Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake (Your New Fall Obsession)

Sip your way into fall with this ultra-creamy Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake. Blended with vanilla ice cream, chai concentrate, and cinnamon graham crackers, it’s a cozy, spiced treat that comes together in just 5 minutes.

Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake (Your New Fall Obsession)

I think that chai spices instantly slow down my day. The warm cinnamon, the hint of cardamom, that soft sweetness that feels like you want to snuggle up in your favorite blanket — it’s pure comfort. When fall hits I crave those cozy chai-latte vibes.  Today we are doing something similar but in a cool, creamy, dessert-style sip.

That’s exactly how this Cinnamon Chai Blizzard Shake came to be. It’s everything I love about fall flavors blended into one thick, dreamy shake.   The chai concentrate brings the warmth, the vanilla ice cream keeps things indulgent, and the cinnamon graham crackers add the perfect little crunch of nostalgia.

If you’re looking for a quick, 5-minute treat that tastes like fall in a glass, this is it. Trust me… once you try it, you’ll be making this one on repeat.  I've already stocked up on vanilla ice cream specifically for this shake!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You only need 3-4 ingredients to make this delicious shake!

• Vanilla Ice Cream - The creamy base that keeps this shake thick, sweet, and dreamy. Vanilla works best because it lets the chai spices shine.

• Chai Black Tea Concentrate - This gives the shake its signature warm-spiced flavor. Look for a concentrate with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for the full chai experience.

• Cinnamon Graham Crackers - They blend into the shake for flavor and body, and add a nostalgic cinnamon crunch that makes every sip feel extra cozy.  My husband adores the Trader Joes version.

• Whipped Cream (Optional) - A light, fluffy topping that turns this quick shake into a dessert moment.

Substitutions & Variations

Basic Ingredient Swaps

• Ice Cream: Swap vanilla for cinnamon ice cream, salted caramel, or french vanilla for a richer twist.

• For a lighter or dairy-free version: use vanilla frozen yogurt. coconut-based ice cream, or a low carb version.

• Chai Concentrate: Any brand works — or use chilled, strongly brewed chai tea for a less sweet version.

• Graham Crackers: Substitute with speculoos cookies, gingersnaps, or plain grahams if you want a different spice profile.

Fun Variations

• Dirty Chai Shake: Add a splash of cold brew or espresso for a sweet + buzzy blend.

• Caramel Chai Shake: Blend in a spoonful of caramel sauce for a richer, dessert-forward flavor.

• Extra-Spiced Chai Shake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before blending for even more warmth.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Blend in bursts to avoid over-thinning the shake — short pulses keep it thick.

• Start with less liquid and add more only if needed; chai concentrate can quickly thin the texture.

• Chill your glass first for extra milkshake shop vibes.

• Crush the graham crackers slightly before blending for smoother results.

• If you love a thicker shake, freeze your ice cream for 10 minutes before using.

• For a “blizzard-style” spoonable texture, stir in extra crushed grahams after blending instead of blending them fully.

       Set the Mood       

Want the full cozy experience? Start with this mood guide ↓

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

The Shortcut Donuts Everyone’s Talking About — Air Fryer + 4 Ingredients

 

Whip up warm bakery-style donut holes in minutes! These 4-ingredient air fryer donuts are soft, buttery, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.

The Shortcut Donuts Everyone’s Talking About — Air Fryer + 4 Ingredients

I used to make these little golden donut holes in my old Fry Daddy (yes, I’m dating myself here!). Back then, the smell of dough and hot oil meant something delicious was on the way—but cleanup was a whole different story not to mention the health factor. Thankfully, times have changed. The air fryer is my new kitchen superhero, giving me the nostalgia of homemade donuts without the grease or the fuss.  What's better than recreating a dish that brings back such pleasant memories.   And, with no oil splattering just quick, golden, sugar-dusted blissful donut holes.

The first time you toss these warm donut holes in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, you’ll know exactly what I mean. The air fryer works its magic, turning simple biscuit dough into soft, pillowy bites that melt in your mouth. They’re buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and that sweet cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen with cozy, Sunday-morning warmth. It’s the kind of smell that draws everyone to the kitchen.  Good right?

And the best part? These 4-ingredient air fryer donut holes fit any moment. Whip them up for a weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or a sweet surprise for a kids’ party. They come together so fast you’ll wonder why you ever stood over a pot of hot oil. One bite, and you’ll be hooked—because this shortcut is just too delicious to resist.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You’ll be amazed at how simple these shortcut donuts are — just 4 everyday ingredients you might already have on hand!

• Sugar – Gives the donuts their classic sweetness and helps the cinnamon coating stick beautifully.

• Cinnamon  – Adds that warm, cozy flavor everyone loves in a fresh donut.

• Unsalted Butter  – A quick dunk in butter makes the sugar-cinnamon coating cling and gives each bite a rich, bakery-style taste.

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can, 16.3 ounces, such as Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits) – The ultimate shortcut! This ready-to-bake dough transforms into fluffy, golden donut holes in minutes.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries — these donuts are super flexible!

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Sugar: Swap white sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

• Cinnamon: Try a pumpkin pie spice blend for a cozy fall twist.

• Butter: Use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter to make them dairy-free.

• Biscuit Dough: Crescent roll dough or refrigerated pizza dough can work in a pinch — just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Tasty Variations:

• Glazed Donut Holes: Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

• Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to fill cooled donut holes with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or vanilla pudding for a fun surprise!

