Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine buttery richness with warm chai spices for a delightful treat. Perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, they are simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend until well combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger chai flavor, increase the chai spice blend to 3 teaspoons or add a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier texture and flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh their buttery texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chai spice blend?
Yes, store-bought chai spice blends work well. Just make sure it includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for an authentic flavor.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan shortbread cookies, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a vegan sugar. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies are a perfect blend of buttery richness and warm chai spices. With hints of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, these cookies offer a comforting and aromatic twist on classic shortbread. They are simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a quick bake for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and the chai spice blend thoroughly until well combined, allowing the flavors to infuse the dough evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing only until the ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to expand slightly without sticking together.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies have turned lightly golden around the edges. This ensures they are perfectly baked with a delicate crispness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Use room temperature unsalted butter for best creaming results.
- The chai spice blend can be adjusted to taste or substituted with store-bought chai spice mix.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Rolling dough balls into discs before baking can create thinner, crisper cookies if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vanilla chai cookies, shortbread cookies, chai spice cookies, easy cookie recipe, baked cookies, butter cookies
