Chai Sugar Cookies

Chai Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the warm and aromatic spices typically found in a cup of chai tea. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and Spicy Flavor: The blend of chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more—adds a unique and comforting taste to the traditional sugar cookie.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies boast a tender interior with a slight crispness on the edges, providing a satisfying bite.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or as an everyday snack.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, these cookies are accessible even for novice bakers.
• Customizable: The recipe allows for variations, including vegan adaptations and different glazes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chai spice mix
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chai Spice Mix:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Chai Spice-Sugar Mix:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons chai spice mix

Directions

1. Prepare Chai Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Set aside.
2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Prepare Chai Spice-Sugar Mix: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/4 cup white sugar with 2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix.
8. Form Cookies: Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the chai spice-sugar mixture until coated.
9. Bake: Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the cookies begin to crack on top and look slightly set.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 22 cookies
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.
• Glazed Cookies: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or an eggnog glaze for a festive touch.
• Spice Adjustments: Modify the chai spice mix to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less of certain spices as desired.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

What is chai spice?

Chai spice is a blend of warm spices commonly used in Indian tea, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

Can I use store-bought chai spice mix?

Yes, a pre-made chai spice mix can be used if available. Adjust the quantity to taste.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

How do I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?

Avoid overbaking. Remove the cookies from the oven when they appear slightly underdone; they will continue to cook as they cool.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If brown sugar is unavailable, you can use white sugar, though the flavor and moisture content may vary slightly.

Can I add tea leaves directly to the dough?

Some recipes incorporate the contents of a chai tea bag into the dough for added flavor. Ensure the tea leaves are finely ground.

How do I make an eggnog glaze?

Combine powdered sugar with a small amount of eggnog until the desired consistency is reached. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, their unique flavor and attractive appearance make them excellent for holiday gifts.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly. Double all ingredients to yield approximately 44 cookies.

Conclusion

Chai Sugar Cookies offer a delightful fusion of classic sugar cookie sweetness with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress.

Print