Taylor Swift Chai Cookies Recipe
Taylor Swift Chai Cookies are the ultimate tribute to cozy, feel-good baking—just like listening to your favorite Taylor album on a crisp autumn afternoon. These cookies balance a soft, cakey texture with warm chai spices and a delicate vanilla glaze, delivering nostalgia and comfort in every bite. If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a treat that makes your kitchen smell like a coffeehouse while channeling those signature Swiftie vibes, this recipe will be your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Taylor Swift Chai Cookies are simple, but each one brings its own special magic to the party. From the earthy depth of chai to rich, tender butter, every part plays a role in creating a cloud-soft, warmly spiced cookie that just begs for a mug of tea on the side.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Essential for that classic soft, tender crumb and a rich baseline flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Lightens the texture for a lift that keeps things tender without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives you the structure and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Helps guarantee a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the goodness together while adding a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the spice notes with floral, creamy undertones.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the classic cookie base, sturdy enough for those puddles of glaze.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives your cookies their lovely soft rise.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweet and enhances the warm spices.
- Chai tea bag (contents emptied, 1): Delivers signature chai flavor and a little textural intrigue.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): For that sweet warmth instantly reminiscent of fall and comfort.
- Ground cardamom (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an aromatic, slightly floral pop that makes these cookies sing.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of zing to keep the cookie from ever feeling flat.
- For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a silky, shimmery finish and gentle sweetness.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to drizzle consistency—dairy or non-dairy both work nicely!
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Subtle background to boost the chai flavors in the glaze.
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional): Adds a little extra magic dust to the glaze when you want to lean further into those cozy notes.
How to Make Taylor Swift Chai Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things toasty before any dough touches a sheet. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies pop right off and nothing sticks—especially key for that perfect glaze moment later.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and creamy. This step is where the cookies get their signature pillowy texture, so don’t skimp on time—a good 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer will do the trick! Once smooth, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is unified and glossy.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, and the magical contents of your chai tea bag. This dry team is what brings those unmistakable, inviting chai cookie aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently as you go. You want to do this in batches to avoid clumps and ensure all the cozy spices get distributed evenly throughout your dough. Stop as soon as you can’t see any stray streaks of flour. The dough will be soft—almost fluffy.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart—they need a little room to spread but not too much. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden while the centers stay soft and tender. Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (use 2 tablespoons to start and add more for a runnier glaze), vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you’d like an extra hit of spice. For an even bolder chai vibe, stir the contents of a chai tea bag into the milk before whisking for a subtly spiced glaze.
Step 7: Glaze and Let Set
When the cookies are completely cooled (this is crucial—no melted glaze puddles, please), drizzle the glaze generously over each one. Allow the glaze to set before stacking, packing, or serving. This is the moment when Taylor Swift Chai Cookies go from tasty to totally iconic.
How to Serve Taylor Swift Chai Cookies
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or even a dusting of edible gold luster over the glaze while it’s still tacky. You can also top them with a few chai-spiced sugar crystals or a small swirl of extra glaze for dramatic flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these Taylor Swift Chai Cookies with a creamy chai latte, hot chocolate, or a cup of black tea. If you’re leaning into the dessert spread, they’re lovely next to sliced fruit or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream that brings out the cookies’ warm spice notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really impress, stack the cookies on a cake stand lined with linen napkins for afternoon tea party vibes. For a Swiftie gathering, serve them with lyric cards or tuck them into vintage record sleeves as party favors. They also make adorable gifts—just wrap a stack in parchment, tie with twine, and tuck in a chai tea bag for the full experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Taylor Swift Chai Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The soft texture holds up beautifully and the spices continue to bloom, sometimes making the cookies even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Or, shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag—just bake from frozen, increasing the time by a minute or two.
Reheating
Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–12 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, or set them on a baking sheet and heat at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly crisp edge. The glaze will soften slightly when reheated, but the flavors will still shine.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While classic chai adds fragrant warmth that defines Taylor Swift Chai Cookies, feel free to experiment with earl grey, spiced black tea, or even herbal blends—just know it’ll subtly change the cookie’s signature flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with a couple swaps: use a plant-based butter, your favorite non-dairy milk, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the regular egg. The cookies will remain super soft and beautifully spiced!
How can I intensify the chai flavor?
For bigger chai impact, steep the contents of a tea bag in the milk used for the glaze. You can also add an extra half-bag of chai spices to the dough if you want that cozy flavor even louder.
What’s the texture of these cookies like?
Taylor Swift Chai Cookies are soft and cakey—not crisp or chewy. They’re fluffy, moist, and topped with a glaze that adds a bit of sweetness without overwhelming the gentle spice.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping to bake, and you’ll have cookies ready in a snap for last-minute guests or midnight cravings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for your new favorite fall treat, these Taylor Swift Chai Cookies are truly where comfort meets creativity—deliciously perfect for every Swiftie or anyone who loves a warm, spiced cookie fresh from the oven. Whip up a batch and let the aroma and flavor set the soundtrack for your next cozy night in!
Print
Taylor Swift Chai Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Taylor Swift Chai Cookies are soft, cakey, and packed with warm, cozy spice, making them the perfect treat for fall days. The chai-infused glaze adds a delightful touch of sweetness to these tea-inspired cookies.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 chai tea bag (contents emptied)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream ingredients: Cream together the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth in a large bowl. Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, spices, and contents of chai tea bag. Gradually mix into wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto baking sheets, bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and optional cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Notes
- To enhance chai flavor, steep the tea bag in the milk for the glaze.
- These cookies have a soft, cakey texture and are rich in warm spice flavors, ideal for fall enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
