These chai spice cookies are the perfect treat for cozy afternoons, offering the warmth and depth of chai tea in cookie form. Infused with the fragrant spices of chai tea, these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavors. With a sweet icing topped with cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making these cookies an ideal dessert or snack for fall and winter days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chai spice cookies bring the flavors of your favorite chai latte into a cookie that’s soft, buttery, and spiced to perfection. The combination of black tea, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and inviting flavor, while the brown sugar adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness. The icing gives these cookies an extra layer of sweetness with a chai twist, making them a perfect companion to your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Plus, the dough can be chilled ahead of time, making it easy to bake a batch whenever the craving strikes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These chai spice cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or as a comforting snack during the colder months. They make a beautiful addition to any cookie platter and can easily be packaged up as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their spiced flavor and soft texture make them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, and they’re ideal for pairing with a warm drink or enjoying on their own as a delicious treat.
Decoration Tips
For an extra decorative touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg over the icing while it’s still wet to give the cookies a festive, spiced look. You can also drizzle the icing in a zigzag pattern for a more refined appearance or top each cookie with a small chai-spiced sugar crystal for a bit of sparkle. Serve these cookies on a rustic tray or holiday platter to enhance their cozy, homemade feel.
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 2 bags chai spiced tea (contents emptied)
- ½ cup (110g) softened butter
- ⅓ cup (80g) sunflower oil
- ½ cup (110g) sugar
- ⅓ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Icing Topping:
- ⅔ cup (80g) powdered sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the cookie dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, sunflower oil, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. - Fold in dry ingredients:
Gradually fold in the flour, chai tea spices, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add the milk and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated. - Chill the dough:
Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour, or for a quicker option, freeze it for 15 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to handle. - Bake the cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. - Prepare the icing:
While the cookies are cooling, mix together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and slightly thick. - Decorate the cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the top of each cookie. Let the icing set before serving.
Enjoy these cozy and flavorful chai spice cookies, perfect for any occasion!
