Chai spices are perfect for those who love a bit of warmth in their treats, and these chai tea cookies are the easiest way to enjoy them. The mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and star anise brings a depth of flavour that’s subtly spicy without being overwhelming. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—this is a quick, no-fuss recipe that you can whip up in just under 30 minutes. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a quick sweet fix, these cookies are simple, yet full of character.
Ingredients To Make The Best Chai Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of 24 delicious cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons sticky chai (Monk's Chai's offerings!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For a DIY Chai Spice Blend (if you don't have sticky chai):
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, to mimic the sticky chai texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, and sticky chai. If you're using a homemade chai spice blend, mix those spices into the dry ingredients along with the honey for a more authentic sticky chai texture.
Mix in Butter and Vanilla
Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix until the dough just comes together. The sticky chai’s honey will help bind everything and add a lovely caramelised note to the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about a tablespoon each, and place them on your prepared baking tray. If you want a little extra sweetness and texture, roll the dough balls in a mix of sugar and cinnamon before baking.
Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. You want them soft in the centre but lightly crisp on the edges. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Tips for Success
- Sticky Chai Makes It Special: If you’re using sticky chai, the honey adds natural sweetness and depth. It also keeps the cookies moist, making them perfect for storing (if they last that long!).
- Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Since these cookies bake quickly, keep an eye on them. You don’t want them to brown too much, or they’ll lose that lovely soft texture.
- Texture Matters: For soft, chewy cookies, underbake slightly. For a crispier finish, leave them in the oven for an extra minute or two.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
These cookies go well with a perfectly brewed cup of chai (of course!), but they also go well with coffee or a light herbal tea. If you’re looking to jazz them up a bit, you could drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or even sandwich two cookies together with some cream or Nutella.
Variations of the Recipe
- Make Them Gluten-Free: If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Turn Them into Sandwich Cookies: Spread a thin layer of chai-spiced buttercream or chocolate ganache between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
Elevate your cookies with Monk’s Chai
The secret to the perfect chai tea cookie is using high-quality chai, and Monk’s Chai makes all the difference. Its sticky chai blend brings out the best in these cookies, offering a balance of sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes that you won’t get from regular chai. If you want to elevate your baking game, get Monk’s Chai and start experimenting with these flavours in your kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or impressing friends and family, these Quick & Easy Chai Tea Cookies are the perfect combination of simple and special, all thanks to sticky chai.