If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome and delicious way to start your day, the Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe is here to become your new morning obsession. These cookies combine the natural sweetness of dates with the satisfying crunch of walnuts, all nestled within a warm, chewy oat-based cookie that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. Crafted with simple, nourishing ingredients, this recipe is quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy mornings or an energizing snack anytime. Trust me, once you try this Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe, your mornings will never be the same again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in building the texture, flavor, and nutritional profile of your breakfast cookies. From the hearty oats to the rich walnuts and fragrant cinnamon, every element comes together beautifully.
- Rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds a chewy texture and wholesome goodness packed with fiber.
- Whole wheat flour (1/2 cup): Brings a nutty flavor and slightly dense structure, or swap for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right for a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and subtle spice that pairs beautifully with dates and walnuts.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Ensures a rich, buttery base that melts beautifully in each cookie.
- Coconut oil (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of tropical flavor; can be increased or replaced with more butter.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that complements the dates and adds depth.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a fragrant warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Pitted dates, chopped (1/2 cup): Soft, sweet bites that add natural caramel-like notes.
- Walnuts, chopped (1/2 cup): Crunchy texture and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness.
- Raisins (1/4 cup, optional): Adds extra bursts of chewy sweetness if you like.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup, optional): Boosts moisture without extra sugar, perfect if your dough feels dry.
How to Make Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This blend is where flavor and texture begin to build, setting the perfect foundation for your cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Fats and Sweeteners
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and coconut oil together until the mixture turns creamy and smooth. Then add maple syrup, the egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. This creamy base is essential for giving your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending everything until just combined. Then fold in those chopped dates, walnuts, and raisins if you’re using them. If your dough looks a little dry, gently mix in the applesauce to keep every bite moist and chewy.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Lightly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon before popping the tray into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers look set.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking so they can firm up a bit. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key to achieving the perfect balance of chewy centers and slightly crisp edges.
How to Serve Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A quick dusting of cinnamon or a light drizzle of honey can add an extra layer of indulgence to these cookies. For a fresh touch, serve them alongside sliced bananas or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint to brighten up the plate.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of coffee or tea for an ideal breakfast. If you prefer a heartier meal, serve alongside Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein boost that complements the nuts and oats beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe in a rustic wooden box or wrap individually in parchment paper tied with twine for an inviting grab-and-go option. For a fancy twist, sandwich two cookies with a spread of almond butter or cream cheese frosting for a delightful midday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you want a quick snack, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. The gentle heat revives their softness and enhances aromas, making every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free blend and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still turn out delicious and hearty.
Are these cookies suitable for vegan diets?
You can make this recipe vegan by replacing the butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flax egg or chia egg substitute. Maple syrup keeps the sweetness naturally vegan.
How long do the Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for longer storage.
Can I replace walnuts with another nut?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work well and add their own unique flavors and textures. Just chop them finely so they distribute evenly.
Is it okay to omit the raisins?
Yes! Raisins are optional and can be left out if you prefer a less sweet cookie or want to focus more on the date and walnut flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about waking up to the wholesome, cozy flavors of the Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe. Whether you need a quick breakfast on busy mornings or a nutritious snack to keep your energy up, these cookies hit every mark with their natural sweetness, hearty nuts, and comforting spices. I encourage you to try this recipe — it’s a delicious way to make mornings brighter and tastier!
Print
Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Packed with nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, dates, and walnuts, they provide natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Made with coconut oil and maple syrup, these cookies are irresistibly moist and flavorful, perfect for a quick breakfast on the go or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or more butter if preferred)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional for extra moisture)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together thoroughly and set aside.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and coconut oil together until creamy and well combined. Then add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully combined into a cohesive dough. Fold in the chopped dates, walnuts, and optionally raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. If the dough feels too dry, incorporate the unsweetened applesauce to achieve desired moisture.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly using the back of a spoon for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the baking sheet to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up and maintain their texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey if preferred; however, this changes the flavor slightly.
- Unsweetened applesauce is optional but recommended if the dough feels dry.
- Walnuts and dates add natural sweetness and texture; feel free to swap nuts or dried fruit as desired.
- Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
