Espresso Chai Cookies with Maple Cinnamon Icing

These Espresso Chai Cookies with Maple Cinnamon Icing are a delightful treat with the warm spices of chai and a hint of espresso. Topped with a sweet maple cinnamon icing, they’re perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines warm chai spices with a rich espresso kick for a unique flavor.

The maple cinnamon icing adds a sweet and aromatic finish.

Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion.

Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

The recipe is versatile, with options to customize to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

unsalted butter, softened

granulated sugar

brown sugar, packed

large egg

vanilla extract

espresso powder

all-purpose flour

baking soda

ground cinnamon

ground ginger

salt

ground cardamom

ground cloves

For the Maple Cinnamon Icing:

powdered sugar

maple syrup

milk

ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.

Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Icing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the milk for a drizzling consistency.

Decorate the Cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the tops. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Extra Espresso Flavor: Increase the espresso powder to 1.5 tablespoons for a stronger kick.

Different Spices: Swap or adjust the chai spices to your preference (e.g., more cinnamon or less cardamom).

Vegan Option: Replace the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg, and use plant-based milk in the icing.

Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before icing.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Related Recipes:

• The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever
• Spiced Snickerdoodles
• Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin Cold Foam

FAQs

How can I make the cookies chewier?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar to increase moisture and create a chewier texture.

Can I skip the icing?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover icing?

Store the icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before using.

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, but the flavor might be less intense. Espresso powder provides a deeper and richer taste.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

They are generally fine for kids, but you might want to reduce or omit the espresso powder if caffeine is a concern.

Conclusion

These espresso chai cookies with maple cinnamon icing are a wonderful addition to any dessert table. I love the combination of warm spices, espresso, and the sweet, aromatic icing. Whether for holidays or a cozy treat, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a go and enjoy the delicious warmth of chai and espresso in every bite!

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