Name: Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: Extra sugar mixed with chai spice blend for rolling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies take everything you love about sugar cookies and elevate them with a fragrant chai spice blend. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and deliver an irresistible balance of sweetness and spice. No fancy equipment needed—just one bowl and a little time. Whether you’re baking for a party or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground cardamom
Ground ginger
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract

Optional for topping:

Extra sugar mixed with a pinch of chai spice for rolling

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
Optional: Roll each ball in the chai-spiced sugar topping before placing on the baking sheet.
Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look just slightly underbaked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time is around 15 minutes.
Bake time is 9–11 minutes per batch.
Cool time is approximately 10 minutes.

Variations

Iced version: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Chai concentrate: Add 1–2 teaspoons of liquid chai concentrate for extra depth.
Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a texture boost.
Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and check your sugar source.
Cut-out style: Chill the dough and roll it out for shaped cookies if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Microwave a cookie for 5–10 seconds to bring back a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Reheat frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What does “chai spiced” mean?

It refers to the blend of spices commonly used in masala chai—typically cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and sometimes nutmeg or black pepper.

Can I use a pre-mixed chai spice?

Yes, a pre-made chai spice blend works well. Just be sure it’s fresh and not overly sweetened.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional. The cookies bake fine without chilling, but chilling can help develop flavor and reduce spreading.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Roll into balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

How spicy are these cookies?

They’re warmly spiced, not hot. You can adjust the spice levels to your taste.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Why are my cookies flat?

Overmixing or using overly soft butter can cause flattening. Try chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple to maintain moisture.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, they pack well and have a beautiful aroma—perfect for holiday tins or cookie boxes.

Conclusion

Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies are the perfect fusion of cozy spices and classic cookie goodness. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for everything from afternoon tea to festive occasions. Whether you’re a chai lover or just looking to spice up your cookie game, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.