Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Kick off baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze! These delightful cookies blend the comforting flavors of brown butter and masala chai spices, making them a perfect treat for cookie swaps or an afternoon tea. With their thick texture and chewy centers, topped with a sweet maple glaze, these cookies are bound to impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich brown butter and warm chai spices creates a unique taste that’s both cozy and satisfying.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy thick, chewy cookies with crisp edges that offer a delightful bite in every piece.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a delicious snack throughout the week.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up any time.
- Decadent Glaze: The maple chai glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness, making these cookies even more special.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Medium skillet
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Ensures your dough is mixed thoroughly without much effort.
- Medium skillet: Perfect for browning the butter, which enhances the flavor of your cookies.
- Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple trays of cookies at once.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White Organic All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend (see Recipe Notes)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Maple Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend (see Recipe Notes)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream
How to Make Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Add the butter to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes, swirling or gently stirring to prevent burning. Once it’s browned and has a dark amber hue, remove it from heat and transfer it to a stand mixer bowl.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In the bowl with the browned butter, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using the paddle attachment on medium-high speed, beat for 2–3 minutes until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until evenly blended.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients in 2–3 batches. Mix just until combined. Set aside to cool slightly for about 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cooled cookie dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Space them 2–3 inches apart on the prepared sheets and flatten slightly into discs.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Bake one sheet at a time for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden and tops are set. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks before glazing.
Step 6: Make Maple Chai Glaze
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until you reach a thick yet pourable consistency. Adjust thickness if needed by adding more heavy cream.
Step 7: Ice Your Cookies
Once cooled, dunk the tops of each cookie into the maple chai glaze for generous coverage.
Step 8: Let Set & Enjoy
Allow glazed cookies to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed with coffee or tea!
How to Serve Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Serving your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze can elevate your baking experience. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or an afternoon treat, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: Pair the cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect morning pick-me-up.
- Chai Tea: Complement the chai flavors in the cookies with a warm cup of chai tea for an extra touch of spice.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside rich hot chocolate for a decadent treat.
As a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment: Create a dessert platter featuring various cookies for guests to sample different flavors.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches, adding a scoop of your favorite flavor in between.
- Fruit Garnish: Serve the cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
For Special Occasions
- Holiday Gatherings: Present these cookies on festive trays during holiday celebrations.
- Tea Parties: Include them as part of a sophisticated tea party spread, offering guests an elegant treat alongside finger sandwiches.
How to Perfect Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
To achieve the best results with your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze, consider these helpful tips.
- Butter Browning: Make sure to cook the butter until it reaches a deep amber color. This enhances the nutty flavor.
- Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to cool slightly before baking helps maintain thickness and chewiness in each cookie.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality spices and pure maple syrup for the best flavor in both the cookies and glaze.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is at 350 degrees F; an oven thermometer can help verify accuracy.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the chai spice blend according to your taste preferences for more warmth or sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your delicious cookies can enhance their appeal. Here are some fantastic options that complement their flavors well.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies or serve on the side for added indulgence.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides texture and pairs nicely with the chewy cookie consistency.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create a savory contrast to sweet flavors.
- Berries Compote: A homemade berry compote adds tartness and freshness that brightens up each bite.
- Spiced Tea Cake: Serve slices of spiced tea cake alongside for an additional layer of cozy flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze, even small errors can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the butter can result in a lack of rich, nutty flavor. Make sure to take the time to brown it properly.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour.
- Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the cookie dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Using incorrect measurements: Being imprecise with ingredients can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
Can I substitute ingredients in this cookie recipe?
Yes, you can substitute different types of sugar or use gluten-free flour as needed, but be mindful that it may alter the texture.
How do I adjust the spices in my chai oatmeal cookies?
Feel free to add more or less of your preferred spices based on your taste. Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun!
What is the best way to store these cookies?
For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I make these cookies without maple glaze?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the maple glaze adds an extra layer of flavor.
How long does it take to prepare these chai oatmeal cookies?
The total time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep and bake time, making them perfect for a cozy baking session.
Final Thoughts
Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not just delicious; they offer a wonderful balance of flavors that makes them perfect for any occasion. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. This recipe is versatile and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
Description
Kick off your baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze. These cookies combine the rich flavors of brown butter and warm chai spices, creating a delightful treat perfect for cookie swaps, afternoon tea, or cozy gatherings. With their thick texture, chewy centers, and sweet maple glaze, these cookies are sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a skillet until dark amber. Let cool.
- In a mixer, combine browned butter with sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, chai spices, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape dough into balls and flatten slightly on sheets; bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
- Whisk glaze ingredients to desired consistency; dunk cooled cookies in glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
