Chocolate Date Cookies

Place dates in a small bowl and add enough hot water to cover. Allow to sit until soft, about 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove dates from water, reserving soaking liquid. Combine dates, walnuts, and vegetable oil in the bowl of a large food processor. Pulse several times until mixture forms a paste and no large chunks of dates remain (this may take several minutes). If mixture is too dry, add soaking liquid 1 tablespoon at a time, until a paste-like consistency is reached.

Add egg and vanilla. Pulse to combine. Add oats, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse to combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Fold in chocolate chips (dough will be very sticky).

Use a medium cookie scoop to place dough balls 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press dough tops down with damp fingers to flatten slightly.

Bake in the preheated oven until cookies are just set, 13 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. Keep stored in refrigerator until ready to serve.