Taylor Swift’s Chai Cookies… But Better (With a Sourdough Twist)

Taylor Swift’s Chai Cookies… But Better (With a Sourdough Twist)

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If you’ve seen Taylor Swift’s famous chai sugar cookies, you already know the hype.

But we’re taking them one step further…

✨ browned butter for rich, nutty depth
✨ coconut oil for that soft, chewy texture
✨ sourdough discard for next-level flavor

And the result?

👉 Soft centers
👉 Slightly crisp edges
👉 Warm, cozy chai flavor in every bite

These are the kind of cookies that disappear fast… so maybe make a double batch 😉

🥖 Why You’ll Love This Version

This isn’t just a copycat—it’s an upgrade.

  • Sourdough adds depth (not sourness)
  • Browned butter brings rich bakery flavor
  • Coconut oil keeps them soft for days
  • Chai spices = cozy fall vibes anytime

👉 Basically… your favorite chewy cookie meets chai latte energy ☕

🧾 Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 85g (6 tbsp) browned butter
  • 60g (¼ cup) coconut oil, melted & cooled
  • 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 50g (¼ cup packed) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120g (½ cup) sourdough discard (unfed)

Dry Ingredients

  • 280g (2 cups) flour
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 chai tea bag (or ~2 tsp loose chai spices)

☕ Optional (But Highly Recommended): Chai Infusion

For deeper flavor:

  1. Warm the coconut oil slightly
  2. Cut open the chai tea bag
  3. Let it steep in the oil for 5–10 minutes
  4. Cool before using

👉 This makes the chai flavor POP instead of getting lost

🥣 Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

Melt butter over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.

Let cool slightly.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a bowl:

  • Browned butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Granulated + brown sugar

Mix until smooth.

Add:

  • Egg
  • Vanilla
  • Sourdough discard

Mix until fully combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Chai (if not infused)

Add to wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

❄️ Chill the Dough (Don’t Skip This!)

👉 Minimum: 2 hours

👉 Best: overnight

This step:

  • Prevents spreading
  • Deepens flavor
  • Creates that chewy texture

🍪 Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Scoop 2 tbsp dough balls
  3. Roll lightly and gently flatten
  4. Sprinkle with sugar

Bake 9–10 minutes

👉 Edges set, centers soft = perfect

🔥 Pro Tip (Bakery Secret)

Right out of the oven:

👉 Gently tap the pan on the counter

This creates:
✨ wrinkly edges
✨ soft, dense centers

🍯 Optional Glaze

If you want that classic chai cookie look:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk
  • Splash vanilla

Drizzle over cooled cookies.

🥖 Sourdough Tips

  • Your discard should be unfed
  • This recipe adds flavor, not sourness
  • Don’t overbake—this is key for softness

⚡ Troubleshooting

Cookies spread too much?
→ Chill longer

Too cakey?
→ Slightly reduce flour next time

Not chewy enough?
→ Pull them out earlier

💛 Final Thoughts

These cookies are everything you want in a cozy bake:

Soft. Chewy. Rich. Perfectly spiced.

And that little sourdough twist?

👉 That’s what takes them from good to unforgettable.

DOWNLOAD the Recipe HERE

🍂 Ready to Bake Like a Pro?

I've gathered all my favorite sourdough tools — from whisks and bannetons to enamel Dutch ovens — to make your baking magical.
👉 Grab Your Sourdough Baking Essentials Here

Want More Sourdough Magic?

If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out these other fall favorites on the blog:

Sticky Toffee Sourdough Pudding

Sourdough Challah Bread

Gruyere Apricot Sourdough Bread

Grandma's Classic White Bread Reimagined As Sourdough

And don’t forget — I’ve put together everything you need to bake amazing sourdough bread all in one place.

Bake in Style with My Sourdough Sorcery Aprons

If you're going to make a little floury magic in the kitchen, you might as well do it in style. My Sourdough Sorcery aprons are designed for comfort, durability, and a touch of sourdough charm while you bake.

✨ Check out the aprons here and bring a little extra sorcery to your kitchen.

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