Oatmeal Date Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are a classic favorite, but not everyone is a fan of the traditional oatmeal raisin variety. Enter dates—their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them a fantastic alternative for those looking for something different. These oatmeal date cookies combine hearty oats, rich brown sugar, and the irresistible flavor of dates to create a cookie that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Date Cookie Recipe

• Incredible flavor. The combination of sweet dates, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon is simply irresistible.
• Perfect texture. These cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of bite from the oats.
• Simple ingredients. You likely already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
• Customizable. Add your favorite nuts or swap in other dried fruits to make them your own.

What You’ll Need

For ingredient quantities and full instructions, see the recipe card below.

• All-purpose flour – Measure with a digital kitchen scale or use the spoon and sweep method.
• Oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats give the cookies their hearty texture. If you prefer to use quick oats, substitute the same amount by volume.
• Dates – Sweet and chewy, dates are the star ingredient here. For best results, use Medjool or Deglet Noor dates as they provide the ideal texture and flavor for these cookies. If using dried dates, consider rehydrating them by soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then patting them dry before chopping to ensure a similar texture.
• Baking soda – Not sure yours is still fresh? Here’s how to test it.
• Salt – I almost always use table salt for baking. If you want to use a different kind, then you may want to make some adjustments. Learn more: Types of Salt for Baking
• Cinnamon – If yours has been in the cabinet for a while, give it a sniff. It should have a strong aroma. If not, it’s time to replace it.
• Unsalted butter – Let this soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar – The combination of these sugars adds sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
• Eggs – Set these out along with the butter to let them come to room temperature. I recommend baking with large eggs.
• Vanilla extract – For a bit of a different flavor, try using almond extract in place of some or all of the vanilla.
• Nuts – These add a bit of crunch and complement the dates beautifully. Pecans, walnuts, almond, and hazelnuts are all good options. Leave them out if you prefer a nut-free cookie.

How to Make Oatmeal Date Cookies

• Prepare for baking. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
• Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, dates, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Cream butter and sugars. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, and beat until fluffy.

• Add wet ingredients. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the nuts, if using.

• Portion and bake. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake one pan at a time for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Cool. Cool the cookies on the pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Variations

• Swap the dates. Use dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots instead of dates.
• Add chocolate. Mix in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist that pairs wonderfully with the chewy dates and hearty oats.
• Add shredded coconut. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for extra texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
• Experiment with spices. Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon of ginger for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust to taste if you prefer stronger spice notes.

How to Store

• Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough balls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature or bake frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. See my tips on freezing cookie dough if you need more details.