Name: Chai Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 2/3 cups All-purpose flour; 1 TBSP Cornstarch; 1 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Salt; 2 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1 tsp Ground ginger; 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp Cardamom; 1/4 tsp Ground cloves; 18 TBSP Unsalted butter (1 cup plus 2 tbsp); 1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar (for dough); 2 Large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup White granulated sugar; 1 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger; 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp Cardamom; 1/4 tsp Ground cloves

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 40 reviews

If you love the warm, cozy spices of chai tea but want a fun new way to enjoy those flavors, this Chai Cookies Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. These cookies perfectly capture the comforting blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves with a delightful buttery texture and a subtle hint of brown butter richness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a personal treat, these chai-spiced delights bring both nostalgia and excitement to your kitchen. Get ready for a baking adventure that fills your home with inviting aromas and leaves you with irresistibly fragrant cookies that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a smooth, creamy batter mixed in a bowl with visible small brown specks throughout, showing a slightly thick texture with a glossy surface. A metal whisk is partially immersed in the batter on the right side of the image. The bowl has a warm, light tan color inside, and the background is a white marbled texture. The batter looks evenly mixed and shiny, showing folds and swirls made by the whisk while mixing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the key to nailing this Chai Cookies Recipe. Each element plays a specific role, whether it’s building structure, infusing spice, or adding that perfect chewy-buttery bite.

Unsalted butter (18 TBSP): Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that’s crucial for flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 2/3 cups): The backbone of the cookie, it provides structure and chewiness.
Cornstarch (1 TBSP): Keeps the cookies tender by softening the flour’s protein.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Gives just enough rise and lightness to the cookies.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the spices and balances sweetness perfectly.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The signature chai spice that warms up the flavor.
Ground ginger (1 tsp): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): A subtle hint of sweetness and woodsy aroma.
Cardamom (1/2 tsp): That unique, floral spice that makes chai unmistakable.
Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Intense and aromatic, rounding out the chai spices.
White granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and adds texture within the dough.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to moisture.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Additional sugar and spices for coating: A mix of white sugar with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves creates a spiced sugar crust that makes these cookies extra special.

How to Make Chai Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it cooks because you want those milk solids to separate and take on a beautiful amber color without burning. This step is magical—it transforms ordinary butter into a fragrant, nutty base that deepens the cookie’s flavor.

Step 2: Cool the Browned Butter

Once browned, pour the butter into a bowl and let it cool for about 40 minutes. To speed things up, pop it in the fridge and stir every 10 minutes. It’s important that the butter cools enough so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed but remains liquid enough to blend smoothly.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While the butter cools, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves into a medium bowl. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and that the spices are evenly distributed, so every cookie has that perfect chai flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture should be smooth and luscious, creating the right foundation for your dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. The dough will be thick and slightly stiff—that’s exactly what you want for cookies that hold their shape but stay tender.

Step 6: Rest the Dough and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and let your dough rest for 10 minutes to help prevent spreading while baking. This resting time enhances the cookie’s texture, keeping them chewy but firm.

Step 7: Form Dough Balls and Coat

Mix the additional sugar with the same chai spices in a bowl. Scoop out generous portions of dough and roll each ball in the spiced sugar mix, coating thoroughly. This extra step adds a delightful crunchy, fragrant outer layer that makes these cookies truly stand out.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place six cookie dough balls on each sheet, spaced well. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the edges just start turning golden brown. The aroma of baking spices will fill your kitchen, giving you all the cozy vibes imaginable.

Step 9: Cool and Coat Again

Let the cookies cool on the hot pans for 6 minutes—this helps them firm up. Then roll the tops again in the chai sugar mix to reinforce that crackly, flavorful crust before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This double coating is what truly elevates the Chai Cookies Recipe.

How to Serve Chai Cookies Recipe

The image shows soft, thick round cinnamon sugar cookies with a grainy sugar and cinnamon coating that creates a light brown sparkly layer on the surface. The cookies have gentle cracks and folds that add texture across their tops. In the lower part of the image, there are several cinnamon sticks lying side by side with a warm brown color and rough texture. To the upper right, a white ceramic bowl holds more cinnamon sugar mix with a similar grainy texture. The cookies and bowl rest on a smooth wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, you can elevate them with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a light drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch. Even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking heightens their complexity and balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your chai cookies with a cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of warm milk. The spicy notes of the cookies effortlessly blend with these beverages, turning an ordinary snack time into a soothing, indulgent ritual that comforts your soul.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these beauties in a clear jar tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift. Or arrange them on an elegant platter with fresh fruit and nuts to wow guests at any gathering. You could even sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or honey butter for an extra decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chai cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This ensures they stay soft with slightly crisp edges, perfect for when you want a quick indulgent bite anytime.

Freezing

If you want to save them for later, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—freshness intact!

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly. This restores their cozy softness and revives the brown butter fragrance, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.

Why do you brown the butter instead of just melting it?

Brown butter has caramelized milk solids that add a deep nuttiness and richness you can’t get from plain melted butter. This extra layer of flavor makes the Chai Cookies Recipe truly special.

Can I adjust the spices?

Feel free to tailor the chai spice blend to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cardamom or a more subtle clove note, tweak the amounts to suit your personal taste—it’s your perfect chai cookie in the making!

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Letting the dough rest before baking is key. Also, chilling the dough for a short time can help cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading in the oven.

Are these cookies suitable for vegan diets?

This recipe uses butter and eggs, so it isn’t vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes like flax eggs, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chai Cookies Recipe is like inviting a comforting hug into your kitchen, wrapped in warm spices and buttery goodness. Whether it’s for mornings, afternoons, or sweet cravings after dinner, these cookies bring joy and a lovely sense of home every time you bake them. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the magic with those you love.