Nov 06 2010

Chai Snickerdoodles

Published by at 6:00 am under Autumn,Dessert,Holiday,Winter

plate of cookies

Now that the holiday season has begun, I plan to feature a holiday-themed recipe each week. It’s fun, and I know I’ve often turned to food blogs to find inspiration for new holiday recipes, so why not? I’ve even added a “HOLIDAY” tab to the navigation menu at the top of the page – any post that’s been added to the “Holiday” category will be listed.

My extended family has already had their holiday gathering. For years, we were lucky with the weather in late December, but things had changed over the past few winters. So now, we hold our gathering in the fall before the weather turns. I doubt my family realizes it, but I aim to bring a different dessert to the gathering each year I’m able to attend.

ready for the oven

In my immediate family, Snickerdoodles often make an appearance around the holidays. I admit, one reason I love them is because I don’t really, really love them. Translation: I’m not tempted to eat a dozen at once. For a larger crowd, they seemed like a great addition to the dessert table for an early Christmas gathering.

The classic snickerdoodle recipe is an older one, as evidenced by the use of baking soda with cream of tartar (an acid). Baking powder is newer on the baking scene, so older recipes have an added acid to activate the baking soda, whereas baking powder already has its own acid in the mix.

hot out of the oven

But, me being me, I can never leave well enough alone. In addition to the standard snickerdoodle rolled in cinnamon sugar, I opted to make a chai version as well. Naturally, I kept them separate and labeled, though I’m pretty sure my niece (a toddler) grabbed the chai version at one point. (She didn’t seem to mind.)

I really enjoyed the chai-inspired flavors, especially with black tea or coffee.

snickerdoodles

Chai Snickerdoodles

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, divided
½ cup room temperature unsalted butter*
½ cup non-hydrogenated shortening*
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Preheat oven to 400*F

Sift the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream 1 ½ cups sugar, the butter, and shortening on medium speed. Add eggs, 1 at a time, until mixed.

Reduce speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture until just combined, scraping down the bowl with a spatula as needed.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup sugar with the spices

Form dough into 1 ¼ inch balls and roll in sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes; cool 5 minutes on baking sheet before removing to wire rack to thoroughly cool.

*You can use all butter for this recipe, or substitute coconut oil for the non-hydrogenated shortening.

12 responses so far

12 Responses to “Chai Snickerdoodles”

  1. Michelleon 06 Nov 2010 at 6:11 am

    Love the idea of adding the spices from chai to this classic cookie. I love chai – hot or cold – and I’m sure I’d adore it in cookie form.

  2. Saraon 06 Nov 2010 at 9:52 am

    I love chai lattes especially, though I only get one every few years. I’m seriously contemplating buying chai teabags now though – with a splash of milk it’s delicious!

  3. donnaon 06 Nov 2010 at 7:42 pm

    What fabulous cookies!! I love the idea of chai flavor in a cookie.

    I also like the way you now have a holiday tab!

  4. Jenniferon 08 Nov 2010 at 1:57 am

    I’ve never made snickerdoodles, but these look fabulous. I love chai too so these will have to go on the must cook list.

  5. Saraon 08 Nov 2010 at 9:58 am

    Thanks, Donna.

    Jennifer, I hope you enjoy them!

  6. saraon 08 Nov 2010 at 7:54 pm

    What a great idea! I love snickerdoodles and this sounds like a great variation. :)

  7. Leahon 09 Nov 2010 at 3:14 pm

    Ooooh, this combines two of my favorite things! I bet these are delicious with coffee…

  8. Saraon 09 Nov 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Sara – Thanks!

    Leah – They are great with coffee :)

  9. Emilyon 23 May 2011 at 4:21 pm

    just made these cookies with my friend, they’re incredible. used half brown sugar half white sugar (due to the lack of white) but they still came out delicious! thanks for the recipe!

  10. Saraon 24 May 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I’m glad they turned out well with the substitution! It’s funny, sometimes I get great new recipes when I have to make substitutions like that.

  11. best salad recipeson 09 Aug 2011 at 10:08 pm

    What fabulous recipe!! this sounds like a great variation.

  12. Aejajon 13 Dec 2015 at 9:04 pm

    to autumn bsaeuce lately, I have been craving all things cinnamon. I came across this recipe for Snickerdoodle Bread recently on the boards, and thought it might be worth a try. Afterall, it looked easy

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