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 you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying an afternoon tea. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with warm masala chai spices creates a comforting treat. The thick texture and sweet glaze make them unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Flavor: The infusion of chai spices in the cookie dough adds warmth that’s perfect for colder months.
• Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp edges.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just a special snack with your cup of tea or coffee.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies!
• Deliciously Iced: The maple glaze not only adds sweetness but also enhances the overall flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything on hand will make your baking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Perfect for mixing ingredients quickly and efficiently, ensuring a well-combined dough.
• Medium skillet: Allows you to brown the butter properly, enhancing the flavor of your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing together.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking cookies on sheets.

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

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the stand mixer bowl with the browned butter, add both sugars. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Stir well. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until combined. Allow the 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 your slightly cooled cookie dough into 18–20 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Place them on prepared sheets spaced 2–3 inches apart and gently flatten each ball 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 before icing.

Step 6: Make Maple Chai Glaze

As cookies cool, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a large bowl until you achieve a thick yet pourable consistency. Adjust with more heavy cream if needed.

Step 7: Ice Cookies

Once cookies have cooled down completely, dunk their tops into the maple chai glaze for generous coverage.

Step 8: Let Set Before Serving

Allow iced cookies to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea—enjoy!

With these easy steps you will have delicious Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze ready in no time!

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

These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Tea: The warm spices in the cookies complement a cup of chai or herbal tea beautifully.
• Coffee: A rich coffee pairs well, balancing the sweetness of the maple glaze.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, enjoy these cookies alongside a mug of hot chocolate.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Sweets: Combine these cookies with other baked goods like brownies and blondies for variety.
• Fresh Fruits: Add sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
• Cheese Selection: Soft cheeses like brie work wonderfully for an elegant touch.

Serve at Gatherings

• Cookie Swap: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges; they are sure to impress!
• Birthday Parties: Include them as part of your dessert table for an unforgettable treat.

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

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your cookies, follow these tips.

• Brown Butter: Make sure to properly brown the butter until it reaches a deep amber color; this enhances the nutty flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to cool before baking will yield thicker cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; remove them when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality spices and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your maple glaze is too thick, add more heavy cream until you reach your desired pourable consistency.

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

These cookies can be enhanced by pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Chai-Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts tossed in chai spices bring out the flavors in the cookies while adding crunch.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert pairing.
3. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel over the cookies adds extra sweetness and richness.
4. Fresh Berries – Strawberries or raspberries can provide a tart contrast that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a lighter side option that balances out dessert richness.
6. Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites can add a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with oatmeal cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can derail your efforts. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always allow the butter to come to room temperature before starting.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip letting the dough cool, your cookies may spread too much during baking. Allowing it to chill helps maintain their thickness.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the texture. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Overbaking the cookies: Cookies should be golden at the edges but soft in the center. Remove them from the oven as soon as they look set.
• Forgetting to preheat the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects cookie texture. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Using quick oats will change the texture. Rolled oats provide that chewy consistency that’s essential for this recipe.

How do I make my cookies thicker?

Chilling the dough before baking is key. This prevents excessive spreading and helps retain thickness during baking.

Can I substitute other spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace chai spices with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile while keeping it delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftover maple glaze?

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk again before using.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Seriously Thick & Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Glaze are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. Their rich flavors and chewy texture make them irresistible, while customization options let you personalize each batch. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!