Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread, infused with warm chai spices and fragrant vanilla. Perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends, they offer a buttery, spicy treat that’s simple to make.
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 smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend until fully combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined to form the dough.
- Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper spice flavor, toast your chai spices lightly before mixing into the dough.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a few cardamom pods crushed fresh for extra aroma.
- Use a mix of white and brown sugars for a richer taste and chewier texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape better.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to refresh their buttery texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different spice blend if I don’t have chai spices?
Yes, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a small amount of ground cloves or ginger to mimic chai flavors.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of a plant-based butter or margarine suitable for baking.
PrintEasy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of traditional shortbread with warm, aromatic chai spices and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly balanced with granulated and brown sugars for a subtle caramel sweetness, these cookies are an irresistible treat for tea time or any cozy occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is essential for the perfect shortbread texture.
- Add Vanilla and Spices: Stir in the vanilla extract and the chai spice blend carefully, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the buttery mixture to create that signature chai flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix gently and just until all the flour is combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small scoop, form balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave sufficient space between each dough ball as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. This indicates the cookies are perfectly baked with a delicate crispness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking and helps them set.
Notes
- For an extra chai punch, dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh later; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Keywords: Vanilla chai shortbread cookies, chai spice cookies, easy shortbread recipe, homemade cookies, chai spice, vanilla cookies, buttery cookies
