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 treats are perfect for holiday cookie swaps or enjoying with an afternoon cup of tea. Infused with rich, nutty brown butter and warm masala chai spices, these cookies have a thick, chewy texture that will warm your heart. Topped with a sweet chai maple glaze, they are sure to impress at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a unique taste that is both cozy and comforting.
- Perfect Texture: With crisp edges and a soft center, these cookies provide the ultimate chewiness in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime you crave something sweet.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, afternoon snacks, or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
- Fun to Decorate: The maple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes decorating fun!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your cookies, gather all necessary tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will 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 mixing the dough easy and efficient, helping to achieve the right consistency without much effort.
- Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly while preventing sticking when lined with parchment paper.
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 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 with a dark amber hue, remove from heat and transfer to a stand mixer bowl.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In the bowl with the browned butter, add both sugars. 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 well. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture in 2–3 batches; mix just until combined. Set aside the dough to cool slightly for about 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cooled cookie dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Space them 2–3 inches apart on prepared sheets. Press down slightly on each ball to flatten into discs.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake one sheet at a time for about 12–14 minutes until edges are golden and tops are set. Remove from oven and let cool completely on sheets.
Step 6: Prepare the Maple Chai Glaze
While cookies bake, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Adjust thickness if needed by adding more heavy cream for desired consistency.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once cooled, dunk tops of cookies into maple chai glaze for generous coating.
Step 8: Set Up 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
Serving your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze can elevate the experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these cookies.
With a Hot Beverage
- Tea Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of chai or herbal tea to complement the flavors.
- Coffee Delight: Pair with a rich coffee, whether it’s espresso or a creamy latte, for a delightful treat.
At a Gathering
- Cookie Swap: Bring these cookies to your next cookie swap; they are sure to impress!
- Dessert Table: Include them on a dessert table at parties or family gatherings for a cozy touch.
As a Snack
- Afternoon Treat: Enjoy one (or two!) as an afternoon pick-me-up alongside your favorite beverage.
- Lunchbox Addition: Add them to lunchboxes for a sweet surprise that kids and adults will love.
Gift Giving
- Homemade Gifts: Package them in decorative boxes or jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Holiday Favors: Use them as favors at holiday parties or events for guests to take home.
How to Perfect Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
To achieve the best results when making your cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Butter Browning: Ensure you brown the butter until it reaches a deep amber color for maximum flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill before baking helps enhance the cookie’s texture and flavor.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients, especially flour and oats.
- Oven Thermometer Check: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature using an oven thermometer for even baking.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be golden at the edges but soft in the center when done.
- Glaze Wisely: Apply glaze after the cookies have cooled completely for better adherence and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your delicious cookies can create an unforgettable taste experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warmth of the chai spices beautifully.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate with hints of cinnamon adds warmth and indulgence alongside your cookies.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of soft cheeses provides a savory balance that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of nutty trail mix can add crunch and healthy fats that make this pairing satisfying.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit can serve as a lighter alternative alongside your treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
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Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use kitchen scales for precision or leveling off dry ingredients with a straight edge.
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Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t blend well with sugars. Always start with room temperature or browned butter for a smoother dough.
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Over-mixing the dough: Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep them tender and chewy.
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Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spread while baking. Allow it to rest in the fridge for at least 10-15 minutes before scooping.
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Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct baking temperature.
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Not letting cookies cool properly: Cooling on the baking sheet can cause overcooking. Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after baking for perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds; this will soften them quickly.
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Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour in place of regular all-purpose flour for gluten-free Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.
How do I store leftover maple glaze?
Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1 week; simply whisk before using again.
What spices are best for chai flavor?
A good chai spice blend typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. You can adjust these spices based on your preference!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and set tops. The centers may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool, ensuring a chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea, you can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as they bake!
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 blend of nutty brown butter and warm masala chai spices, creating a comforting treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea. Each cookie features a thick, chewy texture and is drizzled with a sweet chai maple glaze for an irresistible finish. Simple to make with pantry staples, these cookies are not only delicious but also versatile—ideal for cookie swaps, afternoon snacks, or thoughtful homemade gifts.
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
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a skillet until dark amber; cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer, combine browned butter with sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, then gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets.
- Shape the dough into balls and flatten slightly on the sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden around the edges; cool completely.
- Prepare glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla, salt, maple syrup, and heavy cream.
- Dunk cooled cookies in glaze and let set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
