Date Cookies

These Date Cookies are sweet, soft, and chewy with a rich caramel-like flavor from dates and a touch of crunch from walnuts. Perfect for the holidays, these cookies are a wonderful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea even after the festivities are over. They are rich and buttery with a delightful fruity twist that's so good, you won't leave any crumbs behind!

Also known as nature's candy, dates are naturally sweet fruits that taste like a combination of caramel, figs, and honey. Their natural sugar makes them an excellent choice for baking treats like this recipe. They provide a rich and complex sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy walnuts and buttery cookie dough. It creates a contrast of chewy, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that no sane person could resist. The best part? Making these date oatmeal cookies is really simple, so you can whip them up for last-minute parties, family dinners, birthdays, or those mid-day cravings!

Why You'll Love this Date Cookie Recipe

• Quick and simple. Nothing beats a cookie that’s delicious yet easy to make. Combine the ingredients for the cookie dough, fold in the dates, oats, and walnuts, and bake for 12 minutes. It’s a ridiculously simple treat you can make at the last minute and enjoy without breaking too much sweat!
• Deliciously sweet. Dates have a caramel-like that doesn't taste too sweet, making them a perfect addition to these cookies. They have a unique flavor that pairs really well with the cookie dough and walnuts. So if you are looking for a cookie with a hint of fruity sweetness, then here’s the recipe for you.
• Chewy yet crunchy. Every bite of these soft cookies has an interesting combination of textures. The dates contribute to the chewiness while the walnuts add a nice crunch, making these cookies even more enjoyable as an afternoon snack or an after-dinner treat.
• Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a tea party or just want to bake some sweet treats for the house, sharing these freshly baked date cookies can make any holiday gathering warmer and sweeter. They also make great gifts for family and friends, so don’t forget to save some!

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy and delicious Date Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• all-purpose flour - this makes up the dough. Sift it well before using to avoid any lumping.
• baking soda - helps the cookies rise while making them softer to bite. You can replace one part of this with three parts of baking powder if you don’t have one.
• salt - for balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
• spices - we added spices including cinnamon and cloves to add warmth to these cookies.
• butter - gives a rich and creamy taste to the cookies. I prefer unsalted butter to control the amount of salt that comes into it.
• light brown sugar - you can replace this with dark brown sugar if you prefer a strong, caramel flavor.
• white sugar
• date syrup - this adds another touch of date flavor but if you cannot find a bottle, you can easily substitute 1:1 with brown sugar.
• egg - warmed to room temperature to help hold the cookies’ structure.
• vanilla extract - helps in bringing all the flavors together.
• dates - gives the cookies a chewy texture and a sweet, fruity taste. You can use chopped dates for an even distribution, or you can opt for pitted ones for a much chewier cookie.
• oats - adds a chewier texture to these cookies. It also gives the cookie a heartier texture with a load of healthy fibers.
• walnuts - chopped for added crunch.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large baking sheet, silicone baking mat or parchment paper, hand mixer or stand mixer, and wire cooling rack.

How to Make the Best Date Cookies

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium to large sized mixing bowl, add in flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisk well to combine, then set aside.

1. Combine wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar, and beat with an electric hand mixer until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the date syrup, egg, and vanilla, then beat again until smooth and fluffy.

1. Add dry to wet. Add in the flour mixture, then beat together until well-combined.

1. Add the mix-ins. Add in the chopped dates, chopped pecans, and rolled oats, then fold until well-dispersed.

1. Scoop cookies. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out your cookies onto a large parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place 6 cookie dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

1. Bake. Bake the cookies in a 350F preheated oven for 12-13 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to fully cool. Repeat baking in batches with remaining cookies.

How to Serve

Enjoy these delicious Date Cookies with a warm or cold beverage such as:

• Chai Tea Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Golden Milk Turmeric Latte
• Cold Brew Coffee
• Slow Cooker Apple Cider
• Homemade Iced Latte

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Date cookies will stay fresh on your counter for up to 5 days. Just make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to avoid them from getting stale.

How to Reheat

If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat a few in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 4 to 5 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds until warm and soft.

How to Freeze

I don’t recommend freezing the baked cookies as it can significantly affect their flavor and texture. But you can always freeze the raw cookie dough for later use. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to a month.

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