There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned and comforting about a warm batch of Date & Walnut Cookies. Maybe it’s the chewy, caramel-like bits of dates tucked into every bite. Maybe it’s the soft crunch of toasted walnuts. Or maybe it’s the simple joy of knowing that yes—you can make something sweet and satisfying without refined sugar.
These cookies are a little rustic, a little nutty, and totally packed with flavor. They’re soft, gently spiced, and naturally sweetened with dates. Think cozy fall afternoon, mug of tea in hand, cookie in the other.
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Overview of Date & Walnut Cookies Recipe Content
What It Is
A soft, chewy cookie made with oat flour, chopped walnuts, and sweet dates. Lightly spiced and naturally sweetened—perfect for healthy snacking or a cozy dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
- Refined Sugar-Free: Naturally sweetened with soaked dates
- Hearty & Wholesome: Made with oat flour and healthy fats
- One Bowl Magic: Simple, easy-to-clean-up prep
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Just the right balance of tender and nutty
Taste & Texture
Sweet and nutty, with warm hints of cinnamon and soft chewiness from the dates. Walnuts bring texture and richness, making every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- ¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Tools Needed
- Food processor or blender (for dates)
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Substitutions & Additions
- Egg-Free: Replace egg with 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Nut-Free: Swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- Oat-Free: Try almond flour, though texture will be more crumbly
- Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest for a twist
How to Make Date & Walnut Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Blend Dates: In a food processor, blend soaked dates with oil until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the egg and vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine & Fold: Mix dry into wet. Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Scoop Cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly.
- Bake: 10–12 minutes, until golden on the edges. Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
What to Serve With Date & Walnut Cookies
- A cozy chai or herbal tea
- Greek yogurt or labneh for a creamy side
- Fresh fruit like apples, figs, or pears
- A drizzle of tahini or almond butter
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Soak Dates Well: Ensures a smooth, sweet paste
- Use Room Temp Egg: Helps everything mix evenly
- Don’t Overbake: These are best soft and chewy
- Toast Walnuts: Light toasting brings out their buttery flavor
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to a week
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months—just thaw and enjoy!
General Information
Date & Walnut Cookies have been a beloved sweetener in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts for centuries. This recipe honors that tradition with a modern twist—adding oat flour and heart-healthy oils to keep things simple, wholesome, and entirely snackable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use date paste instead of whole dates?
Yes, use about 1/3 cup date paste and reduce oil slightly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
They already are, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats!
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! These cookies are ready to bake as soon as you mix them.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use two trays or bake in batches.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, meal prepping healthy snacks, or just need a little bite of something naturally sweet—these Date & Walnut Cookies are a cozy, nourishing treat you’ll turn to again and again.
More wholesome favorites to try:
- Flourless Coconut Greek Yogurt Cake
- Carrot Raisin Oatmeal Yogurt Cake
- Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Interactive Elements Date & Walnut Cookies
Tried these? Tag me on Pinterest @poulefrecipe—I’d love to see how you enjoyed your cookies (with coffee, tea, or just in a quiet moment for yourself).
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Sugar | 8g (from dates) |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
Date & Walnut Cookies – Soft, Naturally Sweet, and Wholesomely Addictive
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These soft and chewy Date & Walnut Cookies are naturally sweetened and made with wholesome oat flour, warm cinnamon, and heart-healthy walnuts. Perfect for guilt-free snacking, tea time, or nourishing lunchbox treats!
Ingredients
-
1 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
-
½ tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp cinnamon
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
-
¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil
-
1 egg
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
-
In a food processor, blend soaked dates with oil until smooth.
-
Stir in the egg and vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until combined.
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Fold in chopped walnuts.
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Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
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Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
-
Use a flax egg for a vegan version.
-
Swap walnuts with pecans, seeds, or omit for nut-free.
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For a sweeter version, add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup.
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Store in fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
