Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chai-Spiced Butter Cookies?
They are tender, buttery, and crumbly cookies infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom, inspired by the flavors of chai tea.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
How many calories are in each cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 60 calories.
What spices are included in the chai blend?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground cardamom.
Do I need to use unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter that is softened for easy mixing.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
When should I roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll the cookies in sifted powdered sugar while they are still warm, about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven.
Should the powdered sugar be sifted?
Yes, sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth and even coating on the cookies.
How large should the dough balls be?
The dough should be formed into teaspoon-sized balls.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not required in this recipe; you can form the balls and bake them immediately after mixing.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.
Can I use vanilla extract in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Is there any salt in these cookies?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness and spice.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie has approximately 3.3g of fat.
How much protein is in each cookie?
Each cookie contains about 0.3g of protein.
What happens if I overwork the dough?
Overworking the dough can result in a tougher cookie; mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Can I use parchment paper on the baking sheets?
Yes, lining your baking sheets with parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking.
How far apart should I place the dough balls?
Place the dough balls about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
What is the primary texture of these cookies?
These cookies are designed to be buttery and crumbly.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies for parties or gifts.
What is the best way to cool the cookies?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
While the recipe calls for granulated sugar for a specific texture, brown sugar could be used but may result in a softer, chewier cookie.
Are these cookies suitable for tea time?
Absolutely, they are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including the spices and coating.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts could be added for extra crunch.
What is the serving size for these cookies?
The serving size is typically one cookie, though the recipe makes a full batch to share.
Do these cookies contain any fiber?
The nutritional information indicates that fiber content is negligible.
Can I use a cookie scoop?
Yes, a small cookie scoop is ideal for ensuring uniform teaspoon-sized balls.
What gives the cookies their 'chai' flavor?
The blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom creates the signature warm chai spice profile.