Name: Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¾ cups white sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies are a warm and cozy twist on a classic cookie, infused with the bold, aromatic flavors of traditional chai tea spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper. Chewy in texture with a soft center and crisp edges, these cookies are the perfect treat for chai lovers looking to bring that comforting spice into their baking.

Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of cozy chai spice flavor in every bite
Soft and chewy texture that’s perfect with tea or coffee
Quick to make—only 25 minutes from start to finish
Great for fall and holiday baking or anytime you want something warm and spiced
Easy to double or triple for gatherings or gifting
No chill time needed, so they’re ready to bake right away
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for convenience

Ingredients

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

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups white sugar
2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and black pepper. Measure out 1/4 cup of this mixture and set aside for rolling the cookies.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and remaining sugar-spice mixture for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

5. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

7. Shape the Cookies:
Use a small cookie scoop (about 2 teaspoons of dough) to form balls. Roll each ball in the reserved sugar-spice mixture.

8. Bake:
Place cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1½ inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.

9. Cool:
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 36 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the warm spices
Sprinkle with flaky salt before baking for a sweet-salty twist
Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness
Make sandwich cookies with a chai-spiced buttercream filling
Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper caramel note

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing (baked): Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Freezing (unbaked): Roll dough balls and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before scooping.

Are these cookies spicy?

They’re warmly spiced, not hot. You can reduce the black pepper if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. It scales easily and is great for making large batches during the holidays.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out chewy.

What does the pepper add?

A small amount of finely ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth that enhances the chai spice blend.

Can I add chai tea leaves?

Yes, finely ground chai tea leaves can be added to the dough for extra depth, about 1 teaspoon.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe is designed to bake right away, though chilling can enhance the flavor if you have time.

How do I keep them chewy?

Avoid overbaking. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underdone.

Can I use salted butter?

You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

What pairs well with these cookies?

They’re perfect with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or warm milk for a cozy treat.

Conclusion

Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies bring a delicious and comforting twist to classic sugar cookies. With warm, aromatic spices and a soft, chewy texture, they’re perfect for chilly days, festive occasions, or anytime you’re craving a cookie with bold flavor. Quick to make and easy to love, this recipe is a must-bake for any chai enthusiast.

Molly