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Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies Recipe

4.1 from 42 reviews

These Easy Vanilla Chai Shortbread Cookies combine the warm, aromatic flavors of chai spices with a buttery, tender shortbread base. Perfectly sweet and subtly spiced, these cookies are ideal for tea time or as a delightful treat anytime you crave a comforting, homemade cookie.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
    • Wet Ingredients

      • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
      • ½ cup granulated sugar
      • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
      • 2 tsp vanilla extract
      • 2 tsp chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)

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 the cookies from sticking during baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring even sweetness and texture.
  3. Add Vanilla and Spices: Mix in the vanilla extract and the chai spice blend until they are fully incorporated, infusing the dough with warm, aromatic flavors.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintaining a tender texture.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • The chai spice blend can be adjusted to your taste; some may prefer more cardamom for sweetness or extra ginger for a little heat.
  • For crispier cookies, bake closer to 15 minutes; for softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly.
  • Ensure butter is softened (not melted) for proper creaming with sugars.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • These cookies pair wonderfully with hot tea or coffee.

Keywords: Vanilla chai shortbread, chai cookies, shortbread cookies, spiced cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies