Warmth in Every Bite: Crafting Spiced Chai Cookies

Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Today, we're diving into the world of cookies, and not just any cookies - Spiced Chai Cookies. These delightful treats are a cozy blend of comforting spices and the timeless joy of cookies. I discovered this fantastic recipe on Cotta, and it's just too good not to share.

So, grab your apron, dust off your mixing bowls, and let's embark on a culinary journey filled with the heartwarming aroma of spiced chai.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Chai Glaze:

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons milk

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the aromatic spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth cookie dough forms. Don't overmix; just combine until no streaks of flour remain.

5. Chill the Dough:

- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

6. Preheat and Shape:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake to Perfection:

- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

8. Make the Chai Glaze:

- While the cookies cool on a wire rack, prepare the chai glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract until smooth.

9. Glaze and Enjoy:

- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle them with the aromatic chai glaze. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before indulging in these spiced wonders.

Pro Tips:

- Experiment with the level of spice to suit your taste. If you want an extra kick, add a pinch more black pepper or cardamom.

- These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee, enhancing the cozy experience.

These Spiced Chai Cookies are like a warm hug in every bite, perfect for those chilly evenings or any time you crave the comforting flavors of chai. So, go ahead, bake up a batch, and savor the goodness of spiced sweetness. Happy baking! ☕🍪

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