Date-sweetened cookies are refined sugar-free, soft and 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 and would be a perfect option for a hearty breakfast cookie. Make a few batches at one time and you can stock your freezer with a healthy grab-and-go breakfast option.

Have fun adding different toppings and throw additions like candied ginger or chopped apricots in with the dry ingredients. Get creative! For my family, I added chocolate chips that contain less sugar than regular semi-sweet baking chips and it was a big hit!

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

Ingredients:

butter – melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly
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 or oat flour
baking soda - did you know baking soda is freshest within 3 months of opening?
salt – I love to use unrefined grey salt for extra minerals and flavor
ground cinnamon – I recommend ceylon cinnamon
oats – use rolled oats or 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.

Dates in Baking

Dates are a great discovery for baking as they are innately so sweet you don't need to use a lot of them. They have a thick texture that is sometimes easier to work with than syrups or honey and add a deep caramel flavour that lends itself well to yummy batters and doughs.

I love using dates in baking or to bring sweetness to many different foods like marinades or smoothies. Dates hold many health benefits. They are a high source of Potassium, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. They are also full of antioxidants and may contribute to good brain health.

More Naturally Sweet Recipes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dates processed with sugar?

No. Dates grow on date palm trees and are dried and harvested before being brought to market. Nowhere in the process is sugar added.

Are dates a high source of sugar?

Yes. Dates are high in natural sugars and are also loaded with other nutrients such as iron and antioxidants.

The Benefit of Naturally Sweetened Cookies

Naturally sweetened cookies leave you feeling full and your sweet tooth satisfied. Natural sweeteners, like dates, don't affect your blood sugar levels as much as refined white sugar. This is why you don't feel your blood sugar levels spiking and then dropping off 20 minutes later when you eat naturally sweetened treats.

Recipe Steps

Whisk together the dry ingredients including the rolled oats.

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

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until incorporated. Add chocolate chips and stir until just combined.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Roll about 2 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Press the cookie dough down and shape into desired round cookie shape as these cookies don't spread much. Bake for approximately 8 minutes. Enjoy!

Fun and Creative Add-Ins

Chopped dates or raisins
Various nuts, like pecans or walnuts
Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Stuffed with homemade Nutella
Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots
Candied ginger
Pretzels
Shredded coconut
Top with a cream cheese icing

More Recipes to Enjoy

Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies

These peanut butter swirl black bean brownies are so fudgy and so delicious. The texture can’t be beaten! They seriously are like fudge.

Chocolate Covered Pineapples

Chocolate Covered Pineapple is a refreshing way to add some tropical sweetness and sunny flavour to your day.

a spoonful of cottage cheese ice cream held above of a bowl of cottage cheese ice cream to show the soft serve texture of the ice cream.

Blended Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

A healthy ice cream recipe that provides approximately 35 grams of protein!

Date Sweetened Cookies