Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for baking cookies, allowing them to cook evenly. While the oven is heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silpat to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of baking soda, ½ tsp of salt, and ½ tsp of ground cinnamon. This dry mixture is crucial because it ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, which leads to perfectly baked cookies.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter and ½ cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
Add in 1 large egg, followed by ½ cup of pure maple syrup, ¼ cup of unsweetened apple sauce, and ½ tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
Now, gradually stir in the flour mixture you prepared earlier using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want to see no streaks of flour but not too much mixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
Next, fold in 2 cups of rolled oats, ½ cup of raisins, and ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts. The oats will create that chewy texture we love, while the raisins and walnuts add bursts of flavor and crunch.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each one as they’ll spread during baking.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn light brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; they’re worth the wait!