Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies

Date-sweetened cookies are refined sugar-free, soft, chewy and deserving of a place on your go-to cookie recipe list! They will have you asking, “How are these only sweetened with fruit?”

These delicious cookies are lightly sweetened and nutrient-packed-- a perfect option for a hearty breakfast cookie. Make a few batches at one time so you can stock your freezer with a healthy grab-and-go breakfast option.

I love using dates in baking or to bring sweetness to many different foods such as marinades or smoothies.  Dates have many health benefits. They are a high source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. They are also full of antioxidants, high in fibre and a good source of iron.

You’re going to love these cookies and feel so good about sharing them with your friends and family. Enjoy!

If you're looking for more delicious and wholesome treats that are entirely sweetened by fruit visit my recipes for: Caramel Date Paste, Date Sweetened Chocolate Pudding, Tahini Stuffed Dates, Chocolate Covered Pineapple and Cottage Cheese Banana Ice Cream.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's sweetened entirely with fruit!
• Delicious as a breakfast cookie especially if you add some nuts or hemp hearts to boost the protein content.
• These cookies freeze well, so you can always have some available.
• Ideal for meal prep for a quick wholesome snack all week long.
• Kid-friendly!
• These cookies are packed with dates! Dates are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants and a good source of iron.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Medjool dates - be sure to take the pits out!
• Eggs – use large eggs for this recipe 
• Vanilla extract – it’s worth it to invest in pure vanilla or make your own
• All-purpose flour – you can also sub for spelt flour
• Baking soda
• Salt – I love to use unrefined grey salt for extra minerals and flavor 
• Ground cinnamon – I recommend Ceylon cinnamon also known as "true" cinnamon
• Oats – use large flake rolled oats, sometimes called “old fashioned” oats 
• Chocolate chips - to keep sugar content lower in these cookies you can purchase chocolate chips sweetened with stevia or dates if desired.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions & Variations

• Instead of chocolate chips, you can experiment with dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots or candied ginger. These options will add natural sweetness to the cookies.
• Consider adding texture to the cookies by the addition of shredded coconut, crushed pretzels or even a sprinkle of flaky salt.
• Or add various nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Swap the chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate.
• Try stuffing or topping with homemade Nutella.
• Swap the all-purpose flour for spelt flour if you prefer.
• You can use other date varieties such as Deglet Noor instead of Medjool.

I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.

How To Make Date Sweetened Cookies

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

Step 1: Pit the dates and preheat the oven.

Remove the pits from the dates. Use a small knife to make a lengthwise slit along one side of the date and pull the seed out.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Blend the wet ingredients.

In a food processor or blender, blitz together the butter, egg, vanilla and dates until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients including the rolled oats.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well incorporated.

Step 5: Add chocolate chips.

Add the chocolate chips and stir until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Roll about 2 level tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Press the cookie dough down and shape into desired round cookie shape as these cookies don't spread much. Add a few chocolate chips to the top of each cookie for appearance if desired. (If your dough seems soft, chill for 30 minutes before rolling your cookies.)

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for approximately 8 minutes. Allow cookies to cool and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• If your dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them before using. the water thoroughly and pat dry before adding them to the blender.
• When blending the wet ingredients with the dates, blend for at least 30 seconds and ensure a really creamy consistency. There shouldn't be pieces of dates visible when it's fully blended.
• Chilling the dough: If your dough seems too soft or sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling the cookies.
• Use a tablespoon measure to portion the dough into uniform sizes. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have a consistent shape.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

Fridge

Once the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy the cookies chilled (like I do!) or bring them to room temperature before eating.

Freezer

Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store the cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the desired amount of cookies at room temperature before enjoying.

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