Best Chai Cookies - Chewy, Spiced, Perfect for Fall

Chai cookies are a delightful treat that combines soft, chewy texture with the warmth of fall spices. The addition of brown butter gives these cookies a rich flavor, while the spiced sugar coating adds a sweet, aromatic touch. They are especially popular during the fall and holiday seasons, making them a perfect choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Individuals who enjoy baking in the autumn months can explore a variety of similar recipes as well. Options like chewy pumpkin cookies or apple pie cheesecake can complement the flavors of these chai cookies and add diversity to any dessert table. Whether for a holiday celebration or a casual snack, chai cookies stand out as a delicious and comforting choice.

Key Takeaways

Chai cookies are chewy with warm spices and brown butter.

They are great for fall and holiday celebrations.
Exploring other seasonal desserts can enhance any baking experience.

Reasons to Enjoy These Chai Cookies

Chewy chai cookies with spiced sugar coating — Indulge in the best chai cookies, perfect for fall and the holiday season.

Delightful Texture: Each cookie offers a chewy center with a slightly crisp exterior, creating a satisfying bite.
Rich Flavor: Using brown butter elevates the taste, adding a depth that makes these cookies truly special.
Balanced Spice: Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and more, these cookies are rolled in spiced sugar before baking, enhancing their flavor. They offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies.

Basic Components for Chai Sugar Cookies

Creating delicious chai sugar cookies requires a few essential ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: This will be transformed into brown butter for a rich flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Using only brown sugar ensures a chewy texture in the cookies.

Egg Yolks: It's important for these to be at room temperature for the best mixing result.
Vanilla: Vanilla bean paste is preferred for its robust flavor, though vanilla extract is suitable as well.
All-Purpose Flour: The right amount provides the cookies with their ideal structure.

Ground Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, ginger, and cloves gives these cookies their warm, inviting taste. A pinch of black pepper can be added for extra zing.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: A balanced combination helps to slightly lift the cookies.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Granulated Sugar: Used to create a spiced sugar coating for rolling the cookies.

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Butter
Begin by browning the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
  Set this mixture aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the cooled brown butter for about one minute until fluffy. Add in brown sugar and continue mixing on high for approximately two minutes until fully creamed. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment can also be used.

Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed for one minute, ensuring it becomes pale and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the bowl when needed.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Combine using low speed until just incorporated.
Shape the Cookies
Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into 22 equal parts and roll them into balls. Next, roll each ball in a mixture of spiced sugar.

Bake Cookies
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in batches, allowing space between them. After baking, cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling. Serve once cooled.

Common Questions

Should the butter be browned?
It is best to use browned butter for the best taste. The recipe has not been tested with unbrowned butter, so the results may vary.

How can these cookies mimic Taylor Swift's version?
To create a similar look, she can make a thick icing using powdered sugar, nutmeg, and a splash of eggnog to drizzle over the cookies.

What is the best way to keep these cookies fresh?
Cookies should be kept in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing them is a good option, lasting up to two weeks.

Baking Tips

Measure Flour Carefully: Accurate flour measurement is crucial. Rather than scooping directly with a measuring cup, use a spoon to sprinkle flour into the cup and level it off with a knife's edge. Alternatively, weighing flour is ideal; 1 cup is approximately 125 grams.
Perfecting Cookie Shape: When the cookies come out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to gently reshape them. This helps achieve a neat, uniform look.

Engage with the Community: After trying the recipe, sharing a star rating helps others. Tagging on Instagram @inbloombakery_ and following on Pinterest can inspire more dessert ideas.