Chai Spice Cutouts Recipes

WARM SPICED CHAI

Steps:

• In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine cardamom pods and peppercorns; grind until aromas are released., In a large saucepan, bring water to boil. Add cardamom mixture, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and ginger; simmer 5 minutes or according to taste. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat milk. Strain tea, discarding spices and tea bags. Stir in hot milk and vanilla. Pour into mugs. If desired, sprinkle with nutmeg.

CHAI SPICE CUTOUTS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, sift or whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, allspice and cardamom; set aside.
• Combine butter, sugar and salt in large bowl. Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, beat until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, and beat until smooth. Using a small knife, split the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Scrape the seeds from both sides of the pod with the tip of the knife and add them to the butter-sugar mixture; beat to combine. Add in flour-spice mixture, 1 cup at a time, blending until fully incorporated.
• Divide the dough in half; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least one hour or until firm.
• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove and unwrap 1/2 the dough on a lightly-floured surface. Roll out to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Roll out scraps and repeat with remaining dough, re-chilling as necessary.
• Sprinkle with decorative colored sugar if desired; bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes.
• Cool on sheets or wire racks, frost if desired.
• Store in airtight container for up to one week.