Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional shortbread with warm chai spices and a hint of vanilla. They’re buttery, tender, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea.
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 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: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend until well combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger chai flavor, increase the chai spice blend to 3 teaspoons.
- Try rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Substitute half the butter with coconut oil for a subtle tropical note and a slightly different texture.
- Use store-bought chai spice blend or make your own by mixing cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves in equal parts.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, freeze in a sealed bag for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave to bring back their tender texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty.
How do I make my own chai spice blend?
Combine equal parts ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Adjust to taste depending on your preference for spice intensity.
PrintEasy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic shortbread with the warm, aromatic flavors of chai spices and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these cookies make a delightful treat for afternoon tea or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 and prepare baking sheets: 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, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add vanilla and spices: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend thoroughly, allowing the aromatic flavors to infuse evenly throughout the dough.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together to avoid overmixing and toughness.
- Form cookie dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for even cooking and spreading.
- Bake and cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For a stronger chai flavor, you can increase the chai spice blend to 2½ teaspoons.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for creaming to achieve the best texture.
- The cookies will firm up more as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Substitute the chai spice blend with your favorite spice mix if desired.
Keywords: vanilla chai shortbread cookies, chai spice cookies, shortbread cookies recipe, easy chai cookies, homemade shortbread, vanilla cookie recipe
