Name: Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats (96g); 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (30g); 1/2 cup chopped Medjool dates (85g); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup almond butter (60g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml); 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

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Who doesn’t love a little something sweet to start the day? These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are exactly what your mornings need. Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for them. Picture biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s bursting with natural sweetness from the dates, and then, just when you think it couldn’t get any better, you hit a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. All of this goodness is packed into a breakfast-friendly cookie that’s actually good for you. Yep, no guilt here! Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee or packing them for a busy day, these cookies are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and energy. You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe close—it’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s about creating a moment of joy in your busy morning. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any time of day, not just breakfast. Need a quick snack or a treat for your afternoon pick-me-up? These are the answer. You can even stash a batch in your freezer for those mornings when you just don’t have time to bake.
Packed with Nutrients: Dates and walnuts make for a winning combo, providing a natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars. Plus, you’re getting fiber, healthy fats, and a boost of energy to power through your day.
Quick and Easy: No need to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll have a batch of warm, fresh cookies in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe based on your preferences! Add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even some dried fruit for extra flavor. These cookies are the perfect base for experimenting with what you love.
Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with everyone—kids and adults alike. They’re sweet, hearty, and just the right balance of chewy and crunchy.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these breakfast cookies: they’re made with wholesome ingredients that not only taste amazing but are good for you, too! Let’s break it down:

Dates: These are the natural sweeteners of the cookie. Dates bring a deep, caramel-like sweetness, and they also help bind the dough together, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Walnuts: These provide that perfect crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour gives the cookies a slightly nutty taste and loads of fiber. It helps make these cookies more filling and keeps you satisfied.
Baking Powder: To give the cookies a little lift, ensuring they’re not too dense.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dates.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of honey or maple syrup adds a little extra sweetness and moisture to the dough, while still keeping the recipe on the healthier side.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and helps with the cookies’ structure, ensuring they hold up nicely after baking.
Coconut Oil (or Butter): A healthy fat that provides richness and helps the cookies bake to a golden perfection.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these easy, delicious cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and turn out golden brown.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), and egg. Mix until well combined. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
Add the Dates and Walnuts: Stir in the chopped dates and walnuts. They’ll add bursts of sweetness and crunch in every bite.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together.
Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to combine the ingredients.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can gently flatten them with your fingers, as they won’t spread too much during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. You want them to be slightly firm but still soft in the center.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies

These cookies are already perfect as they are, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:

With Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your morning coffee or tea for a cozy, satisfying breakfast. The warmth of the drink complements the softness of the cookies.
On-the-Go: These cookies are perfect for those mornings when you need a quick breakfast. Pack them in a container and take them with you to work or school.
With Yogurt: Crumble one or two of these cookies over a bowl of yogurt for a delightful, wholesome parfait. Top with fresh fruit for an added burst of freshness.
As a Snack: These cookies make for a great afternoon snack when you need a little energy boost.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Use Soft Dates: For the best texture, use soft, fresh dates. They’ll blend better into the dough and give the cookies that perfect chewy texture.
Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture and flavor.
Make a Double Batch: These cookies are so good, you’ll want to make a double batch! They freeze wonderfully, so make extra and enjoy them later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different nuts?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the walnuts for almonds, pecans, or even cashews. Each nut will give the cookies a different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A2: Yes! Simply swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Q3: Can I reduce the sugar?
A3: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, feel free to reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup. The dates themselves are naturally sweet, so you can adjust to your liking.

Q4: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
A4: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you prefer. However, whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor, so I recommend sticking with it for the healthiest option.

Q5: How do I store leftover cookies?
A5: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I freeze these cookies?
A6: Yes! Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

Q7: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A7: When the edges of the cookies turn golden brown and they feel firm to the touch, they’re ready. The centers may still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Q8: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A8: Yes! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze really well.

Q9: Can I substitute the coconut oil with something else?
A9: Yes! You can use butter, vegetable oil, or even almond butter as a substitute for coconut oil.

Q10: Can I add extra dried fruit to the cookies?
A10: Yes! Dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins would all work beautifully in these cookies. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they mix in evenly.

Conclusion

These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are more than just a delicious treat—they’re a breakfast game-changer. With their perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and chew, they’ll quickly become your go-to morning snack. Plus, they’re so easy to make and can be tailored to fit your preferences. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or grab one on your way out the door, they’re sure to make your mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier.