# Components:
→ Pie Crust
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
→ Chai Spice Blend
06 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 - 1 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Filling
13 - 3/4 cup apple butter
14 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon chai spice blend
→ Egg Wash
16 - 1 large egg
17 - 1 tablespoon milk
→ Topping
18 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
19 - 1/2 teaspoon chai spice blend
# Method:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Incorporate cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Add ice water slowly, mixing just until dough begins to hold together.
02 - Divide the mixture into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
03 - In a small bowl, thoroughly combine ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper. Reserve for use in filling and topping.
04 - Stir together apple butter, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of chai spice blend until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
05 - Set oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter to create circles. Repeat with the remaining dough disc.
07 - Place half of the dough rounds onto the prepared baking sheets. Spoon 1 teaspoon of apple butter filling into the center of each. Prepare egg wash by whisking egg and milk together. Brush edges of each round with egg wash. Top with remaining dough rounds and seal edges with a fork.
08 - Brush tops of each cookie with egg wash. Mix granulated sugar and remaining chai spice blend; sprinkle over cookies for aromatic crust.
09 - Cut a small slit or poke steam holes in the tops of each cookie before baking. Place baking sheets in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until cookies are golden brown.
10 - Remove cookies from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before serving.
