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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Choosing high-quality butter is key. Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt levels. Look for butter with a high fat content for a rich flavor. Selecting pure maple syrup is essential for authentic taste. Avoid imitation syrups; they lack the depth of flavor you want in these cookies. Real maple syrup offers a warm, sweet note that blends perfectly with spices. Fresh spices work best. Ground spices lose their flavor over time. If you can, buy whole spices and grind them yourself. This small step adds great aroma and taste to the cookies. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. When you invest in the right items, you elevate the whole cookie experience. These little details lead to a cookie that not only tastes great but also brings joy to every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting a nice texture in your cookies. - In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and all your spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. - Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing can make the cookies tough. You want a soft dough that holds together well. - Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough portions. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. - Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should turn golden, and the centers should remain soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. - Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm aroma as they cool! To get the right cookie texture, focus on the mixing. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. This adds air and lightness. For chewy cookies, underbake slightly. For crispy ones, bake a minute longer. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden. For a lovely presentation, dust your cooled cookies with powdered sugar. Arrange them on a festive platter. Add a few cinnamon sticks for a cozy touch. Pair the cookies with chai tea or a glass of cold milk. The flavors blend well and make for a comforting treat. Boost the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract. You can also fold in chopped dried fruits for a twist. For toppings, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top. Chopped walnuts add crunch, while dark chocolate chips give a rich flavor. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a more pronounced flavor and better texture, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the spices meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a bit more ginger can give your cookies a unique flavor profile that you may enjoy! Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months and bake them fresh whenever you want! Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality maple syrup and fresh spices for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the overall taste of your cookies. {{image_2}} You can easily make gluten-free Maple Chai Cookies. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This will keep your cookies soft and tasty. For dairy-free options, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also choose a dairy-free butter substitute. Both options work well and still taste great! Want to change the spice level? You can add more cinnamon or ginger for a kick. For a sweeter touch, mix in a bit of nutmeg. If you love chocolate, try adding white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate. You can also toss in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy bite. You can adapt these cookies for holidays! Add some peppermint extract for a festive twist during winter. For fall, mix in pumpkin spice to bring in those cozy flavors. Using fresh apples or pears in the dough works well in the autumn. These seasonal ingredients make each batch special and fun! To keep your Maple Chai Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. You can layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. I recommend using a glass or plastic container. Avoid metal containers, as they can alter the taste over time. You can freeze cookie dough for later use. First, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight. Bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time. These cookies last about a week at room temperature. Store them properly for the best taste. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or hard texture. If they feel dry or crumbly, it's time to toss them. Enjoy your cookies at their best! How do I make cookies softer? To make cookies softer, use more butter and reduce baking time. You can also add an extra egg yolk. This adds moisture and keeps cookies chewy. Baking at a lower temperature can help too. Try 325°F (160°C) for a softer texture. Experiment with these tips to find your favorite softness. Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter? Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter. However, the flavor will change. Cookies may lose some richness and become softer. Use about 3/4 cup of oil for each cup of butter. This swap works well, but the taste and texture will differ from the original recipe. What should I do if my cookies spread too much? If cookies spread too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the fat. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer. If it's too hot, cookies will spread. Use parchment paper to help control spread as well. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips after mixing? Yes, you can add nuts or chocolate chips after mixing. Just fold them in gently. This way, they mix evenly without breaking. Adding them later lets you control the amount. Feel free to get creative with different mix-ins for variety! What can I use instead of maple syrup? If you need a substitute for maple syrup, try honey or agave nectar. Both add sweetness and moisture. For a richer flavor, use brown sugar mixed with water. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of water to mimic maple syrup. Adjust to taste as needed. Are there alternatives to all-purpose flour? Yes, there are alternatives to all-purpose flour. You can use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option. Coconut flour works too, but use less because it absorbs more moisture. Experiment with these flours, but be aware that the texture may change. You now have a clear guide to baking delicious cookies. We covered essential ingredients, important tips for quality, and step-by-step instructions. You learned ways to perfect texture and classic serving suggestions. Variations allow you to adapt recipes for different diets and seasons. Lastly, proper storage ensures your treats stay fresh and tasty. Follow these steps to create tasty cookies that impress friends and family. Happy baking!

Maple Chai Cookies

Delicious cookies infused with maple syrup and chai spices, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 third cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 half teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 quarter teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 quarter teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 quarter teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 half cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 half cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  • If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chips.
  • Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for a touch of elegance.
Keyword chai, cookies, dessert, maple