Use a thin, even spice layer; excess filling falls out of the spiral and can scorch on the pan.
A cinnamon, cardamom and ginger sugar ribbon winds through buttery dough for slim spirals with a distinct fragrant center.
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Chai Swirl Shortbread Spirals Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- rolling pin
- parchment
- knife
- baking sheets
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Mix butter, granulated sugar and flour into a dough.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Roll between parchment to a 9-by-12-inch rectangle.
Make the dough or filling
- Make the dough or filling: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger; sprinkle evenly, leaving a narrow bare edge.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Roll from the long side into a tight log, wrap and chill 2 hours.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Slice 24 rounds and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool without stacking.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Brush away loose flour before adding the spice sugar so the swirl adheres.
Technique & texture
Roll firmly but do not stretch the dough rectangle as you form the log.
Finishing & serving
Chill the log until rigid enough to slice without flattening the spiral.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 6 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 6 days. |
| Refrigeration | As described | No refrigeration needed once baked. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze the unbaked log up to 1 month. thaw slightly before slicing. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked spirals airtight up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw uncovered. keep the cookies flat until serving. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a chai tea blend?
A finely ground unsweetened spice blend can replace the measured spices in equal total weight.
Why does the filling spill out?
The layer may be too thick or the log too loose; use a thin sprinkle and roll snugly.
Can I make the log ahead?
Yes, refrigerate overnight or freeze wrapped for up to 1 month.
