts
Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, grab a piping bag and fill each one with the whipped cream. You can also use a small knife to create a pocket and spoon in the cream if you don’t have a piping bag. Either way, make sure they’re generously filled!
Step 8: Dust and Serve
Finally, dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a sweet touch and makes them look irresistible. Serve them warm, and watch as everyone dives in for a taste of these Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts!
Tips for Success
Use fresh spices for the best flavor; they make a noticeable difference.
Don’t skip the cooling step for the doughnuts; it helps the cream stay put.
Keep the oil temperature steady to avoid greasy doughnuts.
Experiment with different flavored syrups in the whipped cream for a unique twist.
For a fun presentation, serve with a side of chai for dipping!
Equipment Needed
Deep fryer or large pot: A deep fryer is ideal, but a heavy pot works too.
Thermometer: Essential for checking oil temperature; a candy thermometer is perfect.
Whisk: For mixing ingredients smoothly; a fork can work in a pinch.
Piping bag: Great for filling doughnuts; a zip-top bag with a corner cut can substitute.
Slotted spoon: Helps in removing doughnuts from hot oil safely.
Variations
Baked Version: For a healthier twist, bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Spiced Whipped Cream: Add a dash of cardamom or ginger to the whipped cream for an extra chai kick.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the filled doughnuts for a decadent touch.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and aquafaba instead of egg for a vegan-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these doughnuts with a steaming cup of chai for a delightful experience.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
For a fun twist, offer a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Present on a colorful platter to make them visually appealing.
FAQs about Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts
Can I make these Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the doughnuts a day in advance. Just fill them with whipped cream right before serving to keep them fresh and delicious.
What can I use instead of chai tea?
If you don’t have chai tea on hand, you can use any spiced tea or even a strong black tea with added spices like cinnamon and cardamom for a similar flavor profile.
How do I store leftover doughnuts?
Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. They’ll still be delicious, just with a different texture.
What’s the best way to serve these doughnuts?
Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and alongside a cup of chai. It’s the perfect pairing for a cozy treat!
Final Thoughts
Creating Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts is more than just baking; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, blending the comforting spices of chai with the sweet, creamy goodness of the filling. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these doughnuts bring a touch of joy to any moment. They’re perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat after a long day. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary adventure!
Dirty Chai Cream-Filled Doughnuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chai tea with the sweetness of cream-filled doughnuts.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brewed chai tea, cooled
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream)
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and cooled chai tea until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop spoonfuls of the doughnut batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the doughnuts from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Once the doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag to fill each doughnut with the whipped cream.
Dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
To add a twist, consider infusing the whipped cream with a splash of bourbon or flavored syrup for extra depth.
