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If you have ever dreamed of a cookie that combines the warm, comforting spices of chai tea with the sugary delight of a classic sugar cookie, you are in for a treat with this Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a beautifully spiced twist on a timeless favorite, offering a tender crumb with just the right amount of chai’s aromatic punch. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or sharing a batch with friends, this recipe promises a sweet, fragrant bite that’s impossible not to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface, filled with a thick, light brown dough mixture with a rough and soft texture. The dough is unevenly spread inside the bowl, with some of it clinging to the sides. The colors are mainly beige and light brown shades, showing the fluffy and dense texture of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create these delightful chai-spiced sugar cookies. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that brings richness, to the chai spice blend that infuses every bite with an irresistible aromatic warmth.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): Using room temperature butter makes for easy creaminess and the perfect buttery base.
Granulated sugar (1½ cups plus more for rolling): Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crackly sugar crust on the outside.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): These bind everything together while adding moisture and tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and complements the warm chai spices beautifully.
Lemon extract (½ teaspoon): A subtle hint of citrus brightness that lifts the richer flavors.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure and gives the cookie its classic sugar cookie texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps cookies rise lightly and stay soft.
Salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
Chai spice (1 tablespoon): The star of the show—this blend usually includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, giving each cookie that signature chai warmth.

How to Make Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender, delicate texture that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla and lemon extracts. The lemon adds an unexpected but delightful brightness that complements the chai spices perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and chai spice. Thorough mixing ensures that every cookie gets an even dose of that delicious chai flavor.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be careful to mix until everything is incorporated and no dry flour remains.

Step 6: Form and Roll Dough Balls

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one generously in granulated sugar. This extra coating creates a delightful crunch on the outside, a perfect textural contrast to the soft interior.

Step 7: Bake until Lightly Tan

Place the sugared dough balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly tan bottoms as a sign that they’re ready—avoid overbaking to keep them soft.

How to Serve Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe

A round, light brown cookie with a slightly cracked surface sits balanced on the rim of a green ceramic mug with a textured, glossy finish. The mug has a thick curved handle to the left. Scattered around the mug are similar cookies, resting on a white marbled surface, some overlapping and one partially on a white cloth. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the crumbly texture of the cookies and the shiny glaze of the mug. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra chai spice or cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm. You can also drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice for extra zing.

Side Dishes

Pair these chai sugar cookies with a steaming cup of chai tea or spiced latte to echo their warm flavor notes. They also pair beautifully with a simple vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert combination.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment paper for gifting, or create a layered cookie cake by stacking them with thin layers of lemon cream or frosting in between. They also make charming edible decorations for holiday dessert platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your chai sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, ready to satisfy cookie cravings anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Gently warm your cookies in the oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked softness and enhance the chai aromas. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy or tough.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chai spice blend for this recipe?

Absolutely! A quality store-bought chai spice blend works wonderfully and saves time. Just make sure it includes the classic flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for that authentic chai taste.

What if I don’t have lemon extract? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have lemon extract, a small amount of finely grated lemon zest can provide a similar bright citrus flavor that complements the chai spices beautifully.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for bottoms that are lightly tan and edges that are just set. The cookies may look slightly soft on top but will firm up as they cool, ensuring a tender texture.

Can this Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free chai sugar cookies.

What is the best way to roll the dough balls in sugar?

Use a small bowl with granulated sugar and gently roll each dough ball with your fingers so they’re evenly coated. This creates the signature crystalline sugar crunch on the cookie’s surface.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way this Chai Sugar Cookies Recipe marries the warm spices of chai with the timeless appeal of a soft, sugary cookie. Whether you’re baking for holidays, special occasions, or just to brighten up your afternoon tea, these cookies will become an instant favorite. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and savor every fragrant, delicious bite!

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