If you love the cozy flavors of chai tea, these Chai‑Spiced Sugar Cookies will be your new favorite treat. They’re buttery and soft with a sweet sugar‑cookie base, enhanced by a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, afternoon tea, or anytime you want a warm, spiced dessert.
This recipe became a favorite in our kitchen because it combines the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the fragrant, warming spices of chai. They’re easy to make, freeze well, and taste amazing both on their own or with a glaze drizzle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chai‑Spiced Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and full of cozy flavors that remind you of a warm chai latte.
The spice blend makes them taste special, while the simple sugar‑cookie base keeps them approachable and perfect for sharing.
They’re also versatile—you can roll them in spiced sugar before baking for extra crunch or glaze them for a more elegant presentation. Plus, they’re freezer‑friendly, so you can bake a batch ahead of time for holidays or gatherings.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Pro Tips
- Use room‑temperature butter for easy creaming.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier rolling and shaping.
- Do not overbake—remove cookies when edges are just set for soft centers.
- Roll in spiced sugar before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
- Cool completely before glazing if you want to add icing.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets and parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten‑free: Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
- Dairy‑free: Swap butter for vegan butter and milk for plant‑based milk.
- Flavor twist: Add a bit of black pepper for a true chai kick.
- Iced version: Top with a powdered sugar glaze flavored with vanilla or chai spices.
Make‑Ahead Tips
- Prepare dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
How to Make Chai‑Spiced Sugar Cookies
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and milk, mixing until smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
4. Shape and Coat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls, then roll in sugar mixed with a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.
5. Bake
Place cookies on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set.
6. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Benefits
These cookies are a sweet indulgence with the added benefit of warm chai spices, which may have antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties.
The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves gives them a unique flavor that sets them apart from regular sugar cookies.
FAQ
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. If freezing, roll into balls first and bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of minutes to the bake time.
2. Can I skip any of the chai spices?
You can adjust the spice blend to your taste. For example, if you don’t like cloves or cardamom, leave them out or reduce the amount. The cookies will still be flavorful.
3. How do I make the glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla or chai spice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let it set for 10–15 minutes before storing.
4. Can these cookies be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture will still be soft and buttery.
5. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.
Warm, Sweet, and Perfectly Spiced
These Chai‑Spiced Sugar Cookies are a cozy twist on a classic favorite.
They’re easy to make, full of warm flavors, and perfect for holidays, gifts, or enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee.