Easy 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.
- Author: Jeannette
- 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
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
- 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.
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