Vegan Breakfast Cookies with Dates and Oats

Vegan Breakfast Cookies with Dates and Oats are a wholesome and energizing start to the day. Packed with natural sweetness from dates, hearty oats, and nutrient-rich nuts and seeds, these cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or on-the-go meal.

They are easy to prepare, vegan-friendly, and free from refined sugars, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. With a chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and satisfying flavors, these cookies provide sustained energy while being deliciously indulgent and convenient for busy mornings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is nutritious, filling, and incredibly versatile. The natural sweetness from dates eliminates the need for refined sugar, while oats and nuts provide fiber and protein to keep you energized.

I also appreciate the chewy texture and the fact that they are portable, making them ideal for busy mornings or post-workout snacks. This recipe is forgiving and can be easily customized with different add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds, making each batch unique and exciting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a convenient and healthy breakfast option. These cookies are quick to make, vegan, and free of processed sugars, yet still satisfying and delicious.

They are perfect for meal prep, gifting, or keeping on hand for busy mornings. The combination of oats, dates, nuts, and seeds ensures a nutrient-dense treat that is both tasty and filling. For anyone looking for a plant-based, energizing, and easy breakfast, these cookies are an essential recipe.

Recipe Details

CategoryInformation
CourseBreakfast or Snack
CuisineVegan / Plant-Based
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12–15 minutes
Total Time27–30 minutes
Servings12–14 cookies
Calories per Serving~180–200 calories per cookie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup almond flour or whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup pitted dates, chopped finely
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds
  • ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nuts, and seeds.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix chopped dates, applesauce, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The mixture should be sticky but manageable.
  5. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly with the back of a spoon.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal of cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts, and seeds in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together chopped dates, applesauce, almond or peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until fully combined and sticky. Stir in chocolate chips if desired.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon to form cookie shapes.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

  • Serve as a quick breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
  • Enjoy as a portable snack for school, work, or travel.
  • Pair with dairy-free yogurt or plant-based milk for a complete meal.
  • Store in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go options.

Recipe Tips

  • Use soft, chewy dates for natural sweetness and texture.
  • Make sure almond butter is smooth for easy mixing.
  • Flatten cookies slightly to ensure even baking.
  • Substitute chia seeds with flaxseeds or hemp seeds if desired.
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s

Add ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs.

Nut-Free Version

Replace nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Tropical Twist

Add shredded coconut and dried pineapple or mango.

Berry Boost

Add dried cranberries or blueberries to the cookie mix.

Spiced Version

Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze cookies for up to 2 months in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Reheating

Warm slightly in the oven or microwave for a soft, fresh-baked texture.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or cookie scoop
  • Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour.

Can I use another nut butter?
Yes, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work.

Are these cookies sweet enough without sugar?
Yes, the natural sweetness of dates and maple syrup provides adequate sweetness.

Can I add protein powder?
Yes, add 1–2 tablespoons of plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes, adjust baking time slightly for size. Smaller cookies may bake faster; larger cookies may require extra minutes.

Conclusion

Vegan Breakfast Cookies with Dates and Oats are a wholesome, convenient, and delicious way to start the day. Packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness, they provide sustained energy for busy mornings. Quick to prepare, customizable, and freezer-friendly, these cookies are perfect for meal prep, snacks, or on-the-go breakfasts. With chewy texture, bold flavors, and satisfying ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a plant-based, nutritious, and tasty alternative to traditional breakfast options.

Vegan Breakfast Cookies with Dates and Oats

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy
Servings

14

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • ½ cup almond flour or whole wheat flour

  • ½ cup pitted dates, chopped finely

  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds

  • ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nuts, and seeds.
  • In a separate bowl, mix chopped dates, applesauce, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The mixture should be sticky but manageable.
  • Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly with the back of a spoon.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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