Chai Sugar Cookies: A Cozy, Spiced Delight

When it comes to comforting flavors, chai stands out with its warm, aromatic spices that evoke a sense of coziness. Now, imagine those flavors packed into a delightful sugar cookie—irresistible, right?

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Chai Sugar Cookies

This recipe for chai sugar cookies is perfect for tea lovers and anyone who enjoys a bit of spice. Let’s break down the ingredients, and step-by-step instructions, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your chai sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Chai Sugar CookiesPhoto byRecipe Formula

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: extra sugar for rolling the cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Spices: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
4. Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Combine: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the spice mixture until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the dough balls in extra sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
7. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQs

Q1: What is chai spice, and where can I buy it? Chai spice is a blend of warm, aromatic spices typically used in chai tea. The blend usually includes cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. You can buy pre-made chai spice blends in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or online, or you can make your own using the individual spices listed in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the ingredients.

Q3: How should I store my chai sugar cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q5: Why did my cookies turn out too hard? Hard cookies can be caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to bake the cookies until the edges are just golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Accurately measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.

Q6: Can I add other mix-ins to my chai sugar cookies? Yes, feel free to add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Just fold them into the dough after adding the spices.

Q7: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe? You can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the texture and spread of the cookies. Start by reducing the sugar by ¼ cup and see how you like the results.

Q8: How can I make my chai spice mix stronger? For a stronger chai flavor, you can increase the amount of spices in the recipe. Add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ginger, and a pinch more of the other spices to intensify the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chai sugar cookies bring together the warm, comforting flavors of chai tea with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. These cookies are perfect for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth with something a bit different. The combination of spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.