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 gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply indulging on a cozy evening. With their rich flavors of brown butter and warm chai spices, they offer a unique twist on traditional oatmeal cookies. The thick, chewy texture paired with a sweet maple glaze makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chai spices creates a warm, comforting taste that is hard to resist.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the balance of crisp edges and a chewy center in every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday cookie swaps, parties, or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea.
• Easy to Bake: Simple steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The maple glaze adds an elegant finish that impresses everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will help you create these delicious cookies without any hitches.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Perfect for efficiently combining ingredients to achieve a fluffy batter.
• Medium skillet: Essential for browning the butter, which enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

To make your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze, you’ll need the following 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 while swirling the pan or gently stirring to prevent burning. Once it turns a rich amber color, remove from heat and transfer to a stand mixer bowl.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide cooled cookie dough into 18–20 balls (approximately 3 tablespoons each). Place them on prepared sheets spaced 2–3 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Bake one sheet at a time for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden and tops feel set. Remove from oven and allow cooling completely before icing.

Step 6: Make Maple Chai Glaze

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, chai spice blend, vanilla extract, kosher salt, maple syrup, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more cream if too thick.

Step 7: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, dunk the tops of each cookie into the maple chai glaze for generous coating.

Step 8: Set and Serve

Let iced cookies sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. These cookies pair beautifully 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 and make them even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these cookies.

Pair with Tea

• Chai Tea: Enhance the chai flavors in the cookies by serving them with a warm cup of chai tea.
• Earl Grey: The bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea complement the spices in the cookies beautifully.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the spice of the cookies with its creamy sweetness.
• Coconut Sorbet: For a dairy-free option, coconut sorbet adds an exotic twist.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Include a variety of your favorite cookies for a colorful dessert spread.
• Fruit Compote: Serve alongside fresh or roasted fruits to add a refreshing contrast.

Snack on Them Straight Up

• With Coffee: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack with your favorite brewed coffee.
• On Their Own: They are delicious enough to be savored solo, perfect for any time of day!

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

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Brown Butter: Browning the butter enhances the nutty flavor and gives depth to your cookie dough.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes helps develop flavors and improves texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep your cookies chewy.
• Scoop Evenly: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring even baking and consistent results.
• Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary; check for golden edges and set tops but don’t overbake!
• Glaze Generously: Dunking or drizzling extra glaze adds sweetness and makes each cookie irresistible.

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

While these cookies shine on their own, they can also be paired with delightful side dishes. Here are some excellent options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
2. Nutty Granola: Serve alongside crunchy granola for added texture and flavor in every bite.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a creamy side dish that complements the cookies well.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a savory counterpoint to sweet flavors.
5. Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm drink infused with spices ties together the cozy themes of chai and oatmeal.
6. Honey Drizzled Ricotta: Spread ricotta on toast with honey for an elegant side that balances sweetness and creaminess.
7. Herbal Infused Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cuts through sweetness while enhancing flavor notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even experienced bakers make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when 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 reaches a dark amber hue for depth.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Combine ingredients just until they’re incorporated for a tender texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the resting period can result in flat cookies. Allow the dough to cool for 10-15 minutes before baking to maintain thickness.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature affects cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Ignoring measurements: Baking is precise; using incorrect ingredient amounts can ruin your cookies. Measure ingredients carefully, especially flour and oats.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm cookies for around 3-4 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about these delicious cookies, read on!

How do I make Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or your favorite chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have chai spice blend?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Adjust ratios based on your taste preference.

How should I store leftover maple glaze?

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about a week; simply re-whisk before using again.

Final Thoughts

Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or swapping spices according to your taste. Bake these treats during holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons—they’re sure to impress!