Chai Spice Sugar Cookies
These cookies are a warm and comforting treat, featuring a tender, crackly texture infused with fragrant chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. The recipe involves creaming butter and sugar, mixing in eggs and spices, then baking until golden and aromatic, resulting in irresistibly flavorful cookies with a slightly crispy edge and a soft center.
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Calories: 120kcal
Servings: 24
Equipment
- Electric hand mixer or sturdy spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend adjust to taste
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch sea salt sea salt plus extra for sprinkling
Instructions
- Begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has a pale yellow color, about 2 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma becomes sweet and creamy as you mix.
- Add the large egg to the bowl and beat again until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 30 seconds. The texture should look silky and well combined.
- Stir in the chai spice blend, mixing until fragrant, about 15 seconds. The dough will take on a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of cozy autumn afternoons.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spoon until the dough comes together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. This process helps relax the dough for easier shaping.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them about 5 centimeters (2 inches) apart.
- If you prefer slightly crisper cookies, gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crackly. You’ll smell toasted spices filling your kitchen as they bake.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for about 5 minutes. They will firm up slightly as they cool on the sheet.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt for a flavor contrast and garnish.
- Enjoy these warm, fragrant cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough. You can also experiment with different spice ratios to suit your taste. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 40mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg