Looking for something festive to bake at home this winter? Here’s a recipe for Spiced Chai Shortbread Biscuits. These subtle, aromatic treats combine the richness of buttery shortbread with the warming spices of chai tea. If you're a fan of comforting baked goods, you might also enjoy options like this Mixed Postal Brownie Box for cosy evenings in.
The recipe is simple and ideal for a cosy afternoon indoors. Follow these steps for a successful bake.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 280g plain flour
- 2 chai tea bags (contents only)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 170°C (150°C fan) or Gas Mark 3. This ensures an even bake.
2. Prepare the spiced sugar. Split open the chai tea bags and mix the contents with the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Set this spiced mixture aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar. Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl. Keep going until the mixture looks smooth and pale. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
4. Add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the flour and the spiced chai mixture. Stir until everything comes together into a dough. Avoid over-mixing as this will impact the texture.
5. Roll out the dough. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1cm thickness. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
6. Cut the biscuits. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to shape the dough. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking. For those who enjoy trying out new combinations, you might explore the Brownie and Cookie Selection Box for some extra indulgence.
7. Transfer to a baking tray. Line a tray with baking parchment and place the biscuit shapes on it. Leave a small gap between biscuits. They won’t spread much during baking.
8. Bake. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a light golden colour. This is a sign the biscuits are ready.
9. Cool on a wire rack. Let the biscuits rest on the tray for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality chai tea for a bolder flavour. Loose-leaf blends work best.
- Keep the butter at room temperature. Cold butter will make the dough hard to handle.
- If cutting shapes feels time-consuming, roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds.
- Store in an airtight container. These biscuits keep for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these biscuits with a warm mug of chai tea for a comforting treat. They’re also a good match for Earl Grey or strong black tea. For a special occasion, consider an Afternoon Tea Delivery to create an elegant spread alongside your batch of biscuits.
Would you make these biscuits for a festive gathering or an afternoon snack? Let us know how yours turn out. Share your baking tips to help others improve their bakes.
