Description
Oatmeal-Date Smash Cookies offer a chewy, soft texture combined with the natural caramel sweetness of Medjool dates and hearty rolled oats. This simple, wholesome cookie recipe is perfect for snacking any time of day, featuring natural sweetness, a lightly crisp edge, and the option to customize with nuts, spices, or gluten-free alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) or seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds for nut-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (for spiced version)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Date Paste: Soak Medjool dates in warm water for about 10 minutes until softened. Drain and mash vigorously into a sticky paste that will act as a natural sweetener and binder.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together softened butter or coconut oil with brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Blend in the vanilla extract and the prepared date paste until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt for even distribution. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients.
- Fold and Shape: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until evenly incorporated. Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press each mound lightly to form thick cookie discs.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft and chewy. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use soft, fresh dates for better mashing and binding.
- Don’t overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Underbake slightly to retain a soft, chewy center.
- Experiment with old-fashioned or quick oats to adjust texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg