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Chai Tea Cookies are similar to soft ginger cookies but pack a bigger flavor punch due to the blend of Chai spices of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. New to chai? Chai is the word for tea in some countries. It is a centuries-old beverage where spices are brewed in milk, then sweetened. The combinations of spices vary from region to region based on availability and tradition.
This time of the year, I crave gingerbread. As a kid, my mother made scratch gingerbread in the dead of winter. She served it with her hand-whipped heavy cream spiked with Grand Marnier. If you want to try something fun, make scratch whipped cream spiked with Grand Marnier and dollop a spoonful on top when serving these chai tea cookies.
We think that you will love these spicy chai tea cookies. So, enjoy them with your favorite herbal tea. Yield depends on the size you choose to make the cookies.
Comparing Our Chai Cookie Recipe to Taylor Swift's Chai Cookies
Our chai cookie recipe and Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies both celebrate the delightful flavors of chai spices but differ in several key aspects. Here's a breakdown of the differences:
Ingredients
Our Chai Cookie Recipe:
- Utilizes honey as a natural sweetener, providing a rich and complex taste while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
- Incorporates a blend of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and allspice for a robust chai flavor.
- Includes Grand Marnier for a sophisticated citrus note, enhancing the warm spices with a subtle orange flavor.
Taylor Swift’s Chai Tea Cookies:
- Typically uses granulated sugar without honey, contributing to a classic sugar cookie texture.
- Features a simpler spice mix, often focusing on cinnamon and nutmeg, with chai tea bags infusing the dough for a milder chai flavor.
- May include a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, adding a sweet finish to the cookies.
Texture and Flavor
Our Chai Cookie Recipe:
- Offers a soft and chewy texture, thanks to the honey and unsalted butter.
- Delivers a bold chai flavor with a complex spice profile, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Taylor Swift's Chai Tea Cookies:
- Has a more traditional sugar cookie texture, with a crisp exterior and soft center.
- Provides a subtle chai flavor, with the chai tea bags imparting a gentle tea essence.
Preparation
Our Chai Cookie Recipe:
- Involves rolling the dough balls in a sugar and spice mixture before baking, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Calls for the use of parchment paper on the baking sheet to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Taylor Swift's Chai Tea Cookies:
- Often includes steeping the chai tea bags in hot water or milk before incorporating them into the dough.
- Can be topped with a glaze after baking for added sweetness and decoration.
Both recipes offer a deliciously spiced treat, but our chai cookie recipe leans into the richness of honey and a diverse spice mix, while Taylor Swift's version highlights the simplicity of chai tea and a classic cookie approach. Whether you prefer a more robust chai flavor or a traditional sugar cookie with a hint of tea, both options are sure to delight!
Less Sugar is Better
Think of this recipe as a new twist on classic sugar cookie meets warm gingerbread on a cold winter night. We chose to use our from the eastern shore instead of sugar. Replacing sugar with honey works just fine up to one cup. However, more than that may add too much moisture or lead to browning.
Baking with honey offers numerous benefits that enhance both the flavor and texture of your baked goods. Honey acts as a natural sweetener, providing a rich and complex taste profile that can elevate simple recipes like chai cookies. Its hygroscopic nature helps retain moisture, resulting in softer and chewier cookies that stay fresh longer. Additionally, honey's natural sugars contribute to a beautiful golden-brown color, enhancing the visual appeal of your baked treats.
Beyond its culinary advantages, honey is packed with antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugars. The use of honey in recipes can also reduce the need for other sweeteners, allowing the natural flavors of ingredients like chai spices to shine through.
When baking with honey, it's essential to adjust your recipes slightly, as honey is sweeter and contains more liquid than granulated sugar. This adjustment ensures that the texture and consistency of your dough remain ideal. Overall, incorporating honey into your baking not only boosts flavor but also provides a wholesome twist to your favorite recipes.
What is Chai Sugar?
Chai sugar is a delightful blend of granulated sugar and warm chai spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. This aromatic mixture captures the essence of traditional chai tea, infusing a sweet and spicy flavor into any recipe it touches. Chai sugar can be used to enhance the taste of various baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and muffins, adding a unique twist to classic recipes.
The combination of sugar and spices creates a versatile ingredient that not only sweetens but also enriches the flavor profile of your dishes. Whether you're sprinkling it over your morning oatmeal, stirring it into your coffee, or using it as a topping for desserts, chai sugar offers a deliciously fragrant and exotic touch to your culinary creations.
