Cookies are the perennial delight that knows no season. Their allure, whether in flavor or texture, seems universal. Perhaps it's the comfort they bring, that warm, soft embrace, making them irresistible. After all, who can resist the allure of a freshly baked cookie?

Recently, I stumbled upon the enchantment of chai tea. It dawned on me – chai embodies the essence of a cookie in a cup. Consistently cozy, it wraps you in warmth, evoking holiday sentiments regardless of the time of year.

In homage to the soul-soothing charm of chai, I crafted a cookie that captures the very essence of that comforting sip. Enriched with aromatic cardamom and fragrant cinnamon, these cookies echo the familiar embrace of a steaming mug of chai. Indulge, savor, and relish – because each bite is a toast to that cherished warmth.

For this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups Brown sugar, packed light
• 2 tsp Cardamom, ground
• 2 tsp Cream of tartar
• 2 3/4 cups Flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp fleur de sel
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 stick of crisco
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon cassia, ground

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 

Mix together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, half of the cardamom (1 tsp), half of the cinnamon (1/2 tsp) and the salt in a large bowl.

Then combine the crisco and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until combined well. Increase the speed to high and beat until very light and fluffy, a few minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add in the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract. Make sure there is no dough on the sides of the bowl.

Add about one-third of the dry ingredients; beat on a low speed until completely added. Repeat twice more, until the ingrediants are fully mixed.

Then cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour, until firm

Stir together the granulated sugar and remaining cinnamon and cardamom in a small bowl. Scoop small balls of dough, a few at a time, into the sugar-cinnamon-cardamom mixture, then roll the dough in the mixture to coat them, while pressing in the mixture. Arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.

Bake for 9 minutes, or until cooked all the way through. Once removed from the oven, lightly press down on them with a spatula or cup to slightly flatten.

Enjoy with a delicious cup of chai!