Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of chai spices wafting through your kitchen, especially when it transforms into warm, delightful cookies. Chai Cookies meld the comforting flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom with a chewy texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon or hosting friends for coffee, these cookies are sure to add a sweet touch to any moment.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the oats and nuts (if using).
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the nuts before adding them to the batter.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee to enhance the chai flavors!
Cooking Techniques
Baking cookies requires a delicate balance of science and art. Make sure your butter is softened, allowing it to cream well with the sugars and incorporate air into the mixture. Measuring flour accurately is crucial to avoid overly dense cookies. Also, be mindful of not overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this ensures a chewy texture.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- How can I make these cookies dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure your sugars are dairy-free.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Chai Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a warm hug in cookie form. With their delightful blend of spices and chewy texture, they offer a perfect balance of flavor that will enchant your taste buds. Bake a batch today and savor the comforting essence of chai right from your own kitchen!