Date Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy and flavorful date oatmeal cookies with nuts, perfect for a comforting snack or dessert. They combine sweet dates, hearty oats, and crunchy nuts for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together thoroughly the first five ingredients: shortening, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Sift together the flour, soda, and salt, then stir into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in oats, chopped dates, and chopped nuts.
- Chill the dough.
- Roll into balls the size of large walnuts.
- Place 3 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball to 1/4 inch with the bottom of a floured glass.
- Bake until lightly browned at 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you don't have chopped dates, raisins or dried cranberries can work well too. To enhance the texture, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Date Oatmeal Cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a complete dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of Roquefort Ranch Dressing as a unique twist. They also make a great addition to any cookie platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 173 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan Date Oatmeal Cookies by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based shortening or coconut oil instead of regular shortening. Make sure to check that your brown sugar is vegan-friendly, as some brands use bone char in processing.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, try slightly underbaking them so they remain soft in the center. Additionally, using more oats or adding a tablespoon of molasses can enhance the chewiness. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
What can I use instead of nuts if there are allergies?
If there are nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which add a nice crunch without the allergen. You can also increase the amount of oats or add coconut flakes for extra texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).