Step 1: The Lipid Creaming Method
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and vegetable oil together.Step 2: Sugar Integration
Add the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and the egg. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is pale and creamy (approx. 2 minutes).Step 3: The "Swiftie" Spice Hack
Cut open your chai tea bag and dump the loose tea leaves directly into the wet batter. Add the vanilla extract. Mix to combine.Step 4: Dry Ingredient Folding
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients in two parts. Mix on low speed until just combined.Step 5: The Chill Factor
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.Step 6: Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in sugar (optional extra crunch), and flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake for 9-11 minutes.Step 7: The Signature Glaze
While cookies cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Once cookies are completely cool, spoon the glaze over them.Why this works: Combining butter (flavor) and oil (texture) is a professional bakery technique that ensures the cookie is both rich and soft.Visual Cue: The mixture should look like light mayonnaise. This stage incorporates air, which is crucial for a light crumb.Actionable Tip: Use a high-quality spiced chai (like Tazo or Twinings). If the tea leaves look large or twiggy, crush them slightly with the back of a spoon before adding to avoid woody textures.Warning: Stop mixing as soon as the white streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, turning your tender Taylor Swift Cookies into tough biscuits.The Science: Chilling allows the flour to hydrate fully and the tea flavor to diffuse into the fat. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven.Doneness Test: The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.Style Tip: Let the glaze drip down the sides for that rustic, homemade look that Taylor often showcases on Instagram.
