Chai-Tea Mini Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Line mini muffin tins with paper liners.
3. 3
   Bring milk to a simmer over medium heat.
4. 4
   Remove from heat; add tea bags, and let steep, covered, 15 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove tea bags, squeezing the bags over the pan, and discard.
6. 6
   Allow milk to cool completely.
7. 7
   Whisk together both flours, baking powder, salt, pepper, and spices.
8. 8
   With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
9. 9
   Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping sides of bowl as needed.
10. 10
    Reduce speed to low.
11. 11
    Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of tea-infused milk, and beating until just combined after each.
12. 12
    Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full.
13. 13
    Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until tops spring back when lightly touched and are pale golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
14. 14
    Turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
15. 15
    Cupcakes can be frozen up to 1 month in airtight containers.
16. 16
    To finish, dip top of each cupcake in icing, then turn over quickly, and let set.
17. 17
    Cupcakes are best eaten the day they are glazed; keep at room temperature until ready to serve.
18. 18
    With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whisk together butter, condensed milk, and salt until smooth.
19. 19
    Whisk in confectioners sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until combined, then whisk on high speed until thick and smooth.
20. 20
    Use immediately.