If you love chai lattes and cozy fall flavors, these Vegan Brown Sugar Chai Cookies will become your new favorite treat.
They’re soft, chewy, and full of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The brown sugar gives them a rich, caramel‑like sweetness, making them the perfect cookie to enjoy with tea or coffee.
This recipe became a staple in our kitchen because it’s simple to make, completely plant‑based, and always a hit with friends and family.
They bake up beautifully with a crinkly top and soft center, just like the best bakery cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Vegan Brown Sugar Chai Cookies are chewy, flavorful, and filled with aromatic chai spices that make every bite cozy and delicious.
They’re made without eggs or dairy but still have the perfect texture and rich flavor thanks to brown sugar and plant‑based butter.
They’re easy to make in under 30 minutes, freeze well, and are perfect for holiday cookie trays, bake sales, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons plant‑based milk (if dough is too dry)
Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels sticky—this helps prevent spreading.
- Roll cookies in sugar before baking for a crackly, sparkly finish.
- Slightly underbake for a soft, chewy texture.
- Use fresh spices—they make a big difference in flavor.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten‑free: Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
- Extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a chai‑latte vibe.
- Less sweet: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lighter sweetness.
- Iced cookies: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze spiced with cinnamon.
Make‑Ahead Tips
- Cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- You can also freeze scooped dough balls—bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
How to Make Vegan Brown Sugar Chai Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a bowl, beat vegan butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in applesauce and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
5. Make the Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. If the dough feels dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of plant‑based milk.
6. Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon‑sized balls of dough, roll in sugar if desired, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
7. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 2 months and thaw before eating.
Nutrition & Benefits
These cookies are completely plant‑based and made with warming chai spices known for their antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties.
Using applesauce in place of eggs makes them lower in fat while keeping them moist and chewy.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, but use solid coconut oil for the best texture and flavor.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not always, but chilling for 15 minutes can help prevent spreading.
3. Can I make these gluten‑free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely—pecans, walnuts, or dairy‑free white chocolate chips work great.
5. How do I keep them soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep moisture in.
Warm, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced
These Vegan Brown Sugar Chai Cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.
With their rich brown sugar sweetness and cozy chai spices, they’re a treat everyone will love.