Cupcakes:

• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 chai tea bags
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee

Vanilla Chai Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons strong chai tea, cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream or extra buttercream
• Cinnamon dusting
• Caramel drizzle
• Chai-spiced sugar