If you’re anything like me and can’t resist the cozy, warm spices of chai, then this Chai Cookies with Brown Butter and Chai Sugar Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies capture all the comforting chai flavors—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves—paired with the irresistible nuttiness of brown butter. What makes them truly special is the double roll in chai-spiced sugar that adds a crackly, sweet spice crust, making every single bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma and your heart with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of crumbly dough with a light beige color and fine specks of brown evenly spread throughout, sitting inside a clear bowl. The dough has a rough, slightly grainy texture with some small chunks visible, showing an uneven surface. A blue spatula is partially inserted into the dough at the bottom right, blending into the mixture with some dough stuck to it. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to create an extraordinary cookie. Each component adds to the delicious balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that make these chai cookies unforgettable.

18 TBSP Unsalted butter: The base for the decadent brown butter, lending a rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb.
2 2/3 cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
1 TBSP Cornstarch: Adds a delicate softness to complement the spices.
1 tsp Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and creates the perfect texture.
1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 tsp Ground cinnamon: The heart of chai spice, warming and fragrant.
1 tsp Ground ginger: Adds zesty brightness and slight heat.
1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg: Subtle warmth and depth to the spice blend.
1/2 tsp Cardamom: Gives an aromatic, citrusy twist essential to chai.
1/4 tsp Ground cloves: Intensifies the chai profile with its bold spice.
1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps caramelize the brown butter.
2 Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the dough and provide moisture.
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a smooth sweetness.
Chai sugar (for rolling): 1/2 cup white sugar mixed with spices echoing the dough’s chai blend to create a crunchy, flavorful coating.

How to Make Chai Cookies with Brown Butter and Chai Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the milk solids separate and turn an appealing amber color—this is when your butter transforms into something magical with a deep, nutty flavor. The aroma at this stage is absolutely heavenly and sets the tone for delicious cookies.

Step 2: Cool the Browned Butter

Pour the browned butter into a bowl and let it cool for about 40 minutes. To speed things up, place the bowl in the fridge and stir every 10 minutes. Cooling is important so you don’t cook the eggs when mixing and to ensure the cookie dough comes together perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While the butter cools, sift together your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and all the chai spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. Sifting keeps everything airy, evenly distributed, and free of lumps, which helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The brown butter transforms the sweetness here, creating a rich, toasty base that’s far beyond your average cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough

Add the dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients and fold gently using a rubber spatula until just combined. You’ll have a thick dough that holds together beautifully. Let it rest for 10 minutes to reduce spreading during baking, which helps your cookies keep their charming thick shape.

Step 6: Roll in Chai Sugar

Mix the special chai sugar by combining white sugar with the same chai spices you used in the dough—this is your secret layer of flavor explosion. Then, use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough, and roll each ball generously in the chai sugar. This double spice coating is what truly makes this Chai Cookies with Brown Butter and Chai Sugar Recipe stand out.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place about 6 cookie dough balls on each sheet, leaving space between. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the aroma fills your kitchen. Let the cookies rest on the hot pan for 6 minutes—this lets them set and intensifies the flavor.

Step 8: Final Sugar Roll

While still warm, carefully roll the top of each cookie once more in the chai sugar for that extra sugary crunch and spice burst. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, giving you cookies with crisp edges and soft, fragrant centers.

How to Serve Chai Cookies with Brown Butter and Chai Sugar Recipe

Several soft, round cookies with a light brown color coated with a layer of crystal sugar mixed with cinnamon sit on a white marbled surface. Two cookies rest flat, one on top of another, and the top cookie is broken in half, showing a dense, moist, crumbly inside with small bits of nut or spice visible. In the background, a white ramekin filled with a cinnamon-sugar mix and two cinnamon sticks placed beside it add warm tones to the image. The photo is close-up, capturing the texture of the sugar crystals and cookie crumb. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are glorious on their own, topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey can elevate the look and taste. A small sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed pistachios adds a colorful, subtle crunch and visual appeal that invites eager hands to dive in.

Side Dishes

Pair these chai cookies with a mug of warm chai tea, spiced coffee, or even a creamy latte to echo the spice notes. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream scented with a touch of cardamom for a delightful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookie presentation fun and festive by displaying them on a wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise for a rustic chai vibe. You could also package these cookies in clear boxes tied with twine and a cinnamon stick for charming homemade gifts everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your chai cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crisp exterior and soft center. Properly stored, they remain perfect for up to a week—ready to satisfy your craving anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking by rolling them in chai sugar, placing on a tray, and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for fresh cookies whenever you want.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm and melty, pop them in a 300℉ oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second intervals. This brings back the freshly baked aroma and that irresistible chewy-soft texture that makes this Chai Cookies with Brown Butter and Chai Sugar Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can, I recommend unsalted butter to control the saltiness perfectly. Salted butter may alter the balance of flavors, making the cookies slightly saltier than intended.

What is the purpose of double rolling in chai sugar?

The first roll adds a flavorful, textured crust before baking, while the second rolling after warm baking intensifies the sweet-spice crunch on top. It’s what makes these cookies so delightfully unique and addictive!

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum, you can achieve similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to check the brand for bakeability in cookies.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require long chilling, but resting for about 10 minutes keeps the dough firm enough to prevent spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape and chewy texture.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Use an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cookies fresh for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread in the container can also help maintain softness by absorbing moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Cookies with Brown Butter and Chai Sugar Recipe is one of those delightfully simple yet incredibly satisfying treats that seamlessly combines warmth, spice, and buttery goodness. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a thoughtful gift—and watch how these spicy-sweet cookies win everyone’s heart with each crunchy, fragrant bite.