Chai Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm, aromatic flavors of chai tea with a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a cozy, spiced treat, these cookies are infused with a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Chai Spice Cookies for their unique and warming flavor profile. The blend of spices adds a depth of flavor that’s both sweet and slightly spicy, making these cookies perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. They are easy to make and fill your home with a wonderful aroma while baking.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices or grind your own from whole spices.
- Do not overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
- Even baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegan option: Replace the butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
- Add-ins: Add white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Different sugars: Use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Chai Spice Cookies with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They also pair well with a glass of milk or as part of a holiday cookie platter. These cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a cozy snack on a cold day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Enjoy the cookies at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the spices.
Recipe FAQs
What type of molasses should I use? Use unsulfured molasses for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use pre-made chai spice mix? Yes, you can use a pre-made chai spice mix. Use about 1-2 teaspoons depending on the strength of the mix.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking and use a cool baking sheet.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make more cookies.
Chai Spice Cookies
Embrace the warm flavors of Chai Spice Cookies, a delightful twist on traditional cookies. These aromatic treats combine the richness of chai spices with a chewy and buttery texture, creating a comforting indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup molasses
For the Spiced Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Molasses: Mix in the molasses until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture to coat.
- 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 set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 103mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g
