Chai sugar cookies combine the warm, aromatic spices of chai tea with the sweetness of a classic sugar cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich, spiced flavor, making them a perfect treat for the winter season. Topped with a smooth and creamy eggnog frosting, these cookies are as festive as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, these chai sugar cookies are sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chai sugar cookies are the ultimate winter treat. The combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg gives each bite a comforting warmth, while the soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible. The eggnog frosting adds a creamy and festive touch, making them perfect for holiday parties or cozy moments by the fire. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, and the dough can be chilled ahead of time, making the process even more convenient. You’ll love the way these cookies fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of spices! Chai Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Frosting:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons eggnog or milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar, egg, and vanilla extract with a mixer until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
Chill the dough for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Drop 1 tablespoon of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly press down and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the frosting ingredients (confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and eggnog or milk) until smooth.
Frost the cookies using a knife or by dipping the tops of the cookies into the frosting.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free butter and milk for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a slightly spicy, unexpected twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of frosting, roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently reheat them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to bring back some of their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping out the dough.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For dough, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure the dough is chilled for at least an hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake. Also, don’t overwork the dough when mixing.

4. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer will work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to mix everything thoroughly.

5. Can I use a different frosting for these cookies?

Of course! You can substitute the eggnog frosting with a cream cheese frosting or even a simple buttercream frosting for a different flavor.

6. Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Yes! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can skip the frosting and enjoy the spiced cookies on their own.

7. How do I get the perfect consistency for the frosting?

The frosting should be smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk or eggnog. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.

8. Can I add chopped nuts to these cookies?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a great addition to the dough for some crunch.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you want to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust your baking sheets accordingly and bake in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

Chai sugar cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy during the winter season. The blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom makes each bite a cozy, flavorful experience. With a creamy eggnog frosting that adds the perfect festive touch, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’ll fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of the season.