Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the muffins the perfect baking environment.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and milk. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step helps soften the oats and gives the muffins a lovely texture.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
To the soaked oats and milk, add the vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are totally okay.
Now comes the fun part! Fold in the raisins, chopped dates, and walnuts. These add wonderful bursts of sweetness and crunch to every bite.
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups. Spoon the muffin batter evenly into each cup, filling them about 2/3 full.
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for around 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Grab a muffin, brew a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
