Description
Soft, chewy snickerdoodle cookies infused with warm chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves, grilled over indirect heat for a unique smoky twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- A pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat (approx. 350°F/175°C) using indirect heat. For charcoal, push coals to one side; for gas, turn off center burners.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
- Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls and coat completely in the chai sugar mixture.
- Place a cast iron skillet or sheet pan on the grill grate over the indirect heat zone and let it heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Place dough balls on the hot pan, leaving 2 inches between them. Close the lid.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers look slightly soft.
- Remove pan from grill and let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use indirect heat to prevent burning. Chill dough balls for 15 minutes if kitchen is hot to help them hold shape. Ensure spices are fresh for best flavor. Apple or cherry wood chips add a nice sweetness without overpowering the chai.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: grilled cookies, chai spices, snickerdoodle, fall dessert, outdoor cooking, grill dessert, cardamom cookies, smoky cookies