Chewy Chai Cookies
Author: Guava Rose
Prep time: 45 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 1 hour 5 mins
Cookies flavored with tea and spices, topped with a milk glaze
Ingredients
  • Cookies:
  • 1 c. butter
  • ¾ c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • ¼ c. powdered instant tea, unsweetened
  • ½ c. nonfat powdered milk
  • 3 c. unbleached all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • 2 T. cinnamon
  • 2 tsp.ginger
  • 1 tsp.each cardamon and allspice
  • ½ tsp. cloves
  • ⅛ tsp. ground black pepper
  • Milk Glaze:
  • 1 c. nonfat powdered milk
  • ¼ c. boiling water
  • ¼ c. powdered sugar, divided
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla
  • Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
  1. Cookies: In a standing mixer bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, tea and milk. Mix on medium speed 3-4 minutes, until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining dry ingredients. Add one third to the creamed mixture, and mix on medium until flour is incorporated. Repeat adding the second third of the flour mixture. Mix in the last third of the flour mixture by hand, blending well.
  2. Roll out half the dough at a time to a thickness of ¼" thick, on a floured mat. Cut out shapes with 2-1/2" to 3" cutters and place on baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies should look cooked but still be soft. They will harden up enough as they cool. Do not overbake. Let rest on cookie sheets 1 minute, then remove cookies and place onto racks to cool.
  3. Glaze: Add boiling water to powdered milk in a small bowl. Stir together well until mixture is smooth. Blend in half of the powdered sugar, then the other half. Add vanilla. Stir smooth. Spread about ¾ tsp. glaze smooth onto each cookie. Top with sprinkles. Let cookies air dry overnight. Store in a covered container.
Recipe by Guava Rose at http://www.guavarose.com/2012/11/chewy-chai-cookies-2/