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 are a delightful blend of rich brown butter and warm chai spices, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. The combination of chewy texture and a sweet glaze elevates these cookies to a new level, ensuring they stand out at holiday cookie swaps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of chai spices and brown butter creates a warm, comforting taste that is hard to resist.
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies are thick and chewy, providing a satisfying bite that delights every time.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, tea time, or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch without any fuss.
- Stunning Presentation: The chai maple glaze not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies an appealing finish.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Medium skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes it easy to cream the butter and sugars together, ensuring they are well combined without much effort.
- Medium skillet: Perfect for browning the butter, which enhances its flavor by bringing out nutty notes.
- Baking sheets: Essential for placing the cookies while baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 gently stirring as it cooks to prevent burning. Once browned with a dark amber hue, remove from heat and transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer.
Step 2: Mix in Sugars
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl with the browned butter. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for about 2–3 minutes until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until well blended. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches; mix just until combined. Set aside for about 10–15 minutes to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cooled cookie dough into balls (18–20), about three tablespoons each. Space them on prepared sheets at least 2–3 inches apart. Flatten slightly into discs using your fingers.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Transfer one baking sheet at a time into the oven. Bake for approximately 12–14 minutes until edges are golden and tops are set. Remove from oven and repeat with remaining dough. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
Step 6: Make Maple Chai Glaze
While cookies bake, prepare glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, kosher salt, maple syrup, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl until thick yet pourable.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once cooled, dunk tops of each cookie into the maple chai glaze for generous coating. Place on wire racks until glaze sets.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Let iced cookies sit for at least ten minutes before serving. They pair perfectly with coffee or tea—enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Serving your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze can enhance the experience and delight your guests. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these cookies.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in chai perfectly.
- Chai Tea: For an authentic experience, pair them with a cup of chai tea to elevate the chai flavor.
- Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate balances the spiced notes of the cookies.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Cheese Board: Include these cookies alongside a variety of cheeses for a sweet-savory combo.
- Fruit Tart: Add a slice of fresh fruit tart for a refreshing contrast in flavors.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes for variety and visual appeal on your dessert table.
As Gifts
- Cookie Jars: Layer cookies in mason jars for a charming gift. Perfect for friends or family!
- Party Favors: Wrap individually and tie with twine for delightful party favors that guests will love.
How to Perfect Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Achieving the perfect cookie texture is key to enjoying these oatmeal delights. Here are some tips to help you out.
- Use Browned Butter: Browning butter adds depth and richness; be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Chill Dough: Letting the dough rest for at least 10 minutes helps develop flavors and improves texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement; too much can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them; remove when edges turn golden, as they continue cooking on the sheet.
- Experiment with Spices: Adjust the chai spice blend according to your taste preferences for unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your cookies can create a delightful meal or snack experience. Here are some great options.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop provides a creamy contrast to the chewy texture and spiced flavor.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and a savory element that complements the cookies well.
- Cheese Straws: These crispy snacks provide a savory counterpart, making every bite exciting.
- Hot Cider: A warm beverage like spiced apple cider enhances the cozy atmosphere while enjoying cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when trying to achieve that perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of while making Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
- Skipping the Browning Step – Not browning the butter can lead to a less rich flavor. Take the time to brown it until it’s a deep amber color for the best results.
- Overmixing the Dough – Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for chewy cookies.
- Using Cold Ingredients – Cold eggs or butter can affect how well they blend together. Ensure your butter is at room temperature and consider letting your eggs sit out for a bit.
- Not Measuring Properly – Improper measurements can ruin your cookie texture. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
- Baking on an Unprepared Sheet – Baking sheets should be lined or greased. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect crisp edge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Freeze cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- For best results, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
Can I substitute the butter?
You can use coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
What type of oats should I use?
For this recipe, old fashioned rolled oats work best as they provide the right chewiness and texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer less sweetness in your cookies.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover glaze?
Store any leftover maple chai glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Final Thoughts
These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not just delicious; they offer warmth and comfort with every bite. Perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or enjoying with tea, these cookies are versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Try them today and delight in their cozy flavors!
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 cookies are a delightful fusion of rich brown butter and aromatic chai spices, making them the perfect indulgence for cozy gatherings or a sweet complement to your afternoon tea. Their chewy texture and sweet glaze elevate them to a new level that is sure to impress at holiday cookie swaps.
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
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Heavy cream (for glaze)
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it turns dark amber. Transfer to a stand mixer.
- Mix in brown sugar and granulated sugar with the browned butter until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes, then preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Form dough into balls (about three tablespoons each) and space them on the prepared sheets. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, maple syrup, kosher salt, and heavy cream until thick yet pourable.
- Dunk cooled cookies in the glaze and allow to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
