There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, aromatic blend of spices found in chai. These Homemade Chai Spiced Cookies capture that essence perfectly, combining classic cookie ingredients with a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves to create a truly unique treat. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, these cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying with a steaming cup of tea. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked on their delightful spiciness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as cozy as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Soft and Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of butter and sugar ensures these cookies are tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Rich Spices: A blend of chai-inspired spices adds depth and warmth, making each bite a sensory experience.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly. No need for fancy techniques just mix, scoop, and bake!
Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to your liking or add toppings like chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at gatherings or as a treat for family and friends. Everyone loves a cookie that’s both soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and airy.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Let it soften before using.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Creates the perfect balance of sweetness and caramelized edges.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Chai Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves): Add a complex layer of flavors that make these cookies truly special.
Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar for added crunch and texture.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful cookies
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and chai spices. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender crumb.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. If desired, press optional toppings into the dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Chai Spiced Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience
Fresh Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Milk: Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these cookies are irresistible enough to enjoy on their own. Simply savor each spiced, chewy bite.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices bring out the best flavors. Avoid pre-ground spices if possible.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Swap out the optional toppings for chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts for variety.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use different types of flour? Yes! Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends work well if you’re looking for a healthier option.
2. What type of sugar should I use? Granulated sugar works best for achieving the right texture. For a lower-sugar version, substitute with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake as needed.
4. How do I store leftover cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for sharing or snacking later.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can replace sugars with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar option.
8. Can I skip the spices? The spices are key to the flavor of these cookies. However, you can adjust the amounts to your liking or omit entirely for a simpler cookie.
9. Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps achieve thicker, chewier cookies.
10. Can I add more spices? Of course! Adding extra spices will only make the cookies richer and more flavorful. Just be mindful of the overall balance.
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and comforting Homemade Chai Spiced Cookie recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With their soft, chewy texture and rich blend of spices, these cookies are a treat that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Homemade Chai Spiced Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and cozy cookie infused with aromatic chai spices! These soft, buttery cookies have hints of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, making them the perfect treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Rolling Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and optional cardamom.
Shape and Roll:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture to coat completely.
Bake the Cookies:
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
Cool & Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Love chai? Enjoy with a hot cup of chai latte for the ultimate cozy experience!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg