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Brown Butter Chai Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 148 reviews

These Brown Butter Chai Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat combining the warm, aromatic spices of chai with chewy oatmeal cookies and a luscious chai-spiced cream cheese frosting. The cookies are made with browned butter for a rich, nutty flavor and generously filled with a smooth, spiced cream cheese filling, making them perfect for any cozy occasion or celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Unbleached White Flour
  • 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Chai Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Melt the 1 cup of salted butter in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes until it bubbles, foams, and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. When brown bits start to appear and the butter is golden brown but not burnt, immediately remove from heat and transfer to a large, heat-safe bowl. Let it cool completely.
  2. Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients: Once the brown butter has cooled, whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Allow the dough to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Scoop and Bake Cookies: Preheat oven to 350℉. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges turn golden brown. Remove and allow cookies to cool completely on a rack.
  5. Prepare Chai Cream Cheese Frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and gradually mix in powdered sugar until incorporated. Add vanilla, spices (cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice), and salt, then beat for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and increase speed to high; beat for 1-2 minutes until frosting is smooth, light, and fluffy. Transfer frosting to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a snipped corner.
  6. Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Lay cooled cookies bottom side up on a cooling rack or baking sheet. Pipe a dollop of chai cream cheese frosting onto half of the cookies, leaving space near edges. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwich cookies. Serve at room temperature within 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Ensure the brown butter is cooled before mixing with sugars and eggs to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
  • Resting the dough allows the oats to hydrate and the flavors to meld, which improves texture.
  • The cookie dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking if desired for thicker cookies.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter to ensure smooth frosting without lumps.
  • Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
  • For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, adjusting baking times slightly.

Keywords: brown butter cookies, chai spiced cookies, oatmeal cookies, sandwich cookies, cream cheese frosting, chai spices