Chocolate Bourbon Chai Latte Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting

1. To make the chai spice. In a shallow bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, all-spice, cloves, and pepper. Reserve the chai spice blend for the cupcake batter.

2. To make the cupcakes. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line 15 cupcake molds with paper liners. Bring the milk to a gentle boil in a small pot. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags, cover, and steep 10 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla, bourbon, and eggs until combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 3 teaspoons of the chai spice mix (or more to your taste). Stream in the chai milk, beating until just combined.

4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan. Transfer to the oven and bake 22-25 minutes, until the tops are just set, and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool.

5. During the same time, line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the pecans with 1 tablespoon bourbon, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 -2 teaspoons chai spice, and a pinch of salt. Bake 8-10 minutes, until toasted. Once cool, chop.

6. To make the frosting. Melt together 1 stick butter, brown sugar, and cream in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Add a pinch of salt. Remove from the heat and add to the bowl of a stand mixer. Place the bowl in the freezer (or fridge for longer) for 15 minutes or until cool to touch.

7. Grab the cooled butter mixture from the freezer and add the remaining 1 stick butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar to the bowl. Beat together until well combined, adding more sugar as needed.

9. Frost each cupcake and sprinkle with pecans.