Name: White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups All-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Finely-ground black tea leaves; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Freshly-ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon Ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg; pinch Ground cloves; 3/4 cup Unsalted butter ((1-1/2 sticks), room temperature); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (plus additional for sprinkling cookies); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 4 ounces White chocolate (melted)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the sweet aroma of White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies wafting through the kitchen, especially during the crisp days of fall. I remember the first time I made these delightful cookies; it was a chilly afternoon and the leaves were dancing to the ground outside. With a warm cup of chai in hand, I decided to create a treat that mirrored the cozy feelings of the season. The fusion of white chocolate and chai spices in these cookies brings both warmth and sweetness, making them the perfect companion for any gathering or a quiet evening at home.

The beauty of these White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies lies not just in their flavor, but in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that feels special. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they take that first bite, the buttery texture melting in their mouths, combined with the fragrant spices of chai that dance on the palate. It’s a memory I cherish and hope to share with you. So, let’s embark on this delicious journey together and create a batch of these enticing cookies!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
2 hr 20 mins

Prep Time:
120 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven

What’s Great About This White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies

1. A Flavorful Fusion

What sets the White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies apart is the unique combination of flavors. The chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—infuse each bite with warmth, reminiscent of your favorite cozy beverage. They enhance the rich flavor of the white chocolate, making every cookie a delightful experience.

2. Perfect Texture

These cookies strike the ideal balance between being crispy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The combination of unsalted butter and all-purpose flour creates a rich texture that holds up beautifully, while the melted white chocolate adds a creamy finish that you won’t be able to resist.

3. Easy to Make

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making cookies from scratch! The White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up. With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy in no time.

4. Versatile Treats

These cookies can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy evening with friends, or even as a delightful gift, they fit all occasions perfectly. You can also customize them by adding nuts or varying the spice levels to cater to your taste!

5. Ideal for the Fall Season

As the leaves change and the temperature drops, there’s no better time to enjoy these cookies. They capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet flavors, making them a perfect seasonal treat.

6. Memories in Every Bite

Each bite of these cookies can bring back fond memories or create new ones. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during a quiet moment with a book. Baking them can also be a lovely family activity that fosters connections and sweet memories.

What to Gather for White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating the perfect batch of White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies. Each component plays a vital role in building the flavor profile and texture of these delightful treats. The key players here are the all-purpose flour that forms the base, the rich unsalted butter for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness, and the white chocolate that adds sweetness and creaminess. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that will surely resonate with anyone who tries them.

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the main structure of your cookies, providing the right balance of texture.
2 teaspoons finely-ground black tea leaves: Adds a deep, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the white chocolate.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a cozy aroma reminiscent of fall.
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the flavor profile.
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Delivers a uniquely sweet and spicy flavor that is essential to chai.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides warmth and spice, enhancing the overall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a nutty sweetness.
pinch ground cloves: A little goes a long way in adding a warm, sweet essence.
3/4 cup unsalted butter: Essential for creating a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet aroma that complements the chai spices.
4 ounces white chocolate: Melted and drizzled on top, this adds a sweet and creamy finish.

How to Assemble White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies

Making White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies is a delightful process that invites you to immerse in the scents and flavors of chai. Let’s get started on this delicious journey together! Follow these steps to create a batch of cookies that will surely impress your friends and family.

In a bowl, whisk together 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of finely-ground black tea leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. This mixture is your spice blend, and whisking them together will help distribute the flavors evenly.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, helping your cookies to rise and become tender.
Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the buttery mixture, blending well to infuse the sweet aroma throughout the dough.
Add the flour mixture in three additions, mixing on medium-low speed until just combined. It’s essential to mix gently at this stage to avoid overworking the dough. Remember to scrape the bowl between additions to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly-floured surface and shape it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. This will help create evenly-sized cookies. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle.
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Roll the chilled dough between two pieces of waxed paper into a 9×10-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. The wax paper will prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect roll every time.
Cut the rolled dough into 24 rectangular pieces. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean edges. Transfer the cut pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
Sprinkle the top of each cookie with additional granulated sugar for a sweet, crispy finish that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are light golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary!
Once baked, cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. This step allows them to firm up and enhances their texture.
Finally, place the cooled cookies on a piece of parchment and drizzle the tops with 4 ounces of melted white chocolate. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. You can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Things Worth Knowing

Chill the dough: It’s essential to chill the dough for at least an hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their flavor.
Don’t overmix: When adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
Check for doneness: The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges. Don’t let them get too dark, as they will continue to cook even after removing them from the oven.
Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Making the perfect White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies can be enhanced with a few professional tips. Here are some tweaks to consider for a delightful baking experience:

Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. Adding a little extra cinnamon or cardamom can enhance the chai flavor.
Make them festive: Consider drizzling colored chocolate or adding festive sprinkles for different occasions.
Substitute sugar: For a caramelized flavor, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months.
Serving suggestion: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai or coffee for a cozy treat.
Variations: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for an added crunch.

Serve This White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies With

These delightful White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies can be served in a variety of ways that enhance their flavors and elevate any occasion:

Tea Time: Serve with a warm cup of chai or any herbal tea for a cozy afternoon break.
Gift Giving: They make excellent gifts for friends and family, packaged in a beautiful box adorned with a ribbon.
Holiday Treats: Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet addition to your dessert table during festivities.
Snack Time: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with your favorite beverage.
Coffee Pairing: Pair them with a robust cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Seasonal Gatherings: Whether for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, these cookies are perfect for all seasonal celebrations.

FAQ

To make White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need all-purpose flour, finely-ground black tea leaves, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, freshly-ground black pepper, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted white chocolate. Each ingredient plays a key role in developing the flavors and texture of the cookies.

You can store your White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you find yourself with leftovers, you might also consider freezing them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

While this recipe specifically calls for white chocolate, you can experiment with other types if you prefer. Dark chocolate or even milk chocolate can be substituted. Keep in mind, though, that this will alter the flavor profile, potentially making the cookies richer or sweeter.

Absolutely! The White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies make an excellent gift. You can package them in a beautiful box or jar, perhaps even adding a personal note. They’re perfect for holiday treats or just as a sweet surprise for friends and family.

Conclusion

The White Chocolate Chai Shortbread Cookies encapsulate the cozy essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet flavor. They’re not just delicious; they’re a perfect treat for sharing with loved ones or enjoying yourself. I encourage you to try making these delightful cookies and savor the joy they bring to your home. They truly are a recipe worth sharing!