One rainy afternoon, I reached for my usual cup of chai, but instead of brewing it, I stirred the tea leaves into melted butter for a batch of cookies. I wasn’t sure how much of that familiar chai flavor would come through, but the aroma filling the kitchen while they baked told me everything I needed to know. By the time the first tray had cooled, I was already planning the next batch.
These cookies have a soft center, lightly crisp edges, and the warm flavor of chai spices in every bite. The spiced sugar coating adds a delicate crunch that makes them even more enjoyable. If you love sugar cookies, be sure to try my Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies and Biscoff Butter Cookies .
Chai Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chai tea leaves (chai patti) and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the butter into a mixing bowl. Add the flour, the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, ground cardamom, and ground cloves, then mix until well combined.
- Grate the fresh nutmeg into the butter mixture, stir until well combined, then refrigerate until the mixture is firm but still soft enough to beat.
- Beat the chilled butter mixture until light and creamy.
- Add the light brown sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and heavy cream. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and molasses, then mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Continue mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Roll each dough ball in the prepared spiced sugar until evenly coated.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
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These Chai Cookies bring the familiar flavors of a homemade cup of chai into every bite. From the tea-infused butter to the fragrant spiced sugar coating, each step adds something special without making the recipe complicated. Save this recipe for your next baking day whenever you’re in the mood for homemade cookies with warm chai-inspired spices.
I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.