These Taylor Swift chai cookies are a perfect blend of fall spices, including chai, cinnamon, and vanilla. With their soft texture, subtle sweetness, and aromatic flavor, they make a great treat for chilly evenings or as a special dessert for a Taylor Swift-themed gathering. Whether you’re a fan of the artist or just love delicious cookies, this recipe will soon become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are an irresistible combination of flavors that are perfect for the fall season. The warm, comforting spices from the chai tea, cinnamon, and vanilla come together to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. The soft dough is chilled to create perfectly chewy cookies, while the sweet, spiced icing adds a delightful finishing touch. Whether you’re celebrating autumn or simply indulging in a homemade dessert, these cookies are sure to impress!

Ingredients

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

For the Cookies:

½ cup butter (room temperature)
⅓ cup olive oil (light flavor)
½ cup sugar
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
1 chai tea bag (open and dump in the tea)

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp whole milk (add a little at a time)
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of cinnamon

Directions

Beat the room temperature butter with olive oil until smooth.
Add the sugar, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt (if using unsalted butter), and the contents of the chai tea bag. Mix until fully incorporated.
Chill the dough for about 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough into 2-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet, with about 8 cookies per tray.
Lightly press each dough ball to flatten slightly and even out the shape.
Bake the cookies for about 9 minutes, until they are slightly golden but not burnt around the edges.
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by combining the powdered sugar, milk (a little at a time), nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and thick, but still pourable.
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over each one. Optionally, dust with extra cinnamon.
Allow the icing to set completely before serving.

Put on your favorite Taylor Swift album and enjoy with a cup of tea!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 22 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour (for dough chilling)
Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes

Variations

Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg to your liking. You could also experiment by adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a more complex flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure the flour blend you use is suitable for baking.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut) for the icing to make these cookies dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you’d like to warm the cookies up, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Be sure to let the icing cool and set properly before reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To help prevent spreading, make sure the dough is chilled for at least an hour. You can also slightly press the dough balls into discs before baking.

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with another light-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, without affecting the taste too much.

Can I use pre-made icing for these cookies?

While homemade icing is best for this recipe, you can use pre-made icing if you’re short on time, though it may not have the same spiced flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden on the edges but soft in the center. Avoid letting the edges become too dark, as the cookies continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.

Can I use regular tea instead of chai tea?

Chai tea gives these cookies their signature spice, so using regular tea will change the flavor. However, you could use a mix of cinnamon and other spices if you don’t have chai tea on hand.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage and bake when you’re ready.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just be sure to fold them into the dough gently.

How can I make the icing thicker?

If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use a different sweetener for the icing?

You can use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Are these cookies suitable for vegans?

To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and choose a dairy-free milk for the icing.

Conclusion

Taylor Swift chai cookies are the perfect blend of spices and sweetness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the spiced icing makes them an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re celebrating autumn, enjoying a cozy tea time, or just craving a delicious homemade cookie, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, chill the dough, and enjoy these cookies while listening to some of your favorite tunes!

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe