Homemade Chai Spice Mix Recipe

Hey friends! Today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite things to make at home—my homemade chai spice mix. I’m talking about that warm, cozy, fragrant spice combo that’ll make your kitchen smell like a hug. This blend is perfect everywhere you would use cinnamon--toast, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, granola, pumpkin pie...{wipes drool off keyboard}

Sorry, back to the recipe! Homemade chai spice blend is so easy to make, you’ll feel like a spice wizard in no time. So grab your cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a few other goodies, and let’s dive into this chai magic! Trust me, your taste buds will thank me later.

This warming spice mix is perfect for fall, but really, I use it year-round because I’m fancy like that.

Chai creme brulee? Yes. Chai-spiced French toast? YES, PLEASE. If you're baking anything that could use a little extra warmth (think muffins, cakes, or pie), a tablespoon or two of chai spice will transform your kitchen into a spice-scented heaven.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Homemade Chai Spice Mix
• How to Store Ground Spices
• Variations
• Can I Make Chai Tea With This Mix?
• I Can't Wait for You to Try It!

Ingredients

Pre-ground spices make this recipe a breeze to whip up.

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Allspice

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Homemade Chai Spice Mix

This recipe couldn't be easier: Put everything in a bowl and mix. Even a caveman could do it.

How to Store Ground Spices

This chai spice blend is my secret weapon to take baked goods from YUM to SPECTACULAR! So let's keep it fresh--literally. Storing your spice blend properly can make a HUGE difference in keeping it fresh and flavorful. Let’s talk about how to keep those little bottles of magic lasting longer.

1. Keep Spices in a Cool, Dark Place

I bet you didn't know that ground spices have mortal enemies, and they are heat and light. Both can cause your spices to lose their flavor faster. So, keep your spices away from the stove, oven, or areas that get a lot of sunlight. A cool, dark cupboard or pantry is the perfect spot for storing them. Bonus points if you keep them in a drawer or pantry away from direct heat sources.

2. Avoid Humidity

We all love a good steamy bowl of pasta or a hot bath, but your spices do not feel the same. Humidity can cause clumping, and it can also create an inviting environment for mold to grow. Yikes! So, keep your spices away from the sink, dishwasher, or any area where steam might get to them.

3. Use Airtight Containers

Okay, this is a big one. If your spices are sitting in containers that aren’t sealed tight, you're letting all the air (and the flavor) escape. So, always make sure your spice jars have airtight lids. Glass jars are great, but even plastic containers work as long as they seal properly. Pro tip: some of those spice jars from the store come with pop-up lids or little shaker tops—those are cool for sprinkling but can’t seal out air properly. Switch to a screw-top lid or a mason jar for maximum freshness!

4. Label Your Spices (Trust Me)

We all have that moment where we just grab whatever spice looks like it’ll work, but trust me, labeling your spices is a game-changer. Especially when you're dealing with a whole bunch of little jars with spices that all look the same. Spice labels help you avoid that awkward moment when you think you’re grabbing ground cinnamon, but it turns out to be cayenne pepper. (Been there, done that. Oops!) Plus, it’s easier to spot which spices are getting low and need a refill.

5. Keep Spices Away from Strong Smells

Spices are super sensitive to odors. You might not think it, but if you store them near cleaning products, garlic, or other strong-smelling foods, they can actually absorb those smells. No one wants their cinnamon to taste like onions, right? Store your spices somewhere with minimal strong odors, and you’ll be good to go.

6. Freezing Spices (When You REALLY Need to Store Them)

If you’ve made a big batch of chai spice you won’t be using for a while, you can store it in the freezer. Freezing spices can help preserve their flavor, especially if they’re ground. Just make sure you’re using an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep moisture and odors out. Remember to take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature before using them to avoid condensation.

---

So there you have it—simple ways to keep your ground spices fresh, flavorful, and ready for action whenever you need them! The key is to keep them cool, dark, dry, and tightly sealed.

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is you can tweak the ratio of each ingredient to your liking, or leave something out altogether if you're not a fan. Here are some other ideas to zhush up your chai spice even more:

• Pepper - Using a teaspoon of ground black pepper will give this mix a tasty kick!
• Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Powder - If you want to add a familiar sweetness without going overboard, vanilla is your friend.
• Star Anise - For a hint of licorice flavor that’s still warm and inviting, star anise is a fun addition. It can be strong, so stick to a tiny pinch at a time.

Can I Make Chai Tea With This Mix?

I recommend adding this homemade chai blend to baked goods for a kicked up warm flavor. Adding this ground spice mix to milk or tea would probably result in a gritty texture. I love the Tazo brand chai concentrate to make my own chai tea at home!

I Can't Wait for You to Try It!

If you give this recipe a try, leave a star rating and review or snap a pic for Instagram! Be sure to tag @nest.and.nosh or hashtag #nestandnosh 🙂