Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and sticks to clean ingredients? These 3-Ingredient Date Cookies are the perfect fix! With just oats, peanut butter, and naturally sweet dates, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. No refined sugar, no flour, no fuss—just wholesome goodness.
Why I Love This Recipe
These cookies are my go-to when I want something homemade that doesn’t derail my health goals. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor thanks to naturally sweet dates and rich peanut butter. Whether you’re meal-prepping or need a quick afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe has your back.
Plus, they’re dairy-free, gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats), and kid-friendly—bonus points for being freezer-friendly too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats – blended into flour for a hearty base
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter – smooth and unsweetened
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates – for natural sweetness
- 1/2 cup water – to soften the dates
Optional Swaps & Notes
- Nut-free version? Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Extra flavor? Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a pinch of salt.
- More texture? Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Soften the Dates
Simmer pitted dates in 1/2 cup boiling water for about 10 minutes, until soft and sticky.
3. Make Oat Flour
While dates soften, blend rolled oats into a fine flour using a blender or food processor.
4. Mix Base Dough
In a bowl, combine oat flour and peanut butter. Stir until well incorporated.
5. Blend Date Paste
Blend softened dates with their water into a thick, smooth paste. Stir this into your oat-peanut mixture.
6. Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Flatten each one gently with a fork.
7. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the bottoms are golden and the cookies hold their shape.
8. Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool for 10 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Use soft dates like Medjool for best results. If using firmer varieties, soak a bit longer.
- Don’t overbake—they firm up as they cool.
- Freeze the extras for grab-and-go snacks later!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Enjoy these cookies with:
- A hot cup of tea
- An afternoon smoothie
- Your morning coffee
They’re also great lunchbox treats or post-workout snacks.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then store for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temp.
More Healthy Snacks You’ll Love
- These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- This Edible Cookie Dough
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Date Cookies are proof that simplicity and indulgence can absolutely go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re making them for yourself or the whole family, they’re bound to become a regular in your healthy snack rotation.
If you try them, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more sweet-and-savory inspiration! 🍪✨
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