If fall were a cookie, this would be it. These Maple Chai Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm spices of chai — cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom — all tied together with the smooth, earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup.
They’re the perfect companion to a warm drink, a cozy afternoon, or a holiday cookie platter. With a golden crackly top and tender center, these cookies deliver comforting flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- 🍁 Naturally sweetened with real maple syrup
- 🌿 Infused with cozy chai spices
- 🍪 Soft and chewy texture with crisp edges
- ✨ Easy to make with pantry staples
- 🧡 Perfect for fall, winter, or gifting
Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements – Makes ~20 cookies)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A amber)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chai Spice Blend:
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- Optional: pinch of black pepper or nutmeg for depth
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the chai spices. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to help the flavors develop and prevent spreading during baking.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1½ tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Optional Glaze (For a Fancy Finish)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
- Dash of cinnamon
Whisk together and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Tips & Variations
- 🍫 Add white chocolate chips for sweetness
- 🌰 Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- 🧈 For extra spice, double the cinnamon or add chai tea leaves
- ❄️ Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen
- 🍪 Use maple sugar in place of brown sugar for a deeper flavor
Storage
- 🍂 Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp up to 5 days
- ❄️ Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
- 💡 Refresh in a warm oven for that just-baked softness
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
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