Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Kick off baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze! These old-fashioned oatmeal cookies are infused with rich, nutty brown butter and warm masala chai-inspired spices for an extra-cozy flavor. Bake them into thick cookies with crisp edges and a perfectly chewy center, then finish with a sweet chai maple glaze. They’re the ultimate treat for holiday cookie swaps or an afternoon cup of tea!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy thick and chewy cookies that have crispy edges and a soft center, making each bite delightful.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to everyday snacks.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without stress.
- Glazed Goodness: The chai maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this yummy recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Medium skillet
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes combining ingredients effortless, ensuring your dough is smooth and well-mixed.
- Medium skillet: Perfect for browning the butter, which enhances the flavor of your cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking your cookies.
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 while swirling or gently stirring to prevent burning. Once the butter turns a dark amber hue, remove it from heat and transfer it to the bowl of a stand mixer.
Step 2: Mix Sugars with Butter
In the bowl with browned butter, add both sugars. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until well combined. The mixture should be slightly cooled. Then add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. Let the oatmeal cookie dough cool slightly for 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Use fingers to flatten each ball slightly into discs before placing them on prepared sheets spaced 2–3 inches apart.
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 them cool completely on racks before glazing.
Step 6: Make the Maple Chai Glaze
While cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking all listed ingredients in a large mixing bowl until smooth. It should have a thick but pourable consistency; adjust as needed with extra cream.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once cooled, dunk tops of cookies into maple chai glaze for full coverage.
Step 8: Let Set Before Serving
Allow iced cookies to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea—enjoy!
How to Serve Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
These cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
Pair with Tea
- Masala Chai: Complement the chai flavors in the cookies by serving them with a warm cup of spicy masala chai.
- Earl Grey: The bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Cheese Board Addition: Add these cookies to a cheese platter for a sweet contrast against savory cheeses.
- Mixed Sweets: Combine with other baked goods like brownies and fruit tarts for an engaging dessert display.
Enjoy with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top of a warm cookie creates a deliciously indulgent dessert.
- Chai-Spiced Ice Cream: For extra flavor, serve alongside chai-flavored ice cream that mirrors the spices in the cookies.
Coffee Companion
- Espresso: The rich intensity of espresso pairs perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their flavor profile.
- Cold Brew: For a refreshing twist, try cold brew coffee that won’t overpower the cookie’s spices.
How to Perfect Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
To achieve the best results when making these delectable cookies, follow these handy tips for perfecting your baking technique.
- Use Browned Butter: Start by browning your butter to add depth and richness to your cookies.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dry cookies; too much flour can lead to crumbliness.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 10-15 minutes helps improve texture and prevents spreading during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be golden at the edges but soft in the center for that chewy texture.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add more heavy cream gradually until you reach the desired pourable consistency.
- Let Cookies Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool completely before glazing for better adhesion of the glaze.
Best Side Dishes for Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
These oatmeal cookies can be served alongside various dishes to create a well-rounded meal or as part of an afternoon snack spread. Here are some delightful options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like aged cheddar that contrast nicely with the sweet chai flavors.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit; this makes for a light and nutritious side dish.
- Savory Scones: Offer some herb-infused scones or biscuits that provide a savory counterpoint to sweet cookies.
- Hot Cocoa: Serve with rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat during colder months.
- Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts can offer crunch and complementary flavors without overwhelming sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for while making your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
- Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter instead of browned butter can lead to cookies that lack depth of flavor. Always brown your butter until it’s a rich amber color for the best taste.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the cookie’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cool can affect baking times and cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Skipping cooling time: If you bake the cookies immediately after mixing, they may spread too much. Letting the dough chill allows it to firm up, resulting in thicker cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- You can freeze the glazed cookies as well; just ensure they are fully set before wrapping.
Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I achieve the perfect chewiness in my chai oatmeal cookies?
To get that chewy texture, don’t overbake your cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze?
Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter or substitute gluten-free flour if needed. Just keep in mind that these changes may affect flavor and texture slightly.
What types of oats should I use?
For these cookies, old-fashioned rolled oats work best as they provide structure and chewiness. Avoid quick oats as they might make the cookies more mushy.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly, these cookies will remain delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature and even longer if frozen.
Final Thoughts
These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are perfect for any occasion. Their cozy flavors make them ideal for holiday gatherings or a simple afternoon snack with tea. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Enjoy baking!
Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Description
Kick off your baking season with Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze! These delightful cookies blend rich, nutty brown butter and warm masala chai-inspired spices, resulting in an irresistible flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Each cookie features a thick, chewy center with crisp edges, finished off by a luscious chai maple glaze. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, afternoon tea, or simply indulging in a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a skillet until dark amber; cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer, beat browned butter with sugars until combined. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt in another bowl; gradually combine with wet ingredients.
- Chill dough for 10-15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Shape dough into balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with maple syrup and cream; dip cooled cookies into the glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
