Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

Kick off baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze! These cookies blend rich, nutty brown butter with warm spices inspired by masala chai, creating a cozy treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday cookie swap or enjoying an afternoon cup of tea, these cookies will impress everyone with their thick, chewy texture and delightful flavor. The sweet chai maple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy cookies that are thick with crisp edges and wonderfully chewy centers.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings or casual afternoons, these cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly without much effort.
• Medium skillet: Ideal for browning butter, enhancing its flavor for the cookies.
• Whisk: Essential for combining the glaze ingredients to achieve a smooth consistency.

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 the pan or stirring gently to prevent burning. Once browned to a dark amber hue, remove from heat and transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs

In the stand mixer bowl with browned butter, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture in 2–3 batches, mixing just until combined. Set aside to cool slightly for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cooled cookie dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Transfer dough balls onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2–3 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball to flatten slightly into discs.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Bake one sheet at a time in preheated oven for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden and tops are set. Remove from oven and repeat with remaining cookie dough. Allow cookies to cool completely on sheets.

Step 6: Make Maple Chai Glaze

While cookies cool, prepare glaze by adding all listed ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth; adjust consistency as needed with extra heavy cream if too thick.

Step 7: Ice the Cookies

Once cooled, dunk tops of cookies into maple chai glaze for generous coating.

Step 8: Let Set Before Serving

Allow iced cookies to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them alongside your favorite coffee or tea!

How to Serve Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are delightful on their own, but they can be paired with various accompaniments for an even better experience. Here are some ideas for serving these cookies that will impress your guests and enhance your snack time.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies perfectly.
• Chai Tea: Enhance the chai flavor by pairing these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea.
• Hot Chocolate: A sweet, creamy hot chocolate creates a cozy treat alongside these cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
• Fruit Selection: Fresh fruits like pears or apples provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavors.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae twist.

For Special Occasions

• Gift Packaging: Package them in decorative boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts during holidays or special events.
• Cookie Swap Events: These cookies make an excellent choice for cookie exchange parties due to their unique flavors.

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How to Perfect Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind while baking.

• Use Browned Butter: This adds depth of flavor and a nutty aroma that enhances your cookies significantly.
• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough rest helps solidify the butter, promoting thick and chewy textures.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensuring correct measurements leads to consistent cookie results every time.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove them from the oven when edges are golden; they will continue to set as they cool.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: Ensure the maple glaze is thick but pourable; adjust it by adding cream gradually if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

Pairing side dishes with your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Board: A mix of soft and hard cheeses can create a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness that balances the richness of the oatmeal cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dipping pieces of cookie into warm chocolate creates an indulgent treat.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a wholesome option alongside your cookies.
5. Nut Mixes: Spiced or roasted nuts offer crunchiness that complements soft and chewy cookie textures.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over warm cookies for an extra sweet touch that is irresistible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the browning process: Not browning the butter can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to brown it for that nutty aroma.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain that chewy texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the resting period may cause cookies to spread too much. Allow 10-15 minutes for the dough to cool slightly.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at too high or low of a temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven correctly to 350 degrees F.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the cookie’s final texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• 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 bake for about 5-7 minutes for warm cookies.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these delicious cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How do I achieve the best texture in my Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze?

Ensure you follow the instructions closely, particularly when mixing and baking times. Properly browning the butter also adds great flavor and texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can use different sugars or add nuts and dried fruits according to your preference. Just keep in mind that substitutions may alter taste and texture.

What should I serve with my chai oatmeal cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them perfect for afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This could happen if your dough is too warm when placed on the baking sheet. Chill your dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Final Thoughts

These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not only delightful but also versatile! Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts. They make a perfect treat for any occasion, so give them a try!