Maple Walnut Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, nutty, and sweet. With the warm flavor of real maple syrup and the crunch of walnuts, these cookies are your next favorite treat. Perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, they'll surely become a family favorite.
Butter: Provides richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the cookies. Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements maple syrup.
Maple syrup: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor. Always opt for real maple syrup for the best taste.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add structure to the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a subtle warmth.
All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure for the cookies.
Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise properly, giving them the right texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Rolled oats: Add a chewy texture and make the cookies hearty and filling.
Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with maple.
These cookies are delightful with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. For a festive touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra maple syrup.
First things first, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes for an easy clean-up and ensures your cookies don't stick.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until the mixture is light and fluffy. You'll know it's ready when it looks pale and well combined.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely hint of warmth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
Now, fold in the rolled oats and walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the cookies get their hearty texture.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give them a little space as they'll spread a bit while baking.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.