Name: Chai Spice Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: extra sugar-spice mix for rolling (2 tbsp sugar + 1/4 tsp each chai spice)

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Chai Spice Cookies are warm, cozy, and bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of fragrant spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. I love how each bite feels like sipping a mug of chai tea in cookie form. These cookies are perfect for fall and winter baking, and they pair beautifully with a hot drink or glass of milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies wrap all the comforting flavors of chai into a soft, chewy texture. The spices give depth without being overwhelming, and the dough comes together quickly with ingredients I usually already have on hand. They make my kitchen smell incredible while baking, and the taste is even better. I also like that they’re not too sweet, which makes them feel a little more sophisticated than a standard cookie.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Ground cardamom
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Optional: extra sugar-spice mix for rolling

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, I cream the butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
I add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
I gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough forms.
If I want extra flavor and a sparkly finish, I roll the dough into balls and coat them in a mixture of sugar and a pinch of the chai spices.
I place the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is 10 minutes per batch. Total time, including cooling, is about 30–35 minutes.

Variations

When I want a richer texture, I add a tablespoon of molasses for extra chew and depth. I’ve also mixed in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture. If I’m feeling bold, I add a touch of black pepper for a subtle heat that pairs well with the other chai spices. For a vegan version, I use plant-based butter and a flax egg.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and flavorful. If I want to enjoy them warm again, I microwave one for about 8 seconds. The dough also freezes well—I roll it into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake straight from the freezer when I’m ready.

FAQs

What makes these cookies taste like chai?

The spice mix is key. I use a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg to mimic the flavor of chai tea. Some people even add a pinch of black pepper for authenticity.

Can I use chai tea bags in the recipe?

Yes, I sometimes cut open a chai tea bag and stir the tea leaves into the dry ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

They’re soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges—my ideal cookie texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. I chill the dough for up to 2 days in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage. Chilling also helps develop deeper flavor.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the cookies turned out great. I just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add a bit myself.

Conclusion

Chai Spice Cookies are everything I want in a cozy dessert—soft, spicy, and full of warmth. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and always leave me reaching for just one more. Whether I’m baking them for fall gatherings or just craving something comforting, these cookies always hit the spot.