Introduction

These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread, infusing warm chai spices and rich vanilla for a comforting treat. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, they offer a crisp, buttery texture with a fragrant, spiced flavor.

Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a stronger chai flavor, increase the chai spice blend to 3 teaspoons.
Substitute half the butter with browned butter for a nutty depth of flavor.
Try rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking for a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
Use a cookie press to create decorative shapes for a festive touch.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different spice blend instead of chai?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cinnamon alone or a pumpkin spice blend for a different flavor profile, but chai spices provide a unique warm complexity.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, but keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews

These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with the warm and aromatic flavors of chai spices and vanilla. Perfect for tea time or a comforting snack, these cookies boast a tender crumb and a subtle spice kick that pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

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.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined, which will create a light texture in the cookies.
Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend thoroughly until the mixture evenly incorporates the warm spices and vanilla aroma.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to form a soft dough without overworking it.
Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets, allowing room for slight spreading during baking.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked and have a crumbly texture.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Use room temperature butter to ensure easy creaming with the sugars for a smooth dough.
Chai spice blend can be adjusted to taste or substituted with pre-mixed chai seasoning available at stores.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
For a firmer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
These cookies pair excellently with hot tea, especially chai or black tea.

Keywords: Vanilla Chai Cookies, Shortbread Cookies, Chai Spice, Easy Cookie Recipe, Tea Time Snacks