Chai Spiced Cookies bring the aromatic and warming spices of chai tea into a delicious, crisp cookie. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee on a chilly day, and their rich, spicy flavor makes them an ideal treat during the fall and winter months. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Chai Spice Blend:
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper (optional for a little extra warmth)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the chai spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
2. Shape and Chill the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
3. Roll and Cut the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or simply slice the dough into rounds if you prefer.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Optional Icing:
- If you’d like to add a sweet touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or chai tea concentrate. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of liquid until smooth, and drizzle over the cookies.
Tips for Success
- Chai Spice Mix: You can adjust the spice levels to your preference. If you love a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the amounts slightly.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is important for both flavor development and ease of handling. If the dough becomes too hard after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
- Icing: Adding a drizzle of icing can enhance the sweetness and presentation of these cookies, but they’re equally delicious without it.
Serving Suggestions
Chai Spiced Cookies are wonderful with a cup of chai tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or as a homemade gift. Their warm spices make them perfect for cozying up by the fire during the colder months.
Conclusion
Chai Spiced Cookies are a delightful way to bring the cozy flavors of chai tea into your baking. With their blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and other warming spices, these cookies offer a delicious, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Try them out this season, and enjoy the warmth and aroma they bring to your home!