Chocolate Chai Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Chai Spice
• 2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons ground cardamom
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chocolate Chai Cookies
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups unbleached flour
• 3/4 cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chai spice
Royal Icing
• 2 egg whites
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Chai Spice
1. Combine all the ingredients for the chai spice in a small bowl. Store in an airtight jar.
Chocolate Chai Sugar Cookies
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. Cream the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl.
4. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and chai spice in a small bowl.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mix a bit at a time until fully incorporated. Knead the cookie dough until it is smooth.
6. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out with cookie cutters. Continue until all dough has been used.
7. Place each cookie on a parchment covered cookie sheet. (You'll need two cookie sheets or will need to do two batches).
8. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 8 - 12 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are crisp.
9. Let cool thoroughly before icing. Makes 2 dozen small cookies.
Royal Icing
10. Beat the egg whites until they are frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat on medium speed until the frosting forms stiff peaks. Add the vanilla and beat to incorporate. Divide and add food coloring if desired.
11. Frosting can be piped on the cooled cookies or spread with a knife.
12. Decorate with your favorite Sprinkle Pop sprinkles and enjoy!