Name: Dirty Vanilla Chai Latte Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp ground cardamom; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tsp instant espresso powder; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup strongly brewed chai tea, cooled; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp chai tea (or milk)

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground cardamom

¼ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

2 tsp instant espresso powder

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

¼ cup strongly brewed chai tea, cooled

For the Vanilla Chai Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp chai tea (or milk)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and espresso powder. Set aside.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Slowly pour in the cooled chai tea, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chai tea (or milk) until smooth to make the glaze.

Step 8: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let it set before serving and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Steep your chai tea strongly for at least 5 minutes to boost flavor intensity.

Use room temperature butter, eggs, and chai tea for a smoother dough.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance texture and flavor.

Drizzle the glaze while the cookies are still warm for a luscious melt-in effect.

Substitute instant espresso powder with finely ground instant coffee if needed.

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in the glaze.

Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of black pepper for a spicier chai flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?

Instant espresso powder is preferred because it dissolves easily and imparts a rich coffee flavor without adding moisture. If you don’t have it, finely ground instant coffee can be used as a substitute, but adjust the amount to taste.

How strong should the chai tea be for the best flavor?

For maximum chai flavor, steep your chai tea for at least 5 minutes to concentrate the spices and aromas. Using strongly brewed chai ensures the tea flavor shines through in the cookies and glaze.