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Oatmeal-Date Smash Cookies

Oatmeal-Date Smash Cookies
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Oatmeal-Date Smash Cookies combine wholesome rolled oats and naturally sweet Medjool dates to create a chewy, soft, and flavorful cookie. These easy-to-make treats use simple pantry staples and offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness, hearty texture, and warm spices. Ideal as a snack, dessert, or quick breakfast option, these cookies are customizable, healthy, and suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup Medjool dates, finely chopped or pulsed into a paste
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan version)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan version)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your dates and oats: Finely chop or pulse the Medjool dates in a food processor to create a sticky paste that will blend well into the dough and provide natural sweetness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and have the oats ready.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture and highlights the caramel notes of the brown sugar.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and rolled oats to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  5. Bring it all together: Slowly fold the oat mixture into the wet ingredients, then gently fold in the chopped date paste. The dough will be sticky and thick, containing chunks of oatmeal and sweet dates.
  6. Shape and bake: Spoon cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash each mound with the back of a spoon to flatten and compact them. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but the center remains soft.
  7. Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This preserves their chewy texture and prevents crumbling.

Notes

  • Use soft Medjool dates for best moisture and caramel flavor.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and chewy.
  • Press cookies flat before baking for the signature smash texture with crispy edges and a soft center.
  • Remove cookies from oven as soon as edges turn golden to avoid drying out.
  • Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins—just don’t overload to maintain chewiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: oatmeal cookies, date cookies, chewy cookies, healthy cookies, gluten-free cookies, vegan cookie option, homemade cookies, snack cookies

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/oatmeal-date-smash-cookies/