As I peruse my list of ‘must-make’ holiday cookies, I felt that there was a certain variety of flavor missing. Peanut butter is covered by my all-time favorite, PB Kiss cookies. Shortbreads and sugar cookies provide plenty of buttery goodness. And chocolate flavors abound.
But something was missing. I want something different to include in the cookie tins I send to friends and family. Something with a sweet and spicy flavor that would appeal to all.
While I brainstormed, I made myself a pot of my favorite chai tea. And that’s when it struck me: chai cookies. Of course!
These cookies are thin and crispy and caramelized, to the point where they are more like candy than cookies. Best of all, they are packed full of delicious chai flavor. I strongly suggest you add them to your holiday cookie line-up.
Chai Wafers
Inspired by Gourmet’s 1954 recipe for Lace Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen cookies
2 T canola oil
3/4 c brown sugar
3 T granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
4 T whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp almond extract
2/3 c blanched sliced almonds
1/3 c pecans
1 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp allspice
Preheat the oven to 375F. In a blender or food processor, pulse the almonds into a coarse powder.
Beat the oil and sugars together until well-mixed. Add the remaining ingredients and beat until everything is blended together.
Drop 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing the cookies 3″ apart. Yes, 3 inches. These cookies SPREAD.
Savvy Tip: You MUST use parchment paper (or aluminum foil will work in a pinch), or the cookies will not come off the pan in one piece.
Bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are browned and the centers are barely tacky. Immediately transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, then remove the paper to cool the cookies directly on the rack. Repeat with remaining dough.
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oooh, these look deliciously perfect!!
Ooooh, you’re right, this is the perfect recipe to add to all the chocolate and shortbread cookies going around this xmas. I looooove thin and crispy cookies (like gingersnaps) and my family does too. Bookmarked!
Let me know if you make them!
Crispy, candy like chai-flavored cookies?! These sound divine!
Chai cookies – cool idea! Chai-spiced blondies would be yummy, too.
I love your caution that, yes, you do have to use parchment paper. I would die without parchment paper. Or at least bake a lot less.
Oooh….those look good! Though I find it funny there’s no chai in them. I’m guessing chai tea is made of those spices. You learn something new every day.
Great idea! You’re going to have a whole arsenal of Savvy Chai baked goods. Yum!
Chewy, candy-like cookies like this are so delicious! I also really enjoy the more spicy cookies sometimes, especially when I’m on sugar cookie overload! I love your tea-infused scones, so I’m sure I will like these too
I’m keeping this in mind for Christmas
These look great, Julie! I’m baking cookies with my mom this Friday and I MAY just have to add these to the list!! YUMM
One word: Incredible!
i just signed up to bring a dessert to my work potluck holiday thing. i think these cookies are perfect!
Awesome! Let me know what you think.
these look amazing!! Not that I need more cookies in my house, but it’s the holidays right??
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