Spiced Oatmeal Crispies

The pepper is optional but good to add in, it compliments the other spices! Plan ahead the dough needs to chill for a minimum of 2 hours before baking or up to 24 hours, the dough may also be frozen if desired.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 48
• Yields: 4 doz (approx)

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons allspice
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper (you can add in up to 1/2 teaspoon for more of a kick!) (optional)
• 2  cups brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2  tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 -3  teaspoons  maple extract
• 2  large eggs
• 1  cup oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chopped walnuts (optional) or 1 1⁄2 cups pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Set oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly grease baking sheet/s.
3. In a bowl combine the flour with next 7 ingredients.
4. In another bow beat together 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter with brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
5. Add in eggs; beat until combined.
6. Add in the flour mixture and the oats; mix until just combined.
7. Mix in chopped nuts (if using).
8. Chill the dough for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
9. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking/cookie sheet (leave enough room between each cookie as these will spread while baking).
10. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crisp.
11. Cool in pan for 3 minutes then remove with a spatula to wire racks to cool.