Name: Chai Spice Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 100 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you love warm, cozy flavors wrapped up in a soft, buttery cookie, this Chai Spice Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Bursting with the beautiful, aromatic spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, these cookies perfectly capture the essence of chai tea in every bite. Tender and just sweet enough, they’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside your favorite cup of tea. Let me walk you through every step so you can experience the magic of these spiced delights in your very own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four images show steps of mixing baking ingredients in clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The first image has white flour topped with brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda powders in separate piles. The second image shows these dry ingredients fully mixed into a light brown, powdery mix with a silver whisk inside the bowl. The third image has softened yellow butter with brown sugar on top in the bowl, side by side but not mixed. The fourth image shows the brown sugar and butter creamed together with a bright orange egg yolk added in the center, partially mixed on the sides with the yolk sitting clearly on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These Chai Spice Cookies may sound fancy, but the ingredients are simple staples that come together to create that signature warm and fragrant flavor. Each component plays a part, from the aromatic spices that build the chai profile to the brown sugar and butter that deliver tenderness and a touch of sweetness.

All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and the perfect crumbly texture.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps your cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): A little lift and added tenderness comes from baking soda working with the other leaveners.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the warming spices.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The heart of chai, adding that classic sweet-spicy warmth.
Ground cardamom (2 tsp): Pungent and floral, giving chai its unique, fragrant lift.
Ground allspice (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined in one spice.
Ground cloves (1/2 tsp): Intense and aromatic, bringing depth to the cookie flavor.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Warm and nutty, rounding out the spice profile.
Ground ginger (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle zing and complements the other spices beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened (100 g): Gives a rich, creamy texture and carries the spices perfectly.
Light brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel note to the sweetness.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together, ensuring a soft, chewy cookie.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors and adds a lovely sweetness.

How to Make Chai Spice Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the full bouquet of spices — cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. This step ensures every teaspoon of spice is evenly distributed, giving your cookies that consistent chai magic in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter together with the packed light brown sugar for about a minute until the mixture looks creamy and slightly fluffy. This aeration helps create the perfect texture and ensures your cookies will be tender and rich.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract, beating just until combined. These ingredients bring moisture to the dough while enhancing the overall flavor profile with their subtle sweetness and richness.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add half of the dry flour and spice mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Follow with the remaining dry mixture, mixing again until a crumbly dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender, not tough.

Step 5: Form the Dough Ball and Chill

Gather your dough into a ball with your hands, then chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape into perfectly round cookies and ensuring they bake evenly.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

While your dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180ºC (356ºF). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep those beautiful cookies intact.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Once chilled, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough (or roughly 40 grams) and roll it into smooth balls. Place them on your lined baking sheet, leaving about a one-inch gap between each. Then gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to form soft discs – this helps them spread evenly as they bake.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until you notice the edges turning a light golden brown and the tops displaying slight cracks. They may still seem a bit soft when you take them out, but don’t worry — that’s actually perfect! They will firm up beautifully as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set up without breaking and maximizes their delicate texture.

How to Serve Chai Spice Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a small stack of round, light brown cookies with a cracked texture, placed in a white bowl. The top cookie is broken, showing a soft, crumbly inside. Next to the cookies, there is a decorative star anise with a rich brown color and a star shape. The background has a white marbled texture with soft lighting, highlighting the texture and color of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top of each cookie just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, dip one edge in melted white or dark chocolate to add a rich contrast that complements the spicy chai flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or your favorite black tea, enhancing the warm spice notes. You could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels both indulgent and nostalgic.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your chai spice cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside cinnamon sticks and star anise pods for a beautiful display. You can also sandwich two cookies together with cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting for a fun twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack during a busy week.

Freezing

Chill the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and proceed as usual. Alternatively, baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container with parchment layers to avoid sticking.

Reheating

Warm your cookies with a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave or pop them in a low-heat oven (about 150ºC / 300ºF) for 5 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and release those irresistible chai aromas.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for Chai Spice Cookies Recipe?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that different flours can affect the cookie’s softness and flavor slightly.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices on hand?

Try your best to include cinnamon and cardamom as they’re essential for the chai flavor. You can adjust or omit other spices like cloves or ginger according to what you have, but the classic chai spice mix really shines when all are combined.

How thick should I flatten the cookie dough balls?

Flatten each ball just enough to make a thick disc about half an inch tall. This helps the cookies spread evenly without becoming too thin or crispy in the oven.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer to keep the binding and texture while maintaining the same spices and flavor.

Do these cookies keep well over time?

They stay soft and flavorful for several days if stored properly, but they really taste best fresh or within a couple of days of baking. Freezing both dough and baked cookies is a great option to enjoy them longer.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Chai Spice Cookies Recipe a try because it brings a little warmth and magic to any moment. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies embody comfort and celebration in every bite. Once you taste the cozy spices combined with tender sweetness, I bet you’ll make them again and again.