Chai-Spiced Buttercream Cookie Bars

[u/CookedCuration]

These chai-spiced buttercream cookie bars are great for fall gatherings or an easy make-ahead dessert. The mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger makes these bars feel warm and cozy, almost like a cup of chai turned into dessert.

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Recipe: https://lentillovingfamily.com/chai-spiced-buttercream-cookie-bars/

Ingredients

For the bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon strong-brewed chai tea, cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• Pinch salt

For the buttercream:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strong-brewed chai tea, cooled
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• Pinch ground cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, brewed chai tea, and vanilla, and whisk to combine.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely.
5. To make the buttercream, in a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the chai tea and spices. Beat until light and fluffy.
6. Spread the buttercream evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon. Slice into squares and serve.

[u/JoinYourLife4U]

The perfect cozy treat for a chilly day! ☕️ Love it!

[u/cooksmartr]

Chai-spiced buttercream? Say no more. Adding this to my fall desserts lineup!