Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This recipe yields 22 servings and is perfect for those who love the warm, aromatic flavors of chai. The cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Chai Spice Mix:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chai spice mix
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chai Spice - Sugar Mix:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons chai spice mix

Directions

Follow these steps to create the perfect chai spice cookies:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Set the chai spice mix aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the prepared chai spice mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well incorporated.
6. In a shallow bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of white sugar and 2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix.
7. Shape the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls. The dough will be slightly sticky, but should still roll into a ball.
8. Roll each dough ball in the chai spice-sugar mixture until it is fully coated.
9. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until they begin to crack on top and look slightly set.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	105
Total Fat	5g (6%)
Saturated Fat	3g (14%)
Cholesterol	20mg (7%)
Sodium	98mg (4%)
Total Carbohydrates	15g (6%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2%)
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	1g (2%)
Calcium	21mg (2%)
Iron	1mg (3%)
Potassium	21mg (0%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Chai Sugar Cookies

Chai sugar cookies are a modern twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the warm, aromatic spices of traditional chai tea. The origins of chai itself trace back to India, where a mixture of black tea, milk, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves has been enjoyed for centuries. Bakers in the West began experimenting with chai-inspired flavors in desserts during the late 20th century, blending the cozy, spicy notes of the beverage into cookies, cakes, and pastries. The result is a cookie that evokes the comforting aroma of chai while retaining the soft, chewy texture beloved in classic sugar cookies.

Regional Variations

While chai sugar cookies are popular across the United States and other Western countries, they are often customized to reflect local tastes. In the U.S., they are typically sweet and buttery with a mild spice profile, while European variations may incorporate stronger cardamom or nutmeg flavors. In India, a more direct adaptation may include finely ground tea leaves or condensed milk in the dough. Some bakers even experiment with regional ingredients like coconut, pistachios, or saffron to create unique interpretations of this chai-inspired treat.

Differences from Similar Cookies

Chai sugar cookies stand apart from traditional sugar cookies and ginger snaps because of their layered spice flavor and the use of a spiced sugar coating. Unlike ginger snaps, which are crisp and intensely gingery, chai sugar cookies are soft and chewy, allowing the aromatic spices to complement rather than overpower the buttery dough. The inclusion of multiple spicescinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clovesgives them a depth of flavor that ordinary sugar cookies lack, creating a warm, festive experience in every bite.

Serving Traditions

Chai sugar cookies are commonly served during the fall and winter months, often alongside tea or coffee. They are a popular choice for holiday cookie exchanges, gift boxes, and afternoon tea gatherings. Cafs and bakeries frequently feature these cookies as part of seasonal menus, pairing them with chai lattes or hot chocolate. Their visually appealing cracked tops, lightly spiced aroma, and soft texture make them an attractive addition to any dessert platter.

Interesting Facts

• The chai spice blend used in these cookies mirrors the traditional masala chai spices, which can vary slightly from family to family in India.
• Rolling the cookie dough in a spiced sugar mixture before baking not only enhances flavor but also creates the signature slightly crunchy exterior contrasted with a soft center.
• Chai sugar cookies have become a cultural crossover dessert, blending Eastern spice traditions with Western baking techniques.
• Some bakers experiment with vegan or gluten-free versions by substituting butter with coconut oil or plant-based alternatives, maintaining the aromatic flavor without traditional dairy.
• These cookies are often described as grown-up sugar cookies because of their complex spice profile, making them a favorite among adults seeking a more sophisticated treat.

FAQ about Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe

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