Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine the rich buttery texture of classic shortbread with warm, aromatic chai spices. Infused with vanilla and a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, these delicate cookies are perfect for tea time or any cozy occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly flavorful, they are a delightful treat for spice and cookie lovers alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and chai spice blend thoroughly so that the warm spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually sift and add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
- Form cookie dough balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake to perfection: Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges, indicating they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely and preserve their crispness.
Notes
- For a deeper chai flavor, you can toast the spices slightly before mixing them into the dough.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
- If you want a more pronounced vanilla flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste in addition to the extract.
