Chewy Lemon Oatmeal Cookies
Makes 14 to 16 cookies
Ready In: 70 minutes
Ingredients
10 dates, pitted
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat flour
½ cup quick-cooking oats
¾ cup roughly chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
2 teaspoons natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of sea salt
The trick to keeping these chewy, flavorful cookies moist is the low-and-slow baking—45 minutes at 275°F—which allows them to bake through without drying out.
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Place the dates in a medium bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes. Drain any excess water from the bowl and transfer the dates to a blender or food processor. Add the applesauce and vinegar and blend into a paste. Set aside.
Step 3
In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, oat flour, quick-cooking oats, walnuts, lemon zest, cocoa powder, vanilla powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the date and applesauce paste and use a wooden spoon to mix lightly but well. The mixture should be on the dry side.
Step 4
Scoop a golf-ball-size portion of dough with your hands. Gently roll it into a ball and then pat it flat; be very gentle and do not compact it. Place the round on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 5
Bake until the tops of the cookies appear crispy and browned, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days (if they last that long without being gobbled up!).
