Chai Cookies

These Chai Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion! With their warm chai spices and the rich flavor of brown butter, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional baking. They’re easy to whip up and will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These chai cookies come together in no time, making them ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet pick-me-up during the day.
• Brown Butter Goodness: The nutty richness of brown butter elevates these cookies to another level of deliciousness.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with the spices or even add nuts or chocolate chips!

Tools and Preparation

To make these chai cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Frying pan: Ideal for browning the butter, which adds depth to the cookie’s flavor.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking multiple trays at once.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for mixing dough and scraping down the sides of bowls.

Ingredients

These chai cookies are so easy to make! They are chai spiced cookies made with brown butter and doubled rolled in chai sugar!

For the Cookie Dough

• 18 TBSP Unsalted butter (1 cup plus 2 tbsp)
• 2 2/3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp Cardamon
• 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

For the Chai Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp Cardamon
• 1/4 tsp Ground cloves

How to Make Chai Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a large frying pan, melt the butter. Once melted, let it cook until the milk deposits separate and turn amber in color. Watch it closely while it starts to separate!

Step 2: Cool the Butter

Pour the browned butter into a bowl and let it cool for about 40 minutes. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge and mixing every 10 minutes until cooled.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together:
* All-purpose flour
* Cornstarch
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Ground cinnamon
* Ground ginger
* Ground nutmeg
* Cardamon
* Ground cloves

Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the melted brown butter, white granulated sugar, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix using a rubber spatula until combined; this will create a thick dough.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Let your dough rest for 10 minutes to prevent spreading when baking.

Step 7: Prepare Chai Sugar Coating

In a bowl, combine:
* White granulated sugar
* Ground cinnamon
* Ground ginger
* Ground nutmeg
* Cardamon
* Ground cloves

Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out dough balls. Roll each ball into the chai sugar mixture.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place six cookie dough balls per cookie sheet. Bake for about 13–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let your cookies sit on the hot pan for about six minutes before rolling them again in chai sugar. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Chai Cookies fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Chai Cookies

Chai cookies are a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Chai Tea: Enhance the chai flavor by pairing these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea.
• Coffee: The rich taste of coffee contrasts beautifully with the spices in the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: For a sweet indulgence, serve these cookies alongside a mug of creamy hot chocolate.

As Dessert Platter

• Fruit Compote: A side of fruity compote can add freshness and balance to the spiced flavors.
• Cheese Board: Include chai cookies on a cheese board for an unexpected yet tasty combination.
• Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

For Special Occasions

• Gift Boxes: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Allow guests to decorate their own cookies with icing and toppings during celebrations.

How to Perfect Chai Cookies

To achieve the ultimate chai cookies, follow these helpful tips for best results.

• Bold brown butter: Make sure to watch the butter closely while browning it; this adds depth to the flavor.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 10 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading.
• Use room temperature eggs: This ensures better mixing and contributes to a uniform texture in your cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the spice amounts based on your personal preferences for more or less heat.

Best Side Dishes for Chai Cookies

Chai cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their unique flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich chai spices.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances sweetness.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg echo the flavors in chai cookies perfectly.
4. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel provides an extra layer of sweetness and richness when enjoyed together.
5. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate makes for an indulgent dip that pairs well with the spiced flavor profile.
6. Tea Sandwiches: Light sandwiches filled with cream cheese and herbs create a savory contrast to sweet chai cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chai cookies can be fun and rewarding, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls:

• Bold Butter: Using butter that is too hot or not melted properly can affect the texture. Make sure to let the brown butter cool sufficiently before mixing it with other ingredients.

• Bold Measuring Flour: Not measuring flour correctly can lead to dry or dense cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

• Bold Skipping Spices: Forgetting spices can diminish the flavor of your chai cookies. Ensure you have all spices ready and measure them precisely for that perfect chai flavor.

• Bold Overmixing Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, allowing for a thick dough without overworking it.

• Bold Ignoring Cooling Time: Not letting the cookie dough rest can cause spreading during baking. Give the dough at least 10 minutes of rest before scooping onto sheets.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing Chai Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chai Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making chai cookies, here are some common inquiries:

What makes Chai Cookies special?

Chai cookies stand out due to their unique blend of spices that evoke the warm flavors of traditional chai tea, making them perfect for any occasion.

Can I use different spices in my Chai Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with various spices like allspice or anise to customize the flavors according to your preference.

How do I prevent my Chai Cookies from spreading?

Resting the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, ensure your butter is cooled properly before mixing.

Are Chai Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Their delightful flavor and beautiful appearance make them an excellent gift option for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

These chai cookies are not only easy to make but also packed with delightful flavors that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different spices or even add chocolate chips if desired. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try!