Date & Walnut Cookies (No Sugar, No White Flour)A wholesome, naturally sweetened cookie recipe that’s perfect for anyone seeking a healthier dessert option without refined sugars or white flour. These Date & Walnut Cookies combine the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of walnuts and the nourishing goodness of oat flour for a delicious treat you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- ¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. - Prepare Wet Mixture:
In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked dates, coconut oil (or olive oil), egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until you get a smooth, thick mixture. - Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until fully combined. - Add Walnuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the dough. - Shape Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers. - Bake:
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. - Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving to ensure they set properly.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings
Makes about 18 cookies
Why These Date & Walnut Cookies Are a Healthy Choice
- No Refined Sugar: Sweetened naturally with dates, these cookies avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
- Whole Grain Goodness: Oat flour provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for digestion and sustained energy.
- Healthy Fats: Coconut or olive oil and walnuts deliver beneficial fats that support heart and brain health.
- Gluten-Free Option: Using oat flour makes these cookies suitable for those avoiding gluten (ensure oats are certified gluten-free).
- Protein Boost: The egg adds protein, helping to make these cookies more satisfying and balanced.
Tips for Best Results
- Soak Dates Well: Soaking the dates softens them for smoother blending and better dough texture.
- Use Fresh Walnuts: Fresh nuts ensure the best flavor and crunch; lightly toast for added depth if desired.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to firm up after baking, so removing them once the edges brown slightly is key for a chewy center.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations to Try
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
- Swap Walnuts: Use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
- Spices: Enhance warmth with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
- Vegan Option: Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 minutes).
Nutritional Benefits (Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g (mostly healthy fats)
- Carbohydrates: 9 g (naturally sweetened, fiber-rich)
- Sugar: 4 g (natural sugars from dates)
- Fiber: 1.5 g
Summary
These Date & Walnut Cookies are a perfect guilt-free indulgence packed with natural ingredients and wholesome nutrition. Whether for a quick snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthier dessert alternative, they offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures — chewy, nutty, and lightly spiced. Free from refined sugars and white flour, these cookies support a cleaner, more nourishing diet without sacrificing taste.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful recipe, and feel confident knowing you’re fueling your body with real food goodness!