How to Make Chai Cookies with Honey
One: Gather Ingredients
You want to make sure you have all necessary ingredients before starting any recipe. Here's what you'll need for these Chai Cookies with Honey:
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for this chai cookie recipe as it provides the perfect balance of protein and starch, ensuring the cookies have a soft and chewy texture. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with the chai spices, creating a deliciously flavorful cookie.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a crucial ingredient in this recipe as it acts as a leavening agent, helping the chai cookies to rise and achieve a soft, chewy texture. It also enhances the spread of the cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and maintain their delicious flavor.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is essential in this chai cookie recipe because it acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture. It works alongside baking soda to ensure the cookies bake evenly, creating a perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
- Salt: Salt is essential in this chai cookie recipe as it enhances the flavors of the chai spices and balances the sweetness of the honey and sugar. It also strengthens the dough's structure, ensuring the cookies maintain their soft and chewy texture.
- Bee Inspired Honey: Honey is essential in this chai cookie recipe as it adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the warm spices perfectly. It also helps to create a soft, chewy texture, making these cookies absolutely delicious.
- Organic Sugar: Sugar is essential in this chai cookie recipe as it adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy texture by retaining moisture. It also aids in the caramelization process, enhancing the cookies' flavor and giving them a golden-brown finish.
- Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for this chai cookie recipe because it adds a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that enhances the overall chai spice mix. Its aromatic profile helps to balance the sweetness of the honey and sugar, creating a deliciously fragrant and flavorful cookie.
- Ground Ginger: Ground ginger is essential in this chai cookie recipe because it adds a warm, spicy kick that enhances the overall chai flavor. Its aromatic and slightly sweet notes perfectly complement the other spices, creating a balanced and deliciously flavorful cookie.
- Ground Cardamom: Cardamom is essential in this chai cookie recipe because it imparts a unique, aromatic warmth that elevates the overall chai spice mix, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Its slightly sweet and citrusy notes balance the other spices, creating a harmonious and deliciously fragrant cookie.
- Ground Allspice: Allspice is essential in this chai cookie recipe as it brings a unique blend of flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enhancing the overall chai spice mix. Its warm and aromatic notes add depth to the cookies, making them more flavorful and inviting.
- Finely Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper is essential in this chai cookie recipe as it adds a subtle heat that enhances the warmth of the chai spices, creating a more complex flavor profile. Its unique spiciness balances the sweetness of the honey and sugar, making the cookies more intriguing and delicious.
- Ground Cloves: Ground cloves are essential in this chai cookie recipe because they add a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor that enhances the depth of the chai spice mix. Their aromatic intensity complements the other spices, creating a deliciously complex and inviting cookie.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is crucial for this chai cookie recipe because it provides a clean, creamy base without any added salt, allowing you to precisely adjust the saltiness to enhance the chai spices. This control over the salt content ensures the cookies achieve the perfect balance of flavors and a delightful texture.
- Egg: The egg is essential in chai sugar cookies as it acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive dough. It also contributes to the cookies' soft and chewy texture by adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is essential for chai sugar cookies because it adds a rich, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. It balances the warm spices and sweetness, creating a harmonious and deliciously fragrant treat.
- Grand Marnier: Grand Marnier adds a sophisticated citrus note to the chai cookies, enhancing the warm spices with a subtle orange flavor. Its rich, aromatic profile elevates the cookies' taste, making them more complex and absolutely delicious.
Two: Prep Work
Measure out your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Three: Create Flour Mixture
In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Set this aside for later.
Four: Create Spice Mixture
In a separate large bowl, combine the sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, ground allspice, ground black pepper, and ground cloves. Set aside 1/4 cup of the sugar and spice mixture for rolling.
Five: Combine Ingredients
Add the butter to the spice mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Add and beat in the egg and vanilla extract, honey, and Grand Marnier. Finally, add in the flour mixture and mix until combined.
Six: Prepare for Baking
Roll the cookie dough into 1 inch balls. Roll each of cookie dough balls in the sugar and spice mixture. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. Be sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie dough ball.
Seven: Bake & Enjoy!
Bake the chai cookies for about 8 minutes until puffed, golden, and the surface starts to crack. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them stand on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Perfect Chai Cookies
Creating the perfect chai cookies involves a few key tips and tricks to ensure they turn out deliciously soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve chai cookie perfection:
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour properly, ensuring you don't add too much flour, which can result in dry cookies. A measuring cup can help with precision.
- Choose Quality Spices: For the best chai flavor, use fresh and high-quality spices. Ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves are essential for that warm, aromatic chai spice mix.
- Soften Butter Properly: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature before mixing. Softened butter blends more easily, creating a smoother butter mixture for your cookie dough.
