If you’re a fan of oatmeal cookies and crave a little extra crunch and sweetness, these Nutty Maple Oatmeal Cookies are your next baking adventure. With a hint of maple syrup and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, they strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent.
Butter provides the rich, creamy base for the cookies, helping to keep them moist and flavorful. Brown sugar adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor, while granulated sugar ensures the right level of sweetness. Eggs bind everything together, creating a soft and chewy texture. A touch of maple syrup infuses each bite with a distinct, sweet aroma. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors, bringing them together harmoniously. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while a bit of baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a tender crumb. A little salt balances all the sweetness. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide that classic oatmeal cookie texture, and walnuts add crunch. Lastly, raisins bring chewy, fruity bursts of flavor.
These cookies are fantastic served with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea. For a fun dessert twist, try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread, providing a sweet counterpoint to savory dishes.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that nice golden edge. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy mixture, which means the sugars should be well incorporated and the butter should look slightly lighter in color. An electric mixer can speed up this process, but a sturdy hand mixer works just as well.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. This gradual incorporation helps to maintain that fluffy texture. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, which will give your cookies their unique flavor profile.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing, which can make your cookies tough.
Now, fold in the oats, walnuts, and raisins. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent bake. This is where the cookies get their hearty texture.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give each cookie a bit of space to spread as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown while the centers remain soft.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.