Chai Cookies Recipe is one of those treats that instantly makes you feel cozy, like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day. If you love the spicy, aromatic flavors of chai tea, you’re going to enjoy these cookies. They combine that perfect chai spice blend with a buttery cookie base that’s just begging to be dunked in your milk or tea.
Why You Should Try This Chai Cookies Recipe
If you enjoy chai tea, these cookies bring those flavors into a fun, handheld form. They’re not too sweet, but packed with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves the classic chai spices. Plus, baking these cookies fills your kitchen with such a comforting aroma, you might find yourself sneaking a few before they even cool down. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Ever wondered how to get that perfect balance of spice without overpowering the cookie? This recipe nails it. The spices enhance the cookie without making it taste like a spice bomb. It’s a treat that works for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Variations I’ve Tried And Loved
I like to switch things up depending on my mood or what I have in the pantry. Here are a few variations that worked well:
- Add chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
- Mix in white chocolate chips: They melt just enough to create little pockets of sweetness.
- Use brown butter: It adds a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the chai spices.
- Make them vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Chai Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy your chai spiced cookies!
Notes
Serving Ideas for Chai Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of chai tea or coffee. I often serve them with:
- A hot chai latte for double spice goodness.
- A glass of cold milk for a classic combo.
- As a sweet snack alongside fresh fruit.
They’re also great for gifting. Just pop a few in a cute jar or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade present.
Helpful Tips for Chai Cookies Recipe
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Ground spices lose their punch over time.
- Softened butter, not melted, helps achieve the right cookie texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
- Don’t skip the brown sugar it adds moisture and depth.
- If you like a little crunch, sprinkle a tiny bit of coarse sugar on top before baking.
Pro tip: Don’t overbake! The cookies will firm up as they cool, so pulling them out a bit early keeps them chewy.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh when a craving hits just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough this can make cookies tough.
- Baking too long cookies dry out quickly, so watch the clock.
- Using old spices stale spices mean bland cookies.
- Skipping the brown sugar it’s essential for chewiness.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 12 g