If you are a fan of warming spices and delightfully soft cookies, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough infused with a fragrant chai spice blend that whispers notes of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more. They are tender, flavorful, and just the right kind of cozy treat to satisfy any craving, whether for an afternoon snack or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of seven round, soft cookies with a light brown color and a thin, darker cinnamon sugar coating on top sits in the center on a white marbled surface. To the right of the stack, there is one whole cookie with a bite taken out, showing its soft texture. To the left, there is another cookie also with a bite taken out. Around the cookies are whole cinnamon sticks and star anise scattered loosely, adding dark brown and reddish tones. In the background, a jar filled with spices is slightly blurred. The photo has a warm, cozy feel with natural light highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the taste and texture of these chai sugar cookies. Nothing too complicated here, just simple pantry staples combined with a special chai spice blend that transforms ordinary sugar cookies into something extraordinary.

Butter (1 cup softened): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb for these cookies.
Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds deep sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Sugar (3/4 cup plus 1/3 cup for coating): Sweetens the dough and the rolling coating for a delightful crunch.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients while adding moisture and structure.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, familiar aroma.
Flour (2 1/2 cups, or 2 2/3 cups for thicker cookies): Forms the base of the cookie dough and determines texture.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and become light.
Cream of Tartar (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and creates a soft, chewy texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
Chai Spice Blend (3 teaspoons total): A signature mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper that infuses these cookies with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Cinnamon (1 Tablespoon): Adds warmth and sweetness to the chai spice blend.
Cardamom (1 1/4 teaspoons): Provides a distinctive floral, citrusy note.
Ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and sharpness to balance the sweetness.
Ground Cloves (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and a slightly pungent spice.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend with earthy sweetness.
Black Pepper (pinch): Surprising but essential for a subtle spicy kick.

How to Make Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter together with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies will be tender and perfectly textured. Make sure to scrape down the bowl sides as you go to blend everything evenly.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar mix looks smooth, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything together for about a minute. This adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients in the next steps.

Step 3: Prepare the Chai Spice Blend

Mix together cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, ground cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is what makes these cookies truly special, giving them their unique chai flavor profile that’s both sweet and subtly spicy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of the chai spice blend. Then slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together — be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it into the fridge for about 25-30 minutes. Chilling helps the spices meld beautifully throughout and makes the dough easier to handle when it’s time to roll it into balls.

Step 6: Prepare the Spiced Sugar Coating

While the dough chills, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of chai spice blend with 1/3 cup of sugar in a small bowl. This sweet, fragrant coating will give the cookies a lovely texture and spicy crunch on the outside.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small balls, smoothing each one carefully. Then, dip each dough ball into the chai sugar mixture. For a fuller coating, use a spoon to coat twice, ensuring the dough is completely covered in the spiced sugar. For a classic snickerdoodle shape, gently press down the center of each ball to prevent puffing up in the middle while baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 9-11 minutes. You’ll want to pull them from the oven when edges are firm but centers still look slightly soft—this guarantees the softest cookie texture after cooling.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let your chai sugar cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and finish baking gently with retained moisture and perfect bite.

How to Serve Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows five round cinnamon sugar cookies with a cracked surface, arranged on white parchment paper atop a white marbled texture. One cookie has a bite taken out of it. Around the cookies are several star anise seeds scattered, adding dark brown star shapes. There are five clear glass spice jars with silver lids positioned above the cookies; the jars contain powdered spices labeled ginger (light yellow), cinnamon sticks (empty, but a cinnamon stick is visible inside), cloves (dark brown), nutmeg (brown), and cardamom (light green). Part of a clear jar tipped over with star anise spilling out is visible on the right side. The background mix of parchment paper and white marbled texture contrasts with the warm brown tones of the cookies and spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are perfectly flavorful on their own, you can add a touch of charm by dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple vanilla glaze to dress them up for a party. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few crushed pistachios or edible rose petals on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

These chai sugar cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks that complement their spice. Try them alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, creamy hot chocolate, or even your morning coffee for a cozy treat break. They also make a lovely dessert served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a decorative platter sprinkled with cinnamon sticks and star anise for an impressive holiday spread. You can also sandwich a little cream cheese frosting or spiced buttercream in between two cookies for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chai sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect to bake ahead for gatherings or weekday treats.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls or baked cookies. For dough, freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature when you want a quick snack.

Reheating

If you prefer your chai sugar cookies warm, briefly heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and brings out the lovely spiced aroma.

FAQs

Can I make the chai spice blend in advance?

Absolutely! Making the chai spice blend ahead saves time and allows the spices to meld even more, intensifying the flavor. Store it in an airtight jar for up to a month.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps the cookies stay soft and gives a slight tang, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, or simply omit it; your cookies will still taste great but may differ slightly in texture.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly but the chai flavor will shine through beautifully.

How do I get the perfect soft center?

Watch your baking time closely and pull the cookies out when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked. Letting them cool on the baking sheet helps finish the process perfectly.

Why is there black pepper in the chai spice blend?

It might seem unusual, but a pinch of black pepper balances the sweetness and adds a subtle warmth to the spices, enhancing the overall chai flavor complexity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a comforting, spiced twist to your classic sugar cookie, this Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Once you get a taste of those perfectly tender cookies bursting with chai spice goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So go ahead, bake a batch, share with loved ones, and let these cookies bring a little warmth and magic to your day.