Chai Spice Almond Cookies

by Christine Chan — May 4, 2008

"Sugar and spice and all things nice...that's what you are to me!" Allured by the rich spices of chai tea? This recipe (from Bon Appetit) for chai spice almond cookies will be sure to charm you with its sophisticated flavor and crunchy texture. I like this recipe because it isn't too sweet and yields a smaller portion. Of course, you can never call a cookie "healthy," but when you indulge, it's nice to know that its ingredients have health benefits:

• Cinnamon is said to lower blood pressure, reduce pains, fevers, nausea, gas, and heartburn and can also relieve menstrual cramps
• Cardamom relieves indigestion.
• Vanilla is a natural aphrodisiac

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped toasted almonds

Preheat oven to 350°F. Using electric mixer, beat butter, 1/3 cup sugar, both extracts, spices, and salt in medium bowl. Beat in flour, then stir in almonds.

Using hands, roll dough into tablespoon-size balls. Place on large baking sheet, spacing apart. Bake until pale golden, about 17 minutes. Cool on sheet 5 minutes. Place remaining sugar in large bowl. Working in batches, gently coat hot cookies in sugar. Cool cookies on rack. Will make about 20.