- Mix Dough Thoroughly: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to combine ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Line Baking Sheets: Use a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Space Dough Balls Evenly: Place cookie dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Check for Doneness: Bake the cookies until they are just golden and the tops start to crack. They may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving. This ensures they maintain their chewy texture.
- Store Correctly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness. If making ahead, consider freezing them for longer storage.
By following these tips, you'll create chai cookies that are not only absolutely delicious but also have the perfect texture and flavor that will impress everyone!
Try dipping these cookies into any of our Artisanal Loose Leaf Teas
Enjoying Chai Cookies in Various Ways
Chai cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in numerous ways, adding a touch of warmth and spice to any occasion. Here are some creative ideas to savor these delicious cookies:
Pair with a Hot Beverage
The classic way to enjoy chai cookies is with a warm cup of chai tea. The spices in the cookies perfectly complement the flavors of the tea, creating a cozy and comforting experience. Alternatively, try them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a delightful contrast.
Make an Ice Cream Sandwich
For a refreshing twist, use chai cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of vanilla or chai-flavored ice cream between two cookies, press gently, and enjoy a cool and creamy treat.
Serve with Whipped Cream
Enhance your chai cookies by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special touch, add a dash of cinnamon or a splash of Grand Marnier to the whipped cream before serving.
Crumble Over Desserts
Add a flavorful crunch to your desserts by crumbling chai cookies over yogurt, pudding, or fruit salad. This adds texture and a burst of chai spice to your favorite sweets.
Dip in Chocolate
For a decadent treat, dip half of each chai cookie into melted chocolate and allow them to set. This adds a rich layer of chocolate that pairs beautifully with the spicy cookie.
Create a Dessert Platter
Include chai cookies as part of a dessert platter with an assortment of other cookies, fruits, and nuts. This makes for an impressive and delicious spread for gatherings or special occasions.
Use as a Pie Crust
Get creative by using crushed chai cookies as a base for a pie crust. This works particularly well for cheesecakes or no-bake pies, adding a spicy and aromatic foundation to your dessert.
These versatile chai cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them a perfect addition to any dessert repertoire. Whether you're indulging in them on their own or incorporating them into other treats, these cookies are sure to delight!
Adapting the Chai Cookie Recipe
Adapting this chai cookie recipe allows you to tailor the flavors and ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or to simply try something new. Here are a few ideas on how you can modify this delicious recipe:
Make it Gluten-Free
To make these chai cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help the cookies hold together.
Vegan Version
For a vegan adaptation, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute. Opt for a vegan-friendly honey substitute like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Add a Nutty Twist
Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor. This will give the cookies a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Lovers Delight
Mix in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent twist. This way, you'll get chai chocolate chip cookies.
Spice It Up
Experiment with different chai spices to create your own unique blend. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or star anise for an extra layer of flavor.
Healthier Sweeteners
Replace organic sugar with coconut sugar or reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet version. You can also try using a sugar substitute like stevia.
Citrus Infusion
Add a hint of citrus by incorporating some orange or lemon zest into the dough. This will bring a refreshing brightness to the cookies.
Brown Sugar
Incorporating brown sugar after whipping cooled brown butter enhances the texture and flavor of the cookies.
By making these adjustments, you can create a chai cookie that is perfectly suited to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile recipe!
This recipe tastes delicious with Wildflower Honey in it
How to Store Chai Cookies
To keep your chai cookies fresh and maintain their delicious flavor, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips on how to store them effectively:
- Cool Completely: Allow the baked cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents excess moisture from being trapped inside the container, which can make the cookies soggy.
- Airtight Container: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps preserve their soft and chewy texture. If you have multiple layers of cookies, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a longer storage period, you can refrigerate the cookies. Ensure they are in a well-sealed container to avoid absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
- Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature.
By following these storage tips, your chai cookies will stay fresh and absolutely delicious for days to come!
Why You Should Make Chai Cookies with Honey
Chai cookies with honey offer a delightful fusion of warm spices and natural sweetness, creating a truly unique and flavorful treat. Whether you're a fan of traditional sugar cookies or love the boldness of chai spices, these cookies cater to all taste preferences. The addition of honey not only enhances their taste but also contributes to a soft, chewy texture that is simply irresistible.
By making these chai cookies, you're not just baking a dessert; you're creating a culinary experience that combines comfort and sophistication. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a hot beverage, these cookies are versatile and sure to impress anyone who tries them.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure that promises delicious results. Share your creations with friends and family, and don't forget to capture the moment with a photo to share with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. Happy baking!
Want more holiday cookie recipes? Check these out:
- Honey Peanut Butter Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Fruit
- Potato Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Paleo Cookies
