Welcome to the only recipe you’ll ever need for perfectly soft, chewy, and aromatic Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies. If you’re looking to elevate your baking game beyond the classic sugar cookie, you’ve found your new obsession. These cookies are infused with a warm, homemade chai spice blend, delivering a comforting and sophisticated flavor that’s simply irresistible. They are the perfect treat for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a truly special cookie.
We’re ditching the store-bought spice mix and creating our own perfectly balanced blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other warming spices. This simple step makes all the difference, creating a depth of flavor that is both complex and wonderfully familiar. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma!
Look at that perfectly soft and chewy center!
What Makes These Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies Special?
Unlike standard sugar cookies, this recipe is meticulously designed for flavor and texture. The magic lies in the homemade chai spice mix, which infuses every bite with a warm, aromatic kick. We also use a combination of butter and a touch of oil to guarantee a cookie that stays soft and chewy for days. Forget bland, one-note cookies; these are a full sensory experience.
The Perfect Homemade Chai Spice Blend
Creating your own chai spice blend is incredibly simple and allows you to control the flavor intensity. It’s the secret to making the best Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies. For this recipe, we’re aiming for a warm, cinnamon-forward blend with bright notes of ginger and cardamom.
Here’s what you’ll need for the spice mix:
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Simply whisk these spices together in a small bowl until they are completely combined. You can easily double or triple this recipe and store the extra in an airtight container for future baking projects or for sprinkling over lattes!
The perfect balance of warm spices and chewy sweetness in every bite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cookies
This recipe uses simple, high-quality pantry staples to create an exceptional cookie. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need.
For the Cookies:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cookies.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The combination gives the cookies the perfect lift and spread.
Homemade Chai Spice Blend: The star of the show!
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and crisp edges, while brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses for chewiness.
Egg: Acts as a binder.
Vanilla Extract: Complements the warm spices perfectly.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
Granulated Sugar: The base for our crunchy topping.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds that extra layer of warmth and classic cookie comfort.
For a different twist on holiday baking, you might also enjoy these delicious Almond Crescent Cookies. They are a wonderful nutty alternative!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies
Follow these simple steps for foolproof cookies every time. The key is to not overmix the dough and to give it time to chill.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your homemade chai spice blend.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. This is a crucial step that prevents the cookies from spreading too much and deepens the flavor.
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make the Topping: In a small, shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
Shape and Roll: Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s evenly coated.
Bake: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
A few pro tips can take your Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies from great to unforgettable.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the dough is essential. It solidifies the fat, which means the cookies spread less and bake up thicker and chewier. It also allows the flavors of the chai spices to meld into the dough.
Measure Flour Correctly: The most accurate way to measure flour is by weight. If you don’t have a scale, use the “spoon and level” method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents dense, dry cookies.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using a room temperature egg and butter is key to a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
If you’re in the mood for another simple yet impressive treat, these easy Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers are always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time!
To Store: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay wonderfully soft and chewy.
To Make Ahead: The cookie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough balls. Simply roll them in the cinnamon-sugar, place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for when you need a festive dessert, just like our No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Icebox Cake.
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute the homemade blend with 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite store-bought chai spice mix. Taste and adjust to your preference.
The keys to a soft and chewy cookie are using a mix of brown and white sugar, not overmixing the dough once the flour is added, and, most importantly, not skipping the chilling time. Chilling the dough for at least an hour is crucial.
Yes! This dough is perfect for making ahead. You can refrigerate the prepared dough for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the portioned cookie dough balls for up to 3 months for cookies on demand.
Excessive spreading is usually caused by two things: butter that was too soft or melted, or skipping the dough chilling time. Ensure your butter is softened but not greasy, and always chill the dough for at least 60 minutes before baking.
The Best Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe
FL Recipes
Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy & Aromatic Treat
This recipe guides you in making the best Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies. Infused with a homemade chai spice blend, these cookies are perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Make the Chai Spice Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tsp cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves, and black pepper. Set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your homemade chai spice blend.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes or up to 3 days.
Preheat and Prep: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make the Topping: In a small, shallow bowl, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the topping.
Shape and Roll: Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Bake: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 155kcalProtein: 2gFat: 8gFiber: 1g
Notes
Don't skip chilling the dough; it's essential for flavor development and preventing the cookies from spreading too much. For an extra flavor boost, you can toast the whole spices before grinding them for the chai blend. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keyword chai cookies,holiday baking,spiced chai sugar cookies
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies recipe! It’s a true game-changer for any cookie lover. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And don’t forget to share a photo of your beautiful creations on Pinterest! We can’t wait to see them.
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced. Get the recipe for the ultimate Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
