Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, chopped dates, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and a sticky dough forms.

Form Cookies: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as they won’t spread much during baking.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes and Tips:

Texture Tips:

For a chewier cookie, use old-fashioned rolled oats. For a softer texture, opt for quick oats.

Ensure dates are soft and moist. If they’re too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry before chopping.

Binding Ingredients:

Use a ripe banana, applesauce, or an egg to bind the cookies together. These options keep the cookies moist and naturally sweet.

Flavor Additions:

Enhance flavor with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Mix-Ins:

Consider adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, shredded coconut, or dark chocolate chips for extra nutrition and variety.

Make Ahead:

These cookies are perfect for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Size:

This recipe typically yields 12-15 cookies.

Enjoy 2-3 cookies for a balanced breakfast or 1-2 cookies for a satisfying snack.

Health Benefits:

Dates:

A great source of natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide a quick energy boost and support digestive health.

Walnuts:

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts promote heart and brain health and provide healthy fats for sustained energy.

Oats:

High in fiber (especially beta-glucan), oats can help regulate cholesterol levels and keep you feeling full longer.

No Refined Sugar:

Naturally sweetened with dates and/or bananas, making these cookies a healthier alternative to traditional sugary snacks.

These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are nutritious, delicious, and perfect for busy mornings or guilt-free snacking!