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–+ servings
Chai Cookies

Chai Cookies: Cozy Spiced Treats for Your Holiday Baking

Chai Cookies blend spices and warmth, perfect for holiday baking or cozy sharing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 56 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder double-acting is preferred
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda no substitutions necessary
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt can substitute with table salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon no substitutes necessary
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom ground nutmeg can be used but will alter taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger fresh grated ginger can be an alternative
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves pinch of allspice may work in a pinch
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg can be omitted if unavailable
  • 2 teaspoons finely ground black tea use a chai tea bag or another black tea
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter can use margarine for dairy-free option
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar substitute with coconut sugar for lower glycemic index
  • 0.5 cups light brown sugar can swap for brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 large egg substitute with a flax egg for vegan version
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract vanilla essence can be alternative
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream substitute with non-dairy milk for lactose-free option
For the Glaze (Optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar substitute with a sugar alternative for low-sugar version
  • a pinch salt enhances richness of the glaze
  • 2 tablespoons cooled chai tea adds flavor to the glaze

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • cookie scoop

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Incorporate ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and finely ground black tea. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, additional egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and whole milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and combined.
  4. Combine Mixes: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Chill Dough (Optional): Cover dough and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Prepare Chai Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground ginger.
  7. Shape Cookies: Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in chai sugar mixture. Place on lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Rotate pans halfway through.
  9. Cool: Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. Optional Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, salt, and cooled chai tea. Drizzle over cooled Chai Cookies and let set for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Chai Cookies provide delightful warmth and spice, perfect for sharing during the holidays.

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