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Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add vanilla and spices: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend thoroughly, allowing the aromatic flavors to infuse evenly throughout the dough.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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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