Quick answer: Cream butter and sugars, add an egg, fold in flour, oats and chopped dates, and bake spoonfuls of dough at 350°F (180°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. This makes about 18 soft, chewy cookies.
Last updated: 14 November 2026
Ingredients (makes about 18)
- 115 g (½ cup) butter, softened
- 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar and 50 g (¼ cup) white sugar
- 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla
- 125 g (1 cup) plain flour
- ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt
- 120 g (1½ cups) rolled oats
- 150 g (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped small
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two trays.
- Beat the butter and both sugars until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla.
- Mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, then fold into the butter mixture.
- Stir in the oats and dates.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto the trays, 5 cm (2 in) apart.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
Tips
- Toss the chopped dates in a spoon of flour so they do not clump.
- Do not overbake, as the cookies firm up as they cool.
- Keeps 4 to 5 days in an airtight tin.
Soft Medjool dates chop easily and give a caramel flavour. See date nut bread and more date recipes.
Frequently asked questions
What dates are best for cookies?
Soft dates such as Medjool are easy to chop and stay moist in baking.
Can I add nuts or chocolate?
Yes, add up to ½ cup of chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Do not overbake and store in an airtight container.
