Name: Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups white sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 22 reviews

If you love the cozy aroma of chai and the classic comfort of sugar cookies, you’re in for a delightful treat with these Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies. Packed with warm spices and an irresistible crisp-tender texture, they’re guaranteed to fill your kitchen with a heavenly fragrance and wow anyone who takes a bite. Imagine your favorite sugar cookie upgraded with notes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and a touch of black pepper, making them just the thing for any season and every occasion.

Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even better? The ingredient list is simple, with everyday pantry staples that each lend something special to the finished cookie. From the rich butter to the vibrant chai-inspired spices, every single component has a part to play in bringing out the unique allure of these Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure and a tender crumb, making these cookies soft yet sturdy.
Baking soda: Adds a gentle lift, so your cookies stay light rather than dense.
Baking powder: Provides just the right amount of rise for a perfect cookie texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the spices and balances the sweetness.
White sugar: Sweetens and helps create those gorgeous, crackly tops.
Ground cinnamon: The anchor spice, bringing warmth and depth.
Ground ginger: Adds a little zing and that unmistakable chai kick.
Ground cardamom: Lends floral, citrusy notes for a truly authentic chai flavor.
Ground allspice: Subtly rounds out the spice profile for irresistible complexity.
Finely ground black pepper: Provides a tiny pop of heat, making the cookies uniquely addictive.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness for melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
Egg: Binds everything together and creates a slightly chewy bite.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweet, buttery notes and brings all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies release effortlessly after baking and cleanup couldn’t be easier. This sets you up for baking success before any mixing even begins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting doesn’t just combine — it aerates, ensuring your Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies bake up with the most delicate, tender texture. Set the bowl aside for now.

Step 3: Combine Sugar and Spices

Measure your sugar into a medium bowl, then add the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and black pepper. Stir well until fragrant and evenly mixed. This sugar-spice blend is where those signature chai flavors begin to shine! Don’t forget to remove 1/4 cup of this mixture — set it aside for rolling your cookie dough later, so each treat is beautifully coated in spiced sugar.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar-Spice Mixture

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with hand beaters), cream the softened butter together with the larger portion of your sugar-spice blend. Beat for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes irresistibly light and fluffy — this step creates those dreamy, crackly sugar cookie tops that everyone loves.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat just until everything comes together, making sure no streaks remain. This combination gives your Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies their classic snap and a beautifully soft interior.

Step 6: Blend in Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix only until everything is incorporated; over-mixing can make the cookies dense, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 7: Shape and Roll the Cookies

Using a small scoop or two spoons, portion out about 2 teaspoons of dough for each cookie. Roll into balls, then roll them in that reserved sugar-spice mixture. The double coating means every bite packs a little punch of chai goodness. Place the dough balls about 1 1/2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to spread.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and the tops to look crackly, while the centers remain soft — that’s the sweet spot for the ultimate Chai Spiced Sugar Cookie!

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for two minutes so they firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This keeps them from becoming too soft and helps them hold their lovely texture.

How to Serve Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are beautifully spiced on their own, you can doll them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look, or drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze to amp up the sweetness and visual appeal. A sprinkle of extra cardamom on top right before serving really makes those chai flavors pop.

Side Dishes

Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies pair perfectly with, you guessed it, a hot mug of chai tea! For a contrasting treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or next to a fruit compote for a fresh, sweet-tart accent.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting or hosting, stack a handful of cookies in a clear bag tied with twine for a rustic vibe, or present them in a vintage cookie tin lined with parchment. For an elegant platter, alternate the cookies with chocolate-dipped ones or arrange them in concentric circles with orange peel garnishes or edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully soft for up to a week — if they last that long! Adding a slice of bread to the container will keep them extra moist.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. For cookies, let them cool, then stack with parchment between layers and stash in a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. For dough, freeze the shaped, sugar-coated balls on a tray, then put them in a sealed bag; bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time.

Reheating

If you’d like to refresh your cookies after storing, pop them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300 degree oven for 2–3 minutes. This revives their just-baked texture and brings out the aroma of those chai spices all over again.

FAQs

Can I adjust the spice levels in Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! If you like a little more or less spice, feel free to tweak the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or even add extra black pepper for more heat. Chai is all about making it your own.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the butter for a high-quality plant-based butter, and the cookies will still turn out soft and flavorful with all the signature chai spice magic.

Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Both leaveners contribute to the cookie’s rise and texture. If you only use one, you may notice a change in the spread or softness, so for best results, stick with both as listed in the recipe.

Why do I need to roll the dough balls in the sugar-spice mixture?

This step isn’t just for looks! Rolling the dough ensures a crisp, flavorful crust and an extra punch of chai flavor in every bite, plus it makes for those iconic sugar cookie crackles on top.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the dough up to two days in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then portion and bake as needed for ultra-fresh Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies even on busy days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers warmth, comfort, and a little hint of adventure, it has to be Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies. Whether you bake a batch for friends, family, or just a cozy night in, I know these will become a new go-to favorite. So go ahead — brew some tea, bake these up, and treat yourself to cookies that truly sparkle with spiced goodness!