Kitchen Tips & Notes

A few quick tips to make your donut-making extra easy:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — give the donuts space to puff up evenly.

• Shake halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.

• Work in batches to keep the sugar coating warm and ready.

• Toss while hot — the butter and cinnamon sugar stick best when the donuts are fresh from the fryer.

• Serve immediately for the perfect mix of warm, fluffy inside and crispy-sweet outside.

How to Store & Reheat

These donut holes are best eaten warm, but you can save leftovers (if there are any!).

• To Store: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer softness.

• Pro Tip: Roll them in a bit of extra cinnamon sugar after reheating to refresh the coating!

       Set the Mood       

These donut holes deserve a whole vibe—start here ↓

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad — 5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes

 

Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights! This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad comes together in just 30 minutes with crunchy ramen noodles, edamame, and a bright Asian-style salad kit.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad — 5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes

I’m wrapping up the 5-Ingredient Meal series with one of my all-time favorite salads — Chinese chicken salad! I wanted to give it a little extra flavor and excitement, so I created a variation with grilled teriyaki chicken and a few surprise add-ins that take it to the next level.

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and totally satisfying — all without a ton of prep or fuss. The combination of mandarin oranges, edamame, crunchy ramen noodles, and dried cranberries makes every bite fun, while the teriyaki chicken adds a warm, savory punch.

Quick, colorful, and packed with flavor, this salad is the perfect way to end the series — healthy, simple, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation for a fast, delicious meal that feels a little special. For the other recipes in this series check out my list below.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

This recipe keeps things simple but delivers incredible texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright, Asian-inspired salad come together:

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this salad hearty and satisfying. When grilled and brushed with teriyaki sauce, they add a smoky sweetness that ties the whole dish together.

• Teriyaki Sauce – This is your flavor shortcut! It’s sweet, savory, and caramelizes beautifully as the chicken cooks. Use your favorite bottled version for ease, or make your own if you prefer to control the sweetness.

• Asian-Style Salad Kit – The perfect weeknight helper. These kits usually include crunchy greens, cabbage, dressing, and toppings that create a great texture base without any extra prep.

• Mandarin Oranges – Their citrusy sweetness brightens the flavors and pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken. Canned versions work great—just drain them well before tossing in.

• Edamame, Ramen Noodles & Cranberries – The supporting trio! The edamame adds a bit of protein, the ramen noodles bring crunch, and the cranberries give a touch of tart-sweet contrast that makes this salad so fun to eat.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to make this salad your own? Here are a few easy swaps and twists to try:

• Protein Swap: If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute grilled shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. They all pair beautifully with the teriyaki and mandarin flavors.

• Teriyaki Twist: Try a sesame-ginger dressing or even a honey-soy glaze instead of teriyaki if you want a lighter or less sweet flavor.

• Salad Kit Alternatives: Can’t find an Asian-style kit? Use romaine, shredded cabbage, and a sesame dressing as a quick stand-in.

Variations

• Variation 1 – Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes for a lighter, island-inspired version that’s still bright and quick.
• Variation 2 – Crunchy Upgrade: Toss in toasted almonds, cashews, or crispy wonton strips to give your salad even more satisfying texture and flavor.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Grill Pan Shortcut: If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet works great. 

• Timing Tip: Grill the chicken first, then toss the salad ingredients while it rests. That way, everything comes together warm and fresh.

• Crunch Factor: Crush the ramen noodles just before serving so they stay crisp.

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the chicken and salad ingredients earlier in the day—just store the dressing separately until ready to serve.

       Set the Mood       

Want to create a cozy night in with a little Asian flair? Here’s how to make it unforgettable

Looking for more quick dinner salads? Try my Country Chophouse Chicken Salad with Garden Fresh Buttermilk Dressing or browse the full 5-Ingredient Meal series below.

     5-Ingredient Meal Series     

Looking for quick, flavorful meals that require minimal effort? Here’s the full lineup of 5-Ingredient Meals in this series — each designed to be ready in 20–30 minutes, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights:

5-Ingredient Steak Salad with Avocado (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Juicy grilled steak paired with Southwestern-style salad kit, black beans, avocado, and bell peppers.

5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Mini farfalle pasta tossed with Caesar salad kit, salami, pepperoncini, red onion, and Parmesan-crouton topping.

5-Ingredient Asian-Inspired Kohlrabi & Cabbage Slaw (Ready in 30 Minutes!) - Crisp kohlrabi and cabbage with a zesty chili-peanut dressing, lime, and cilantro — perfect for a refreshing side.

5-Ingredient Zucchini Ribbon Salad (Ready in 20 Minutes!) -Delicate ribbons of fresh zucchini mingle with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta — all tossed in a za’atar vinaigrette that bursts with Mediterranean flavor. It’s colorful, elegant, and refreshingly simple.

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Before You Start

Can I make this teriyaki chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the teriyaki chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, wait to assemble the salad until just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and makes this recipe even faster. Simply warm the chicken and toss it with the teriyaki sauce before adding it to the salad.

What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don’t have mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, sliced fresh oranges, or even dried cranberries make great substitutes and still balance the savory teriyaki flavor.

Is this salad good for meal prep or lunches?
Yes, with one tip: keep the dressing and salad kit separate until ready to eat. Assemble just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What other greens can I use besides a salad kit?
Romaine, butter lettuce, mixed greens, or even shredded cabbage all work well. A crunchier green like cabbage holds up especially well if you’re prepping ahead.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