Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine buttery richness with warm, aromatic spices for a delightful treat. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, they bring cozy flavors to your cookie jar with minimal effort.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled dough for slightly thicker cookies and less spreading during baking.
• Adjust the chai spice blend to your taste, adding more cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
• For a festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well—place them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To refresh, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chai spice blend with individual spices?

Yes, you can mix your own chai spices using cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves in equal parts or to your preference for a fresh and customizable flavor.

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to maintain the right texture.

Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 101 reviews

These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with a warm chai spice blend featuring cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive snack, these cookies are simple to prepare and delightfully fragrant.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: about 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps to create a tender texture in the cookies.
3. Add flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend until the ingredients are fully incorporated, distributing the warm spices evenly throughout the dough.
4. Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintaining a tender crumb.
5. Form cookie dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked with a crisp exterior and soft interior.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them firm up and maintain their shape.

Notes

• You can adjust the chai spice blend to your taste, adding more or less cinnamon or ginger as preferred.
• Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best creaming results.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Keywords: vanilla chai cookies, shortbread cookies, chai spice cookies, easy holiday cookies, spiced cookies