Maple Oat Chewies (Cookies)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Category: Drop Cookies
Servings: Makes about 48 cookies
Description:
These Maple Oat Chewies are a delightful treat that I discovered many years ago in a classic Pillsbury Bake-Off Cookbook. With their unique combination of a crispy yet chewy texture and a rich maple flavor, these cookies have become a family favorite. The balance between the sweetness of brown sugar and molasses, complemented by the comforting oats and a hint of maple extract, makes these cookies truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (or half butter, half margarine) | 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) |
| White sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 3/4 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oatmeal (old-fashioned rolled oats) | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 97.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.4 mg |
| Sodium | 73.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 9.1 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer, you can use a combination of butter and margarine for a slightly different texture. |
| 2 | Add the molasses, maple extract, and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are fully combined. |
| 3 | In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. |
| 4 | Stir in the oatmeal and crisp rice cereal. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. |
| 5 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. Using a spoon, drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. |
| 6 | Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden-brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them as they bake to prevent over-baking. |
| 7 | Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 8 | For optimal texture, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This will help preserve their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming too crisp. |
Tips & Variations
- Maple Flavor: If you don’t have maple extract, you can substitute with real maple syrup for a more natural maple flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
- Texture: These cookies are meant to have a chewy texture with a slight crispiness on the edges. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Add-ins: For a bit of variety, you can mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips. Just be sure to fold them into the dough gently to maintain the cookies’ texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and storing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls directly onto the baking sheet and bake at the same temperature—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage Suggestions
These Maple Oat Chewies store beautifully and can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra chewy, add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture. If you’d like to extend their freshness even longer, these cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped or placed in a sealed container to avoid freezer burn.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a batch for a family gathering, a cookie swap, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The delightful blend of maple and oats gives these cookies a timeless appeal that never goes out of style.
