Zingerman's Big O Cookies

Years ago, while on our way to Canada, we drove through Ann Arbor and made a quick stop at Zingerman's Bakehouse for coffee and treats. It wasn't a spontaneous stop. I was already familiar with their catalogue and had been looking forward to visiting their home base for Magic Brownies and coffee cake samples. It was a lively place. I remember thinking how nice it would be to live in Ann Arbor and be able to go to Zingerman's anytime.

Luckily, I do have a friend who lives near Zingerman's. She's a fan too, and was nice enough to buy me a signed copy of the Zingerman's Bakehouse cookbook. So far I've tried the Tunisian Orange Olive Oil Cake, the Boston Cream Pie (which is somewhat over the top considering they put a layer of buttercream between the cake and the chocolate glaze) and the Zingerman's Big O Cookies.

Big O -- The O Stand for Oatmeal

Big O Cookies (the O stands for oatmeal) have been on Zingerman's menu for over 20 years. What makes them special is a mixture of maple syrup and brown sugar for extra chewiness, along with a good amount of raisins. Zingerman's uses Flame raisins, but any raisins will work. I really like them with golden raisins or a mix of golden and Flame. Zingerman's leaves out the nuts. Personally, I think a handful of walnuts is a great addition, and adding a little more cinnamon wouldn't hurt. But with or without those additions, this is a good oatmeal cookie recipe.

• Zingerman's Magic Brownies Clone
• Tunisian Orange Olive Oil Cake
• Butter Brickle Biscotti
• Eggnog Flavored Cheesecake Bars
• Large Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe

Zingerman’s Big O Cookies

Spicy, chewy, oatmeal cookies sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Cooling 20 minutes mins

Total Time 53 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20

Ingredients

 

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (250 grams)
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar (154 grams) -- 154 grams is the weight the book gives.
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (172 grams)
• 1 large egg (54 grams)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (256 grams)
• 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats 300 grams
• 2 ¾ cups raisins
• ½ cup walnut pieces

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the maple syrup, scraping sides of the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until blended.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then add to the butter mixture and stir util blended. Stir in oats, raisins and nuts (if using).
• Divide dough into about 20 to 21 balls and arrange on parchment lined baking sheets. Flattento ½ inch disks. Alternatively, arrange your dough balls on dinner plates lined with plastic wrap and cover and chill until ready to bake.
• Bake cookies 15-17 minutes (will take slightly longer with cold dough), rotating the sheets halfway through, until golden brown and just barely set in the middle. Let cool completely. You can let them cool completely on the tray for chewier cookies or let them cool briefly on the tray and transfer to a wire rack.

Keyword Chewy Maple, Chewy Oatmeal

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