Meal: Dessert 
Dietary Type: Vegetarian    
Prep Time: 20 minutes 
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6

The Dish
These delicious chocolate chip cookies are a great treat for those looking for a healthier dessert option. Instead of the traditional processed sugar, we use a combination of naturally-sweet dates and honey or molasses. Instead of the traditional butter, we use melted coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. A combination of whole wheat flour and rolled oats boost the hearty whole grain factor. 

Hacking this Recipe: The cookie dough can easily be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can portion the dough, wrap, freeze, and thaw when you’re ready to bake.  

If you're looking for more (healthier) dessert options, what are your go-to choices? We'd love to hear (or see!), so leave us a comment here or post to the Community page.

Ingredients
1 cup (130 g) dates, pitted 
3/4 cup (177 ml) coconut oil or olive oil 
4 tablespoons (60 ml) honey or molasses 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
2 (100 g each) eggs 
2 cups (250 g) whole wheat flour 
1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats 
1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt 
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking powder 
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda 
3/4 cup (100 g) dark chocolate chips 

Preparation 

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). 
• Place dates, oil, honey (or molasses), and vanilla in a food processor. Blend until smooth, forming a thick paste. Transfer the paste to the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, add eggs and stir to combine. 
• In a large bowl combine flour, oats, salt, baking powder, and baking soda, stir until blended. Sprinkle flour mixture, a little at a time, into the mixing bowl with the wet cookie ingredients until blended, forming a thick dough. 
• Add chocolate chips to the dough and stir until the chocolate chips are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
• Portion cookie dough and roll into small, even balls. Place the portioned dough on parchment-lined baking sheets, about 1 inch (24 mm) apart. Gently flatten each dough ball using the back of a spatula, making the cookies approximately 1/4 inch or 6mm thick. 
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are cooked through, and slightly soft in the center. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool before serving. 

Vegetarian and Vegan Modifications: N/A

Gluten Free Modifications: N/A