January Bliss Maple Dream Cookies (Print Version)

A cozy blend of oats, raisins, and maple syrup with warming spices for satisfying winter moments.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Mix-ins

12 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
13 - 1 cup raisins
14 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
06 - Gently fold in rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
07 - Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness that makes these cookies feel special without being over-the-top.
  • They're chewy in the center with crispy edges, the kind of texture that keeps you reaching for just one more.
  • They're easy enough to throw together on a weeknight but fancy enough to share with people you actually like.
02 -
  • Baking time is the difference between chewy and hard, so start checking at eleven minutes and know your oven's personality.
  • Softened butter is non-negotiable; cold butter won't cream properly and your cookies will be dense instead of tender.
  • Pure maple syrup isn't just flavor; it's also moisture that keeps these cookies soft for days in an airtight container.
03 -
  • Soak raisins in hot water for five minutes before folding them in to plump them up and add moisture to every bite.
  • Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the creamed butter and sugar, creating a better texture throughout the dough.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to portion dough evenly so all your cookies bake at the same rate and look uniform on the plate.