Chai sugar cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea. These cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet treat with a bit of spice. This recipe will guide you through making soft, chewy chai sugar cookies that are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the chai sugar coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare the chai sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Shape and coat the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in the chai sugar coating until fully covered. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
1. What is chai? Chai is a type of tea that originated in India, typically made with black tea leaves and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. It is often enjoyed with milk and sweetener.
2. Can I use store-bought chai spice mix? Yes, you can use a store-bought chai spice mix if you prefer. Substitute the individual spices in the recipe with an equivalent amount of the chai spice mix.
3. How do I store chai sugar cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. To freeze, scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. Can I adjust the spice level in the cookies? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices. For a stronger chai flavor, you can increase the spices slightly.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that is suitable for baking to achieve the best texture.
7. What can I serve with chai sugar cookies? These cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of chai tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy baking and savoring these spiced chai sugar cookies! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy baking!