Chai Cookies
Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of chai cookies, a delightful treat inspired by traditional Indian chai. These cookies are infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, merging the comforting essence of chai with a buttery cookie base. Perfect for pairing with your favorite tea, they offer a unique twist that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to fill your kitchen with enticing aromas as you bake these scrumptious cookies!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 5g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 10g sugar. This is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for better handling.
- Once chilled, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves to personalize your chai cookies.
Serving and Pairings
Chai cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. They also make an excellent treat for gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends.
Storage and Reheating
Store chai cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much.
- Using expired baking powder or soda can affect rising.
- Skipping the parchment paper can lead to sticking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Experiment with adding chopped nuts or dried fruits.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a beautiful finish.
- Test a small batch first to adjust spices to your liking.
FAQs
Can I make chai cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg to make vegan chai cookies.
How long do chai cookies stay fresh?
Chai cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for about a week at room temperature but can last longer if frozen.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a delightful contrast to the spices in the cookies.
What kind of tea should I use in chai cookies?
Any strong black tea, like Assam or Darjeeling, works well, or you can use chai tea bags for convenience.
Are chai cookies gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by using a suitable flour alternative like almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
Chai cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that celebrate the essence of chai in a sweet treat. With their warm spices and comforting texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with loved ones for a memorable experience!
Chai Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for better handling.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
