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 flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and espresso powder. Set aside.

Step 2: In another bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the cooled chai tea and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

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

Step 6: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and chai tea (or milk) until smooth to make the glaze.

Step 8: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, let set, then enjoy!

Tips & Variations

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

Allow butter, eggs, and chai tea to come to room temperature for a smoother dough.

Mix dough just until combined to keep cookies soft and chewy.

If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and texture.

Use finely ground instant coffee if you don’t have espresso powder on hand.

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

Add an extra pinch of black pepper or more cinnamon for a spicier chai kick.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before baking for the best results.

What if I don’t have chai tea?

If you don’t have chai tea, you can try using a blend of your favorite black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger steeped separately. Alternatively, milk with chai spices can work well for the glaze.