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These Icebox Masala Chai Cookies are perfect for fall. Easy to make and spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and cloves.

A stack of six sugar masala chai cookies infused with chai spices and displayed on a piece of burlap. The cookies have a slightly golden, textured surface and are surrounded by a rustic, blurred background that includes hints of a jar and cinnamon sticks.

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Chai is a seasonal flavor we crave as the air cools and the leaves begin to turn.

Associated with warmth and seasonal goodness, chai is most often thought of as a favorite tea served at familiar coffee or tea houses.

Yet the flavor we associate with “chai” is actually something quite different.

What is Chai?

“Chai” actually means any and all kinds of tea in India.

Chai tea is a delicious blend of spices combined with warm milk and tea originating in its native India. Masala Chai is black tea mixed with spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, among others.

Masala Chai is sold at India’s street markets by chai wallahs, who create their own unique blend of recipes.

And while the recipes vary from region to region, vendor to vendor, some heady spices remain constant. Green cardamom, one of the most expensive spices next to saffron, is a common spice in masala blends as well as ginger, cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, peppercorn, nutmeg, and cloves.

But you don’t have to travel to India to enjoy this addictive flavor; it isn’t confined only to tea.

These sliced icebox cookies embody the seasonal spicy flavor we love, and are easy to make and store.

In fact, make a double batch and freeze the dough. And when the mood strikes or unexpected company shows up at your door, they’re easy to pop in the oven.

They are perfect to make ahead and freeze for the holidays.

Here’s what you need to make these oh-so-easy and delicious cookies!

Butter: Both salted and unsalted butter work in this chai recipe
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Spices and Seasoning: Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and black pepper

How to Make Chai Cookies

The dough comes together quickly and easily. You will then then wrap and chill the dough (icebox cookie style) for about an hour before slicing and baking. The dough can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Let’s make those cookies!

Step 1: Make the dough

Using an electric mixer, cream butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. With mixer on low, add flour and spices through black pepper; mix just until combined. Wrap in wax paper; chill until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Chill

Unwrap the chilled log and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice it into rounds about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 3: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cookie slices on the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart, and bake until pale golden, 13 to 15 minutes.

More Cookies Recipes to Try

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