Introduction

Maple chai cookies offer a warm and comforting blend of spices paired with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. These soft, flavorful treats are perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends and family.

The image shows four round cookies that are light brown with a fine sugar and cinnamon coating, giving the surface a slightly grainy texture. Each cookie has a soft, slightly cracked top with a dusting of sugar that glimmers in the light. They sit closely together on a wooden board with two cinnamon sticks placed diagonally at the bottom right and a dark brown star anise near the center, adding warm and earthy tones. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon ginger powder
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For rolling cookie dough:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: In a clean bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ginger powder, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined.
Step 2: In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the egg to the creamed mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is homogeneous.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined.
Step 6: Divide the dough into equal portions, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, and roll into smooth balls.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ginger powder, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg for rolling.
Step 8: Roll each dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 9: Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the dough balls from the fridge and gently flatten each with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
Step 11: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.
Step 12: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 13: Once cooled, sprinkle the remaining spiced sugar mixture on top and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, toast the spices briefly before mixing to enhance their aroma.
Substitute half the maple syrup with honey for a different sweet note.
Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if you prefer more control over seasoning.
Chilling the dough overnight intensifies the flavors and improves texture.

Storage

Store cooled maple chai cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy fresh warmth.

How to Serve

The image shows soft, round cookies covered with a light, grainy layer of sugar and cinnamon, each cookie having a slightly cracked surface with a pale beige color and darker specks inside. There are five cookies closely arranged, sitting directly on a wooden board, with a dark brown star anise placed near the center cookie and two cinnamon sticks crossing each other near the bottom right. The cookies look fresh and fluffy, with a slightly rough texture from the sugar coating. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. Just note the texture may be denser.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the structure of the cookies.