Chai Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches (Printable)
Buttery chai-spiced shortbread cookies with creamy filling, ideal for tea time
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Shortbread Cookies
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
09 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
10 - 1/4 tsp ground allspice
11 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ For the Chai-Spiced Filling
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
13 - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
16 - 1/4 tsp ground ginger
17 - 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
18 - 1/8 tsp ground cloves
19 - 1-2 tsp milk (as needed for consistency)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and all chai spices for the cookies.
03 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
05 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a 2-inch round cutter and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
06 - Bake 12-15 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and chai spices. Add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until a thick but spreadable consistency is reached.
08 - Spread or pipe 1-2 teaspoons filling onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Repeat until all cookies are sandwiched.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chai spices bloom beautifully in the buttery shortbread base creating warmth without overwhelming
- These cookies keep remarkably well for days actually developing deeper flavor as they rest
- The filling strikes that perfect balance between rich and barely sweet letting the spices shine
02 -
- Warm cookies with the filling will cause it to melt so patience during cooling is absolutely essential
- Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment prevents sticking without adding extra flour which can make cookies tough
03 -
- Toast the whole spices before grinding them for an even more intense chai flavor
- Chill the cut cookies for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape perfectly