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 any occasion, whether for holiday cookie swaps or a cozy afternoon tea. Infused with rich brown butter and warm chai spices, they deliver a uniquely comforting flavor. With their thick texture and chewy center, these cookies are truly irresistible when topped with a sweet maple glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy thick cookies with crisp edges and a chewy center that provide a satisfying bite.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday gatherings, tea time, or simply as an everyday snack.
• Easy to Make: Simple instructions make this recipe accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Delicious Glaze: The sweet chai maple glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the cookies beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment at hand will help you create the best Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort by mixing your ingredients evenly and efficiently.
• Medium skillet: Perfect for browning butter, which enhances the flavor of your cookies.
• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking by providing a sturdy surface for your cookie dough.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 or gently stirring 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 bowl with browned butter, add both sugars. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until well combined and slightly cooled. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt until combined. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients in 2–3 batches, mixing just until combined. Set aside for 10–15 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 4: 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 the prepared sheets. Slightly flatten the tops of each dough ball into discs.

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 repeat with remaining dough. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Make Maple Chai Glaze

While cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, kosher salt, maple syrup, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth; adjust consistency with more cream if needed.

Step 7: Ice the Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, dip or dunk their tops into the maple chai glaze for an even coating.

Step 8: Let Set Before Serving

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

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

Serving Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze can elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few delightful ideas to enjoy these cookies to their fullest.

Pair with Coffee

• A rich, dark coffee complements the warm spices of the cookies and enhances their flavor.

Enjoy with Tea

• Masala chai or herbal tea brings out the chai flavors in the cookies, making for a cozy pairing.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create a delightful ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla or chai ice cream between two cookies.

Gift Them

• Pack these cookies in a decorative tin as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.

Serve at Parties

• Arrange them on a platter at gatherings for an inviting dessert option that will impress your guests.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears for a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.

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

Perfecting your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Use brown butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that elevates your cookies significantly.

• Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest for 10-15 minutes helps develop flavors and leads to thicker cookies.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies chewy rather than tough.

• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on them while baking; slightly underbaked cookies will be softer and chewier.

• Glaze generously: Dunking each cookie into the glaze creates a deliciously sweet finish that complements the spices perfectly.

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

While Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze shine on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that pairs well with warm cookies, adding creaminess.

2. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.

3. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting flavor contrast.

4. Chocolate Fondue – A fun interactive dessert where you can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate.

5. Mini Cheesecakes – Small portions add elegance and richness to your dessert spread.

6. Chai Latte – Complement your cookie experience with this spiced drink that echoes its flavors.

7. Nut Mix – A savory snack option that offers crunch and saltiness against sweet cookies.

8. Dark Chocolate Bark – The bitterness of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with sweet chai spices in your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Not Browning the Butter Properly: Failing to brown the butter will miss out on the rich flavor that enhances these cookies. Make sure you swirl the pan and watch for a dark amber hue.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for that perfect chewy texture.
• Skipping Ingredient Temperature Checks: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well your dough combines. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or cold can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate before baking.
• Not Allowing Dough to Cool: If you bake the dough right after mixing, it may spread too much. Letting it cool for 10-15 minutes helps create thicker cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before glazing and add glaze once thawed.

Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Using quick oats can change the texture of your cookies, making them less chewy. It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe.

How do I make my chai spice blend?

You can make your own chai spice blend by mixing equal parts cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Adjust according to taste!

What can I substitute for maple syrup in the glaze?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can work as substitutes, though they will give a different flavor.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will create a delicious twist on these oatmeal cookies. Just fold them into the dough before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or different spices based on your taste preferences. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!