Chai Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla-Cardamom Frosting

If you love the flavor of chai, these Chai Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla-Cardamom Frosting are a wonderful, quick treat! These bars combine the sweetness of sugar cookies with the warm flavors of chai spice. A vanilla-cardamom frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Best of all, this easy-to-make recipe starts with premade sugar cookie and cake mixes, making it a simple dessert to whip up. They're perfect for fall baking, holiday get-togethers, or simply enjoying on a cold day.

Ingredients

Chai Sugar Cookie Bars

• 1 pouch sugar cookie mix

• 1 box vanilla cake mix

• 3 teaspoons chai spice blend

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla-Cardamom Frosting

• 1 container (16 oz) premade vanilla frosting

• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping

• McCormick Orange Spice or Vanilla Finishing Sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, vanilla cake mix, and chai spice blend. Stir until evenly distributed.

3. Add the melted, slightly cooled butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for approximately 30 seconds, until the ingredients begin to combine. Increase to medium speed and beat for another minute, until a thick, uniform dough forms.

4. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or lightly greased hands, press the dough evenly into the pan, making sure to spread it into the corners.

5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

6. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

7. In a medium bowl, combine the premade vanilla frosting, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and blended.

8. Spread the vanilla-cardamom frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.

9. For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle the frosting lightly with Orange Spice or Vanilla Finishing Sugar.

10. Allow the frosting to set slightly before cutting into 24 bars.

Chai Spice Blend: Homemade Chai Spice Blend: I've included a link in the ingredients to the store-bought chai spice blend I used in this recipe. For readers who prefer to make their own, a homemade alternative can be prepared by combining 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon ground ginger, ⅜ teaspoon ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, and ⅛ teaspoon teaspoon ground allspice. This mixture makes the 3 teaspoons of chai spice needed for the recipe. Please note that I have only tested this recipe using the store-bought chai spice blend. The homemade version has not yet been tested, so the flavor and spice intensity may vary.