Oatmeal Date Cookies

Oatmeal Date Cookies  |  03.03.16

On a trip to the grocery store a couple weeks ago, I came across a bag of dates and on impulse (as many of my grocery store purchases are) I bought them. I really love dates, but unless they’re sitting in front of me, I would never think about buying them. Thank you to whomever put them on sale right as you walk in the door. Score.

As soon as I got home I scoured the internet for a delicious recipe that I could incorporate dates into. This recipe (from Bake or Break) has been my favorite by far and one I’ll be putting into my regular rotation. To the tune of I ate the whole batch in about two days (thank goodness I only made a half batch). Oatmeal and dates are healthy, right? The cookie is really soft on the inside and has a bit of a crunch on the outside. It’s ultimate golden brown, yummy cookie perfection. 

Prep Time: 15 minutes       Cook Time: 14 minutes        
Yield: about 5 dozen (I made a half batch and it made about 22)

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried dates (chopped into 1/4 inch pieces)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat butter until smooth. 
Step 3: Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until smooth. 
Step 4: Add eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 5: Beat in vanilla. 
Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, dates, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
Step 7: Add flour mixture gradually to butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 8: Drop dough by tablespoonful onto ungreased baking sheets. 
Step 9: Bake 12-14 minutes, until golden brown. 
Step 10: Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool (or sample some while they’re still warm…soooo yummy!)

​That’s it folks! Such an easy recipe and absolutely delicious! Seriously, it’s now one of my favorites and perfect for those who want to like oatmeal raisin cookies, but don’t like the raisins. Enjoy!