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 are perfect for holiday cookie swaps or pairing with your afternoon tea. With a unique blend of rich, nutty brown butter and warm masala chai-inspired spices, these cookies offer a cozy flavor experience. Their thick texture and perfectly chewy center make them stand out, especially when topped with a sweet chai maple glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a warm and inviting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy thick cookies with crisp edges and a chewy center that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or just because you crave something sweet.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Irresistible Glaze: The chai maple glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for combining ingredients evenly without much effort.
• Medium skillet: Used for browning butter, enhancing the flavor of the cookies significantly.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth glaze that coats your cookies perfectly.

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 browned to a dark amber color, remove from heat and transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer.

Step 2: Combine Sugars and Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 2–3 batches, mixing just until combined. Allow dough to cool slightly for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cookie dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Transfer them onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2–3 inches apart. Press down slightly on each ball to flatten it into a disc shape.

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 baking sheets before moving them.

Step 6: Make the Maple Chai Glaze

While cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, salt, maple syrup, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl. Adjust consistency if necessary by adding more cream.

Step 7: Ice the Cookies

Once cooled completely, ice each cookie by dunking its top into the maple chai glaze for a generous coating.

Step 8: Let Set Before Serving

Allow iced cookies to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious treats with coffee or tea!

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

These cookies pair wonderfully with various beverages and dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Chai Latte – Complement the chai spices in the cookies with a creamy chai latte.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat, perfect for winter evenings.
• Coffee – A classic pairing; the bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board – Include cheese varieties like brie or goat cheese alongside the cookies for a savory-sweet contrast.
• Fruit Medley – Fresh fruits like apples or pears can add freshness to your dessert spread.
• Mini Cupcakes – Offer mini cupcakes in various flavors for an appealing variety on your platter.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Chai Ice Cream – For a cohesive flavor experience, pair them with chai-flavored ice cream.

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

To make the best version of these delicious cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spices – Ensure your chai spice blend is fresh for maximum flavor impact.
• Chill the Dough – Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes can enhance texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out.
• Experiment with Mix-ins – Add nuts or chocolate chips to customize your cookie experience even further.

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

Pairing side dishes with these cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Nuts – Crunchy nuts seasoned with spices enhance the flavors in the cookies and provide a satisfying crunch.
2. Gingerbread Biscotti – These crunchy treats complement the warm spices beautifully and are perfect for dipping.
3. Pumpkin Pie Bites – Mini pumpkin pie bites add a seasonal touch that pairs well with chai flavors.
4. Caramel Sauce Dip – A sweet caramel dip offers an indulgent option for those who love extra sweetness.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels – Sweet and salty pretzels provide a fun contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.
6. Fruit Tartlets – Light fruit tartlets bring freshness that balances out the richness of oatmeal cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the browning process: Not browning the butter can result in a less rich flavor. Take the time to brown it until it’s a deep amber color for that nutty taste.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for a chewy texture.
• Not chilling the dough: If you skip letting the dough rest, cookies may spread too much during baking. Allow the dough to cool for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on a cookie sheet can lead to sticking or uneven baking. Line your sheets with parchment paper for best results.
• Rushing the glaze process: Applying glaze while cookies are still warm may cause it to melt off. Let cookies cool completely before glazing for better adherence.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• You can layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once, until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making these delicious cookies:

How do I make my chai oatmeal cookies thicker?

To achieve thicker cookies, chill your dough before baking and avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter, and almond flour can replace all-purpose flour if you’re gluten-free.

What is chai spice blend?

A chai spice blend typically includes spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Your cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the tops look set but still soft. They will continue cooking slightly after removing from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not just delightful; they’re versatile enough for any occasion! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon tea break, these cookies will impress everyone around you. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits according to your taste!