Vegan Chai Cookies

Chai there—it’s cookie-time! These vegan chai cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. These cookies combine the comforting spices of chai tea—like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—with the buttery sweetness of a traditional sugar cookie. They’re completely plant-based, yet still soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, from cozy evenings at home to festive gatherings. Plus, they’re easy to make with pantry staples and a few special spices, so you can whip them up whenever a craving strikes.

The magic of these cookies lies in their perfect balance of flavors. Warm chai spices bring a bold, aromatic kick, while the sweetness of the cookie dough mellows them out beautifully. Ingredients like plant-based butter and non-dairy milk ensure they’re rich and tender without any animal products. Whether you’re a chai lover or just looking to elevate your sugar cookie game, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

If the idea of a tea-infused dessert makes your heart beat faster, why not try these cute matcha cupcakes or this cool green matcha ice cream? Tea-licious!

Why You Must Make These Chai Cookies

These chai tea cookies are a delightful blend of warm spices and buttery sweetness, making every bite feel like a cozy treat. They’re soft, chewy, and completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy them. With simple ingredients and endless serving possibilities, they’re perfect for any occasion!

• Bursting with Warm Chai Spices. These cookies are packed with the rich, aromatic flavors of chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making them perfect for cozy evenings or holiday baking.
• Perfectly Soft and Chewy Texture. Vegan doesn’t mean compromising on texture! These cookies stay wonderfully soft and chewy, thanks to the plant-based butter and just the right balance of ingredients.
• Simple to Make. You don’t need fancy tools or advanced baking skills to whip up these vegan chai cookies. The recipe uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices, with easy steps that anyone can follow.
• Versatile for Any Occasion. These cookies fit right in at holiday parties, tea time, or as a quick snack when you’re craving something sweet. You can even make them extra special by drizzling them with a glaze or dusting them with powdered sugar.
• Customizable to Your Taste. Want more cinnamon or a hint of nutmeg? It’s easy to tweak the spice blend to match your preferences. You can also add mix-ins like dairy-free white chocolate chips or candied chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

These chai sugar cookies (inspired by the Taylor Swift chai cookie recipe) get their cozy flavor from key ingredients like chai tea, warm spices, and plant-based milk. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the sugar adding sweetness and chewiness. With simple swaps like gluten-free flour or vegan eggnog, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your needs! Here’s what you’ll need:

• All Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies, helping them hold their shape and achieve a tender crumb. Its balance of protein and starch ensures the cookies aren’t too dense or too delicate. For a nuttier flavor, substitute up to 25% of the flour with almond flour. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (see FAQs for brands we recommend!)
• Chai Tea Bags: Deliver the signature chai flavor, infusing the dough with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. They’re the heart of the recipe’s unique flavor. Steep the tea bags in your plant-based milk for an even stronger chai flavor. If you don’t have chai tea bags, use a blend of loose-leaf chai or ground chai spices.
• Plant Milk: Adds moisture, binding the dough together and ensuring the cookies stay soft and tender. It also helps incorporate the chai flavors. Unsweetened almond or soy milk works well, but oat or cashew milk can add a creamy richness. For extra flavor, use plant-based eggnog (such as Califia Farms, Chobani, Silk, or Blume) if you have it on hand.
• Sugar: Not only sweetens the cookies but also helps create the chewy texture by interacting with the fat and flour during baking. It’s also responsible for that golden color. Use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Spices: Nutmeg adds warmth and complexity, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor, tying together the sweetness and spices. Freshly grated nutmeg delivers a stronger flavor, and you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different twist.
• Vegan EggNog (optional): Adds a festive, creamy richness that complements the chai spices perfectly. It can make the cookies even more flavorful and seasonal. If you don’t have vegan eggnog, increase the plant-based milk slightly and add a pinch of nutmeg for a similar effect.

How to Make These Vegan Spiced Cookies

Making vegan chai cookies is easier than you think and so rewarding. These cookies are packed with warm chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom, giving them a cozy and flavorful twist. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of soft and chewy treats ready to enjoy in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet – Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

Add the milk and vanilla extract, then mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients – Sprinkle in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai tea, and mix until incorporated.

Gradually add the flour, ½ cup at a time.

Keep mixing until the dough is soft and pliable but firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies – Scoop the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cookies crack and the edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Icing – Meanwhile, mix sugar, milk (or eggnog), and nutmeg for the icing.

Whisk until smooth.

Step 6: Ice the Cookies – Let the cookies cool completely, then drizzle the cookies with the icing.

Chai Tea Cookie Serving Tips and Suggestions

Vegan chai sugar cookies are versatile treats that pair beautifully with warm drinks like tea or coffee. You can drizzle them with a festive glaze, turn them into sandwich cookies, or add them to a holiday dessert platter. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to impress!

• Pair Them with a Hot Drink – These cookies are the perfect match for a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee cocktail, or hot cocoa. The spices in the cookies complement warm beverages beautifully, making them an ideal treat for cozy afternoons.
• Add a Festive Glaze – Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk (or vegan eggnog) for extra sweetness. For a festive touch, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top before the glaze sets.
• Serve Them Warm – Warm chai sugar cookies fresh from the oven are irresistible! Gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that just-baked flavor.
• Create a Cookie Platter – Pair these cookies with other holiday favorites like vegan gingerbread or chocolate no-bake cookies. They’ll add a lovely spiced option to your dessert table or party spread.
• Turn Them into Sandwich Cookies – Spread a layer of dairy-free frosting, spiced buttercream, or vegan cream cheese between two cookies. It’s a fun way to elevate them into a decadent dessert.
• Gift Them with Style – Pack your vegan chai cookies in decorative boxes or jars lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a tag with the recipe or a note about their delicious chai spice flavors!