- 1-1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
- 3/8 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1-1/4 cups chopped, pitted deglet noor dates
- 1 cup filtered water
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 350˚F.
To prepare 'date jam', add chopped dates and water to small saucepan and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes, stirrig occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer), beat the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until combined. On low speed, mix in the dry ingredients until combined. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, fold in oats.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto two ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly, then spread 2 teaspoons fig jam on top of cookie, then add 1 additional teaspoon of oatmeal dough, flattened slightly to make a 'lid' for each cookie. Place a walnut on top.
Bake, rotating the sheets and swapping positions halfway through, until the cookies are firm and golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer the sheets to cooling racks and let sit for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies directly to the racks to cool completely.
Oatmeal's health benefits:
Whole Grain
Oatmeal is a whole grain, and eating whole grains can lower your risk for several diseases, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Oatmeal also contains lignans, a plant chemical that has been found to prevent heart disease. In addition, whole grains such as oats are a source of iron, magnesium and B vitamins.
Lower Cholesterol
Eating oatmeal can lower your cholesterol, especially your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consider adding oatmeal to your daily menu. MayoClinic.com even recommends oatmeal as one of the top five foods to eat to improve your cholesterol numbers.
Fiber
Oatmeal is a source of fiber. That means when you eat oats for breakfast, you're going to feel full for a long time. Breakfast foods high in sugar and fat can make you feel full for a brief period, but then you're hungry again. A breakfast smoothie, consisting of blended oats, fruit and ice, can satisfy your hunger easily until lunch.