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Chai Sugar Cookies

These chai sugar cookies are soft, tender treats infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. They are baked until golden with slightly crisp edges, offering a comforting, aromatic flavor and a chewy texture that’s perfect for pairing with tea or enjoying as a cozy snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chai spice blend see notes for homemade blend
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, about 2-3 minutes. As you beat, you'll notice the aroma of sweet butter and sugar filling the air.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 1 minute. The dough will start to look cohesive and slightly shiny.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, chai spice blend, and sea salt to evenly distribute the spices and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough will start to come together, soft but manageable.
  6. If the dough feels too sticky, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes; if it’s crumbly, add a splash of milk or water to help it come together.
  7. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thickness. Use a rolling pin to flatten evenly, making sure the dough doesn't stick.
  8. Cut the dough into your preferred shapes using cookie cutters or a sharp knife. Transfer the cutouts to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. If the dough feels soft, chill the shaped cookies on the sheet for another 10 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
  10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the warm aroma of spices fills your kitchen. You'll hear a gentle sizzle as they bake.
  11. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up and develop a slight chewiness with a fragrant spice scent.
  12. Once cooled, enjoy these cozy, aromatic cookies with a cup of tea or your favorite playlist. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Feel free to customize the chai spice blend to suit your taste—add more ginger or cloves for extra warmth. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra spice or sugar before baking.