Chai Cookies
Start your baking adventure with these chai cookies that beautifully combine the warm spices of chai tea into a delightful treat. Their crunchy exterior and soft interior make them irresistible, perfect for pairing with your favorite cup of chai. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these aromatic cookies that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 16g
– Sugars: 6g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is based on a single cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
7. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
8. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, coconut sugar can replace regular sugar for a lower glycemic index option. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference.
Serving and Pairings
These chai cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or milk. They also make a great addition to dessert platters for gatherings or parties.
Storage and Reheating
Store the chai cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to regain their freshness.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the dough; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the right texture.
- Use a reliable oven thermometer to avoid under or overbaking.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; this helps the cookies firm up.
- Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different spices to customize your flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for a thicker cookie.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for best presentation.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. This will help you create a delicious vegan version of chai cookies.
How can I make these cookies spicier?
You can increase the amounts of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom in the recipe to enhance the spiciness. Adding a pinch of black pepper can also give it an extra kick.
What can I do with leftover chai spices?
Leftover chai spices can be used in other baking recipes, such as cakes, muffins, or even in oatmeal for added flavor.
How long do the cookies last?
These cookies can last up to a week at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container. They also freeze well for up to three months.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and give a delightful contrast to the spices in the cookies.
Conclusion
Chai cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of chai tea with the sweetness of cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a cup of tea for a truly delightful experience.
Chai Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
