Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies to Savor and Share with Love
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team
As the chill of autumn settles in, there s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of spiced cookies baking in the oven. The rich aroma of chocolate mingling with warm chai spices transports me to a place where every bite feels like a comforting hug. Today, I m thrilled to share my recipe for Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies an irresistible treat that combines the beloved flavors of chai with decadent chocolate. These cookies are not just a delightful indulgence; they are a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Imagine the moment you take a bite, the crisp edges giving way to a soft, flavorful center, all tied together with a luscious ganache. Even better, these cookies are a breeze to make, so you can skip the drive-thru and impress everyone with your baking prowess instead. Let s dive into the magic of blending spices and chocolate, creating a moment of happiness in every batch you bake!
Why are Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: Each cookie is bursting with the rich warmth of chai spices intertwined with decadent chocolate, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you ll find these cookies easy to whip up.
Perfect for Sharing: Their charming appearance and delightful taste make them a hit at gatherings everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed year-round, with their cozy flavors perfect for both festive celebrations and casual snacks.
Make Ahead & Store: You can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and bake whenever you re ready for a fresh, homemade treat.
Elevate your baking skills and delight your taste buds with these scrumptious cookies!
Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
All-purpose flour 240 g provides the perfect structure for these delicate cookies.
Almond flour 110 g adds a nutty flavor and tender texture.
Cinnamon 1 teaspoon infuses a warm, familiar taste that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Cardamom ½ teaspoon brings an exotic twist that s essential for that chai essence.
Allspice ¼ teaspoon adds depth and complexity to the cookie flavor.
Nutmeg ¼ teaspoon enhances the cozy winter warmth in every bite.
Cloves ¼ teaspoon imparts a fragrant spiciness to the cookie mix.
Ginger ¼ teaspoon introduces a zesty warmth to the recipe.
Salt ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness of the chocolate and spices.
Unsalted butter 227 g at room temperature makes the cookies rich and gooey.
Granulated sugar 150 g sweetens the dough to perfection.
Egg 1 at room temperature helps to bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla paste or extract 1 teaspoon adds a layer of flavor that enhances the chocolate.
For the Ganache Filling
Heavy cream 113 g brings a silky texture to the chocolate ganache.
Bittersweet chocolate 113 g provides indulgence and richness to fill the cookies.
For Garnishing
Powdered sugar for sprinkling on top, making them look as delightful as they taste.
Experience the sweet blend of flavors with these Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!
How to Make Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies
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Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, spices, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended, then set it aside for later.
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Cream the butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. This adds air and helps create a tender cookie.
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Incorporate the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla paste or extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined, and the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
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Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture in two batches. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough this keeps the cookies tender.
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Scrape and finish: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure no dry patches remain. Continue mixing until the dough comes together seamlessly.
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Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least one hour or up to a few days. Chilling helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to roll.
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Preheat the oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about ¼ thickness. Use a fluted round cutter (2 ½ to 3 ) and a small snowflake cutter to make both solid cookies and those with cutouts.
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Freeze cutouts: Carefully place all the cut-out cookie dough in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will help them retain their shape while baking. Put any scrap dough back in the fridge for about 15 minutes before re-rolling.
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Bake the cookies: Bake the frozen cutout cookies for around 10 minutes. For the small snowflakes, bake them for about 8 minutes watch closely for a light golden edge.
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Cool the cookies: Allow the baked cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once they re cool, repeat the process with the remaining dough until all cookies are baked.
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Prepare the ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it reaches a simmer (around 200 °F). Pour the cream over the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a medium bowl, then cover with a plate for 1-2 minutes to let it melt.
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Mix the ganache: Remove the plate and gently stir the chocolate and cream together until fully melted and combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a silky texture.
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Let ganache thicken: Cover the ganache and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to thicken slightly for easy spreading.
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Assemble the cookies: Pair up your Linzer cookies, sprinkle powdered sugar on the top cookie of each pair, and add a small spoonful of ganache to the bottom cookie. Gently press the paired cookies together.
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Serve and enjoy: Once assembled, these cookies are ready to be savored or shared with those you love. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar right before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cookie experience with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for deliciously tender cookies that everyone can enjoy.
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Nut-Free: Swap almond flour for an equal amount of more all-purpose flour or use sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a subtle kick that enhances the chai warmth.
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Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate for a more intense, rich ganache that s sure to please chocolate lovers.
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Fruit Jam Filling: Replace the ganache with your favorite fruit jam between the cookies for a fruity variation that brightens up each bite.
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Coconut Bliss: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the icing for an extra texture, bringing a tropical twist to your chai cookies.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a light maple syrup glaze on the finished cookies for a sweet, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with chai.
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Vanilla Infusion: Infuse the ganache with a hint of orange zest or bourbon vanilla for a luxurious flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies?
Imagine curling up with a cup of tea and a plate of these spiced delights, surrounded by loved ones and warm laughter.
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Chai Latte: A warm chai latte echoes the spices in the cookies, creating a cozy, complementary pairing that enhances every flavor.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cookies, melting beautifully as you take a bite.
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Nutty Granola: Serve crumbly, nutty granola on the side for a crunchy texture that balances the soft, tender cookies, making each mouthful exciting.
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Hot Chocolate: Indulge in rich hot chocolate for a decadent pairing; the combination of chocolate flavors will elevate your dessert experience to new heights.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the spiced ganache perfectly.
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Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote provides a refreshing burst of flavor, cutting through the richness of the cookies and balancing the sweetness.
These pairings will not only enhance the magic of your Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies but will also create memorable moments filled with warmth and joy!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place assembled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: If you d like a warm treat, lightly toast the cookies in a preheated oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies are a wonderful choice for meal prep, letting you enjoy homemade treats with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough and cut it into shapes. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness. Just remember to make the ganache and assemble the cookies on the day you plan to serve them for the best taste and texture. This way, your chocolatey, spiced masterpiece will be just as delightful and comforting as if freshly made!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Ensure you chill the dough for at least an hour. This helps with easier rolling and maintains the cookie shape during baking.
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Don t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies nobody wants that!
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Shape Matters: For best results, use a fluted cutter for the solid cookies and a small snowflake cutter for the cutouts to achieve that classic Linzer look.
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Freezing Helps: Don t skip the freezer step! Freezing shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking prevents spreading and keeps them beautifully shaped.
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Ganache Consistency: Allow your ganache to sit until thickened before using; this ensures a smooth spread and prevents it from oozing out when assembling your Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies.
Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies?
Absolutely! When it comes to ingredients like the spices, ensure they are fresh. For the unsalted butter, use a higher quality brand for the best flavor, and make sure it s at room temperature for the best mixing results. The same goes for the egg using a room temperature egg helps in achieving a smooth batter.
How should I store my Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies?
You can store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week in the same airtight container. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! I recommend placing the assembled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. They ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they ll be as good as fresh!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbling apart, it might need a bit more moisture. You can add a teaspoon of cold water or milk gradually while mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies!
Are Chocolate Chai Linzer Cookies suitable for anyone with nut allergies?
Be cautious! The almond flour is a core ingredient in this recipe. If you re making these for someone with nut allergies, replace almond flour with more all-purpose flour or a nut-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also nut-free to keep your cookies safe.
How long will my ganache take to thicken?
After mixing the heavy cream and chocolate, cover the ganache and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This resting will allow it to thicken nicely, making it easy to spread between your cookies. If you need to quicken the process, place it in the fridge but keep an eye on it so it doesn t become too firm.