Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cookies that are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients to fuel your day. These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are exactly that. They’re chewy, nutty, and sweet, with a lovely texture from the dates and walnuts. Plus, they’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sugars, so they’re the perfect way to start your morning (or even snack on throughout the day). Trust me, these cookies feel indulgent but are actually a nutritious way to enjoy a little treat without the guilt. You’re going to love how easy they are to make, and I promise, they’ll become a regular part of your morning routine!
Why You’ll Love Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies
Here’s why these cookies will become your new go-to breakfast:
Nutrient-Packed: Filled with dates, walnuts, oats, and a touch of honey, these cookies provide the energy you need to start your day right. You get healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness without any processed sugars.
Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in no time—no mixer needed! The ingredients are simple, and the process is easy, so you can enjoy fresh, homemade cookies in just under 30 minutes.
Customizable: You can tweak these cookies to your liking—add some chia seeds, swap the walnuts for almonds, or even throw in a few chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent!
Meal Prep Friendly: These cookies are perfect for meal prepping. Bake a batch and have breakfast ready for several days. They’re easy to grab-and-go, making mornings a breeze.
Wholesome Sweetness: The natural sweetness from dates paired with a bit of honey makes these cookies feel like a sweet treat while being healthy at the same time. Plus, the combination of walnuts and oats gives them the perfect texture.
Ingredients
These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s the rundown:
For the Cookies:
- Rolled Oats: The base of these cookies, providing fiber and a chewy texture.
- Pitted Dates: These bring natural sweetness and chewiness to the cookies. Plus, they’re packed with fiber and antioxidants.
- Walnuts: A crunchy addition that’s full of healthy fats and adds a delightful texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a hearty, wholesome flavor to the cookies.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon for that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Honey: A touch of honey gives the cookies the perfect natural sweetness and helps bind everything together.
- Egg: Helps hold the cookies together and adds a little richness to the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: For that warm, sweet aroma that makes these cookies extra comforting.
- Coconut Oil (or butter): Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the cookies.
(Note: Specific measurements are in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Making these Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies is simple, and you’ll have them ready in under 30 minutes. Here’s how you do it:
1. Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your cookies bake evenly and make clean-up a breeze.
2. Prepare the Dates
Chop the pitted dates into small pieces. If you like your dates more spread out throughout the cookie, you can chop them finer; if you prefer bigger chunks, leave them a little larger.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, honey, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil (or butter). Mix until smooth and combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated. The dough should be thick, but if it’s too dry, you can add a splash of milk or water to bring it together.
6. Add the Walnuts and Dates
Fold in the chopped walnuts and dates. Mix gently until the walnuts and dates are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon, as these cookies won’t spread much during baking.
8. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary, but they should be golden and firm to the touch when done.
9. Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy these warm, wholesome breakfast cookies with a cup of coffee or tea!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~180
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 3g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
How to Serve Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies
These cookies are perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning snack, but they also work great for:
- On-the-Go Breakfast: Perfect for a busy morning. Just grab one, and you’re good to go!
- With Yogurt: Pair them with a bowl of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
- With a Smoothie: Grab a cookie along with your favorite smoothie for a filling, nutritious combo.
- For an Afternoon Snack: They make for a great pick-me-up during the afternoon slump!
Additional Tips
- Store Leftovers: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make Them Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, simply swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use different nuts in the recipe?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, or even pistachios depending on your preference.
Q2: Can I use dates with pits?
A2: Make sure to remove the pits before using them, as they’re quite tough to chew and will affect the texture of the cookies.
Q3: Can I substitute the honey for another sweetener?
A3: Yes! You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
Q5: How can I make these cookies sweeter?
A5: If you prefer your cookies sweeter, feel free to add a bit more honey or add a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar to the dough.
Q6: Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?
A6: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you prefer, but the whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Q7: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A7: To make them gluten-free, simply swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Q8: How do I store these cookies?
A8: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Q9: Can I add other dried fruits?
A9: Yes! Dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins would all make delicious additions to these cookies.
Q10: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A10: The edges of the cookies should be golden brown, and the center should feel firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can check them with a toothpick—it should come out clean when they’re ready.
Conclusion
These Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies are the perfect balance of healthy, hearty ingredients and sweet indulgence. They’re easy to make, customizable, and are packed with all the good stuff to keep you energized throughout the morning. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy these wholesome cookies on your busiest days or during those peaceful mornings when you need a little extra comfort. You won’t regret it!
PrintDate Walnut Breakfast Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–14 servings 1x
Description
Start your day on a sweet note with these wholesome and delicious Date Walnut Breakfast Cookies! Packed with fiber and healthy fats, these cookies are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
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
- 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
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional for extra moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Coconut Oil: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and coconut oil together until creamy and well combined. Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined. Add the chopped dates, walnuts, and raisins (if using) and stir until evenly distributed. If the dough seems too dry, you can add applesauce for extra moisture.
- Scoop and Bake: 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 with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add other nuts or dried fruit, such as almonds, pecans, or dried cranberries, for variety.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with additional coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg