Chai Cookies

Craving a warm and spicy treat that’s perfect for fall or any time of the year? These Chai Cookies are a delightful fusion of fragrant chai spices and soft, chewy cookies, topped with a sweet, spiced icing that adds an extra layer of flavor. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chai tea creates a cozy, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. Ideal for cozy gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly day, these cookies are as easy to make as they are delicious! Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Chai Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• Chai spiced tea: Adds a rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to infuse the cookies with a warm chai flavor.
• Softened butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture and helps bind the dough together.
• Sunflower oil: Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and balances the spices.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and provides structure.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the dough and helps with mixing.

For the Sugar Frosting:

• Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth icing.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the chai spices.
• Nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty warmth to the icing.
• Milk: Thins the icing to the right consistency for drizzling.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Chai Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and a smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 chai spiced tea bags
• 110 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter (softened)
• 80 g (1/3 cup) sunflower oil
• 110 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 50 g (1/4 cup) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Topping:

• 80 g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 tbsp milk

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

• In a bowl, cream together the butter, sunflower oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until incorporated. If the dough is too soft, add the milk to achieve the right consistency.
• Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour, or freeze it for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Prepare the Topping & Bake the Cookies:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and milk until smooth. Set aside.
• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Portion out the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.

Add the Topping & Enjoy:

• Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the prepared icing over the top.
• Enjoy these chai cookies with a cup of tea or coffee and savor the cozy spice flavors!

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Use Fresh Chai Tea Bags: For the best flavor, use freshly opened chai tea bags. The spices in older tea bags may have lost their potency, affecting the cookie’s taste.
• Soften Butter Properly: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If it’s too hard, it won’t cream properly with the sugars. Avoid melting it as this can alter the cookie texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps in achieving thicker, softer cookies. If you’re short on time, freezing the dough for 15 minutes works well.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution in the dough.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, you can add a pinch of additional cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to the dough.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
• Perfect Icing Consistency: Adjust the milk in the icing to achieve your desired consistency. If the icing is too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

General Tips:

• Roll Evenly: When portioning the dough, try to make each ball as uniform in size as possible for even baking. Using a cookie scoop helps achieve consistent sizes.
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy. This helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from steaming.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Chai Cookies are perfectly spiced, soft, and delicious every time!

More Fall Baking Ideas:

• Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies swirled with cinnamon sugar, bringing all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie form.
• Apple Pie Cookies – Bite-sized versions of the classic dessert, these Apple Pie Cookies are filled with warm spiced apples and wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie.
• Apple Cheesecake Cookies – The perfect blend of tart apples and creamy cheesecake, all in a sweet and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are soft, spiced, and packed with the rich flavors of fall, perfect for a cozy treat any time!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: